Patna: A 224-year-old Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Patna City continues to attract devotees with its historic Shiva shrine, Nepali-style architecture and distinctive use of wood and tin in its roofing.
The temple is located around 40 feet from the turn of Kathautia Gali, opposite Janata Hotel and about 100 yards from Patna City Chowk. It sees a steady flow of devotees, particularly during the holy month of Sawan.
Temple’s History
According to the temple’s history, in Samvat 1858, Kashinath, a peon working at the Secretariat, installed a Shivling on a raised platform at the site. The platform was later renovated by Faggu Ji Vishwakarma.
The shrine gradually became a place of worship for devotees from Patna and surrounding areas.
In 1985, businessmen Manna Lal Bihari Lal and Kashi Prasad Harlalka undertook renovation work at the temple. Makrana marble was used during the reconstruction, while the temple retained its Nepali architectural character.
Wooden Ceiling Helps Keep Temple Cool
One of the temple’s distinctive features is its combination of a tin roof and wooden ceiling. The design helps reduce the impact of the summer heat, making the interior comparatively cooler even during scorching weather.
The traditional construction has remained an important feature of the temple and adds to its architectural character.
Hall Built Through Kar Seva
Local residents also contributed through kar seva to construct a large hall within the temple complex.
The hall is used for bhajan-kirtan, Ramayana recitations, Ashtajam, spiritual discourses and other religious activities. Devotees gather there for worship in the morning and evening.
Evening aarti is also held at the temple, while women regularly participate in devotional singing.
Sawan Brings More Devotees
The temple witnesses increased footfall during Sawan, when devotees visit to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva.
Temple authorities and local residents assist devotees during the religious activities. Mondays, Sawan and Mahashivratri are among the important occasions when devotees gather at the shrine to offer prayers and water to the Shivling.
The temple’s long history, traditional architecture and continuing religious activities have made it an important place of worship in Patna City.
