Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir
As per legend, Kedareshwara appeared in Kashi from khichri made of green gram, kept as naivedya by the sage Mandhata. The naivedya then transformed into a stone shivlingam — which is why devotees believe the existing lingam is self-manifested and formed of grains. It is commonly believed that during CE 1668-1670, when most of the important temples of Kashi were razed under Aurangzeb's order, Kedara survived. The mark of Aurangzeb's sword can still be seen where he is said to have attempted to demolish the temple. That Kedara is older than Vishveshvara is affirmed to some extent by the early Puranas, since Kedara is mentioned very early in Puranic mythology while Vishveshvara is mentioned quite late — implying the present temple of Kedara is actually older than the present temple of Vishvanatha. The ghat itself was made pucca in 1958 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
History & significance
Standing at the highest point of Kedar Ghat on the banks of the Ganga, Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir is among the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Kashi. The sanctum houses a self-emerged (swayambhu) Shivling that represents Gauri and Kedareshwar worshipped together — the lingam bears a mark of division through its centre. The temple holds particular importance for pilgrims who cannot travel to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, as worship here is traditionally considered equivalent to offering prayers at Kedarnath itself.
Devotees traditionally offer milk to the Shivling, and many step down to bathe in the Ganga before returning to offer prayers. Taking a holy dip at Kedar Ghat before offering prayers is believed to purify the soul. Bathing in the Ganges every Monday and performing abhishek of Lord Kedareshwar is considered especially auspicious, with particular importance attached to Mondays during Shravan month — and most importantly, the last Monday of that month. Pilgrims gather in large numbers during Mahashivratri and the Shravan month, when special rituals are performed. The pujas at the temple are performed by the Kumaraswamy Mutt of Tamil Nadu.
