Verified Site TraditionEditorial Framework #22 of 51

Varanasi (Vishalakshi / Manikarnika)

वाराणसी (विशालाक्षी / मणिकर्णिका) · Maa Vishalakshi Mandir (Mir Ghat) (Uttar Pradesh, India)

Editorial & Scholarly Protocol: AnantaMarg uses a 51-site Pithanirnaya-based framework for this catalogue. Other Shakta traditions preserve different enumerations and identifications.

Spiritual Significance

Enshrining the jeweled earring (Kundala) of Sati in Kashi. Vishalakshi ('the wide-eyed goddess') forms one of the three great Shakta trinities of South Asia alongside Kamakshi of Kanchi and Meenakshi of Madurai.

Sacred Triad & Field-Level Provenance

Pithanirnaya Recension

Shakti (Devi)Primary

Vishalakshi

विशालाक्षी

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 22; Kashi Khanda, Skanda Purana

Sources: pithanirnaya, skanda-purana

Documented Variants:

Manikarni (Annapurna) (मणिकर्णी / अन्नपूर्णा)

Devi Bhagavata & regional Kashi traditions

BhairavaPrimary

Kala Bhairava

काल भैरव

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 22

Sources: pithanirnaya, skanda-purana

Relic / Body PartPrimary

Earring (Kundala / Manikarnika)

कुंडल / कर्णभूषण (मणिकर्णिका)

Basis: Pithanirnaya, v. 22; Tantrachudamani

Sources: pithanirnaya, tantrachudamani

Modern Location & Geographic Coordinates

25.3093° N, 83.0118° E

Identified Site

Maa Vishalakshi Mandir (Mir Ghat)

Mir Ghat, near Vishwanath Temple

State/Province & Country

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India)

Access Guidance: Located 200 meters south of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor at Mir Ghat. Nearest railhead is Varanasi Junction (4.5 km).

Documentary Sources & Provenance Hierarchy

Tier 1 — Scriptural Texts (प्रामाणिक धार्मिक ग्रंथ)

Pithanirnaya (Mahapithanirupana) (Verse 22) [D.C. Sircar (1948)]
Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda, Chapter 70)

Tier 2 & 3 — Institutional, Archaeological & Scholarly Sources

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Board (official temple)
Vishalakshi Temple Management (official temple)

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