Vishalakshi Temple

Common card · No. 263802

The Vishalakshi Devi Temple (Viśālākṣī Amman Kōyil), also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Mandir, is a Hindu temple in Varanasi dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, where Shakti is worshipped as Vishalakshi Devi and Bhairava as Kaal Bhairav. The temple is believed to mark the site where the gem from Sati’s right earring (manikarṇa) fell; consequently, the goddess is also known as Manikarni Devi. The present temple was rebuilt and has been maintained since the 19th century by the Nattukottai Nagarathars, a mercantile community from Tamil Nadu. Built in a haveli-like North Indian style, it incorporates South Indian religious architectural features, including a modest Dravidian-style gopura. Its principal festival is Kajali Teej, observed in the waning fortnight of Bhadrapada.

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