Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi, Uttarakhand

The mythological significance of the Vishwanath Temple is quite high as according to the mythical legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva proposed Lady Parvati for marriage. The Vishwanath Temple is one of the architectural marvel of the region. The high towered Vishwanath Temple is situated in the interior of Guptkashi about 1 KM walk from the center. The scenery of the temple is magnificent with the backdrop of Chaukhamba snowcapped high mountains. The main sanctum of the Vishwanath Temple houses the androgynous form of Lord Shiva, the Ardhanarishwara and his consort Lady Parvati. The idols if Kaal Bhairava and Nandi is also present in the temple.

In Vishwanath Temple complex a small pond called the Manikarnika Kund, in front of the temple gate, a Shiva-linga is bathed by two springs, representing the rivers Ganges and Yamuna. The Yamuna spring water go out from a goumukh (nose in the shape of a cow’s mouth) and the Ganga spring flows through trunk of an elephant strategically placed above the linga.