Situated near the sacred Meer Ghat on the banks of Mother Ganga in Kashi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh, the Sri Kashi Visalakshi Temple is the 17th Ashta Dasa Shakti Peetham. Here, Devi Sati's Karna Kundala (earrings) / wrists fell at Manikarnika.
Sacred Peedam
Varanasi Peedam / Manikarnika
Devi Swaroopa
Goddess Visalakshi Devi
Associated Shiva
Lord Kala Bhairava / Kashi Vishwanath
Fallen Body Part
Earrings / Wrist (Karna Kundala / Mani)
Sacred Location
Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stotram
"Varanasyam Vishalakshi"
Sacred Topography & Temple Sanctuary
Goddess Visalakshi Devi
Spiritual Significance & Temple Architecture
The name Visalakshi translates to 'She of the large, expansive and compassionate eyes'. The sanctum enshrines an ancient Gauri idol and a radiant black stone murti of Visalakshi, revered alongside nearby Maa Annapurna and Lord Kashi Vishwanath.
The Sacred Legend (Sthala Purana)
In sacred Tantric tradition, Goddess Visalakshi embodies Mahakali, the cosmic power who snaps the bonds of karma (Karma Bandhana) upon physical death in Kashi, while Lord Vishwanatha whispers the liberating Taraka Mantra to grant immediate Moksha.