Aadi Keshav Temple

Shiva and his highest abode Varanasi are synonymous to each other. With the mention of Kashi, Shiva is followed while with the mention of Shiva his dearest Kashi is inescapable. But many of the mankind are ignorant of the fact that Varanasi is not only the home of Shiva but also of his counterpart, Lord Vishnu of the trinity from the Hindu mythology as Varanasi encompasses one of the lesser known Vishnu pilgrimages in its vicinity. 

Located near to Rajghat, the Aadi Keshav Temple is situated at the confluence of holy rivers Ganga and Varuna. On grounds of which it is also commonly known as the Varuna Sangm Ghat whose great mention could be found in Kashi Khand, Matsya Purana and Linga Purana (Hindu Scripture books).  

It is believed that on commend of Lord Shiva, lord Vishnu had put his first step in Kashi at this place and after he had washed his foot, he left his foot impressions on the Ghat where he had established a statue of his own. Owning to this the pilgrimage is also known as the Padodak Tirtha.  

Initially the temple was built in the Garhwal age. The temple was destroyed by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1194. However the current temple has been restored by king of Gwalior, Shri Scindia Divan Mado, in the Maratha reign. The four temples that could be found here under one roof are Adikeshava, Gyanakeshava, Panchdevata and Sangameshwara.  The Rangamandap (porch) of the temple is made up of the artistic pillars of red stone. An exemplary workmanship could be found on the outer walls of the temple. The divine Lord, Adikeshva resides in the sanctum sanctorum. The second temple has the statue of Gyanakeshava established which is the iconic Gyanakeshwar Mahadev. In the third temple Sangameshwar Mahadev is worshipped, which is counted in Chaturdash verses while the fourth is the Panchdevta Temple.  

It is believed that mere worshipping at this pilgrimage sets one free from the cycle of birth and death and gets one a sacramental space.

On a usual day the place is embodied with calmness and peace. The temple witnesses a huge crowd of thousands of devotees during antagrahi mela (fair), Varuni Fair, Mahabarni fair and Vamana Dwadashi. The pilgrims come here to take a dip in the holy river and then offer their prayers at the temple with the belief that their wish will be fulfilled. For years the temple has been a centre of faith and religious practices which is why nothing could destroy this majestic Varanasi pilgrimage of Vishnu.