Sri Kasi Vishwanathaswami Temple, Mayiladuthurai

Sri Kasi Vishwanathaswami Temple, on the banks of the river Cauvery on the Thula ghat is renowned for being the “Kashi of the South”. The name Vishwanathaswami translates into the Ruler of the Universe hinting at the power and omnipresence of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims who for various reasons cannot go to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, come to Sri Kasi Vishwanathaswami temple in Mayiladuthurai. A visit to Kashi Vishwanath and a dip in the Holy Ganges is widely believed to absolve devotees of sins and set one on the right path to attain Moksha.

Devotees from across the nation embark on the Kashi pilgrimage at least once in their lives. The dissolution of a loved one’s ashes in the Ganges at Kashi is believed to help the soul’s journey into the after-life. Staunch devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself repeats the Mantra of Salvation to a devotee if his or her ashes are dissolved in the Ganges at Kashi.

The temple on the banks of the river Cauvery is widely held as being just as holy and powerful as the temple in Varanasi. Dhondi Vinayaka and Bhairava are enshrined in this temple alongside Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati Devi.