The Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of Ganges near to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as a Shakti Pitha, a revered place of worship for the Shaktism sect. The Daksha Yaga, a Shaivite literature is considered as an important literature which is the story about the origin of Shakti Peethas.
Lord Vishweshara is said to be the reigning deity of Banaras, and, in opionion of people, holds the position of King over all the other deities, as well as all over the inhabitants residing not only within the city itself, but also within the circuit of the Panchkosi road (the sacred boundary of Banaras) extending for about 50 miles.
The significance of Jnanavapi Koop or the Wisdom Well
The Skanda Mahapurana has two chapters dedicated to the significance of Jnanavapi Koop or the Wisdom Well. Skanda tells Agastya in detail how Jnanavapi Koop came to existence and why it is important for those who follow Sanatan Dharma. He said in Sata Yuga, Isana, the Rudra form of Bhagwan Shiva, was roaming here and there.
When he reached Kashi, also known as Mahashamshana or the Great Cremation Ground, he came across the Swayambhu Shiva Linga.Isana, in order to bathe the Linga with water, dug up the Jnanavapi Koop with his Trishul or Trident. The cold water came flowing out of the well.
The water was sparkling with colours like the minds of good people. Its lustre was as beautiful as the moonlight. It was holy and pure, like the name of Bhagwan Shiva.The water of the well was sweet like the divine nectar. It was pleasant to touch, just like the limb of a cow. The scent of the water was like the sweet smell of lotus.
Even the touch of the water would give the devotees the ‘punya’ of Ashwamedh Yagya. The sins would perish by the holy water of the well. The Shiva resides in the well in the form of Jnana, having assumed the liquid form, who would destroy Jadya (sluggishness, ignorance) and impart knowledge.
Vishveshra (name of Shiva) said, “If a highly intelligent man bathes the Liṅga with the waters of Jnanodatirtha, it is certainly on a par with having got it bathed with the waters of all the Tīrthas.”Skanda praised the Wisdom Well and said, Jnanavapi is the Cosmic Form of Śiva himself. It generates Jnana (perfect knowledge).
There are many Tīrthas that sanctify (devotees) immediately. But they are not equal to even a sixteenth part of Jnanavapi. If anyone listens to the origin of Jnanavapi with great attention, his knowledge does not become extinct even on death anywhere.
Aathara Stalam indicates the places which are considered to be divine impersonations of Tantric chakras, associated with human anatomy. Kasi Viswanath temple is one of the Aathara Stalam.
The original holy well Gyanvapi in between the temple and Gyanvapi Mosque
The indestructible idol of Nandi Maharaj
According to legends, after the priest jumped in the Wisdom Well with the Shiv Linga, the Mughal Army attacked the temple. During the attack, they tried to destroy the huge idol of Nandi Maharaj installed outside the temple. However, even after all the efforts, they could not break the idol.
Even today, the idol, though it has become part of the corridor,it still looks towards Gyanvapi Mosque, the old complex of the temple.Before the construction of the Baba Vishwanath Corridor, the Wisdom Well and Nandi Maharaj Idol remained away from the Vishwanath Temple complex.
Now, they have become part of the complex after 352 years of separation. Notably, the direction and vision of Nandi Maharaj have been kept the same. It is a symbol of the calling for the liberation of Baba Vishwanath Dham in its original form. Nandi Maharaj would wait till he saw his Mahadev.