Adikeshav Temple

Share:

Overview

Adi Keshava Ghat is one of the most revered pilgrimage centers of the holy city of Varanasi. The ancient Ghadavala inscription refers Adhi Keshav Ghat as Vedesvara Ghat (C.E. 1100). The temple is also believed to be the favorite religious center of the Ghadvala rulers. Set on the banks of rivers Varana and the holy Ganges, this place is considered the oldest abode of Lord Vishnu. The ghat was made concrete in 1790, by a Divan of Scindhia State.

About The Temple

Pilgrims from all over the world visiting the sacred city of Varanasi believe that bathing in the holy waters of the River Ganges, washes away all their sins. Between Prahalada and Adi Kesava Ghat , one can find almost ten water teerths. They are Sankha Madhava, Sasa, Laksminrsimha, Gopigivinda, Vindara Nrsimha, Yajna Varaha, Mara- Narayana, Vamana, Pranava and Dattatreyesvara. There are twelve more teerths in between Adi Kesava Ghat and confluence of the Varana like the Aditya Kesava, Ambarisa, Narada, Garuda, Mahalaksmi, Padma, Gada, Chakra, Sankha, Ksirabdhi, Svetadvipa and padodaka.

A Sangamesvara lingam is installed in a temple near the Adi Kesava Ghat. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself installed this Shiv Linga at the sacred confluence. According to the Linga Purana, bathing at confluence of rivers Varana and the Ganga, along with worshipping the deity Sangamesvara linga is of great religious significance to Hindus. It is also believed that bathing in the holy waters of Adi Keshava Ghat, frees a person not only of his sins but also from further rebirth. The Person is said to attain the state of ‘moksha’ upon death. Being located close to the Adi Keshava, the premises of the Sangamesvara can be easily seen from the temple. Close to this is the Brahmesvara Linga located. Brahmeshvara Linga is a four faced lingam and is believed to have been established by Lord Brahma.

Legend and Stories

The Adi Keshava Ghat is associated with many ancient legends and tales. According to a folk lore, the five most sacred water spots in Varanasi represent the body parts of the Lord. Assi is considered the head; Dasasvamedha is his chest; Mani Karnika is the naval; Panchganga is the thighs; and Adi Kesava is the feet. It is hence believed the Lord Vishnu first placed his holy feet in Aid Kesava Ghat, in Varanasi. His foot prints known as ‘Sripadaa’ is installed in the Adi Kesava temple. Another pair of foot ptints can be seen at the Mani Karnika Ghat.

Accessibility

Airport

The temple is located in the holy town of Varanasi, which is well connected to some of the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Lal Bahadhur Sashtri International Airport is the located in Varanasi which plies frequent flight services to numerous destinations.

Railways

Varanasi Railway station is the nearest station to this temple. There are trains connecting major towns and cities within UP and other states from Varanasi.

Road

Varanasi being an important pilgrimage center, is well linked to most town and cities within Uttar Pradesh and its neighboring state through good road transportation. National Highway 2 runs through the city .Public buses ply services regularly. Taxis can also be hired to go around the town.

Temple Address