Kasi Viswanathar temple is in the heart of the city and is very close to the famous Mahamaham Tank. As one of the top religious sites, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 72 feet high temple was established in the 16th century. The deity here is called Kasi Viswanathar and his wife as Visalakshi. There are other shrines as well. As per the Legend,
Lord Rama and Lakshmana prayed here to Lord Shiva and got a blessing to slay Ravana. You will also find 9 rivers known as Nava Kannigas, who prayed to Lord Shiva at Varanasi to absolve them of sins washed away by bathers. The Lord asked them to take bath in the Mahamaham tank and pray to Lord Adi Kumbeshwara.
Mahamaham is a famous festival conducted once in 12 years. People gather in large numbers to take a holy dip in the tank which is believed to wash away one’s sins and purify the soul. Another festival Masi Magam is the most important festival celebrated during the month of February-March.
