A City Never Deserted by Divine Entities

 According to the Sanatan Scriptures, Varanasi is placed on the

Trident of Shiva and not on Earth and will remain untouched even

when the universe is destroyed, hence the word Avimukt is used for

Varanasi. The normal laws of Hinduism do not apply in the region of

Kashi. Upon death in Varanasi one does not take birth again, and is

liberated from the cycle of births and deaths by achieving Moksha.

Thus the word, Avimukt is associated with Varanasi. In the

Vishwanath Temple complex, there is a small temple dedicated to

Shiva, named Avimukteshwara, meaning the lord of the Avimukt

region. One is supposed to pay obeisance to Avimukteshwara before

paying obeisance to Kashi Vishwanath himself.

Avimukta Kshetra, often referred to as Avimukteshwar Kshetra, is a

significant term in Hinduism, primarily associated with the holy city

of Kashi (Varanasi). It translates to "never forsaken" and signifies that

the city is never deserted by divine entities, particularly Lord

Shiva. The term "Avimukta" emphasizes the city's status as a divine

refuge, where Lord Shiva is eternally present and never abandons

the area. The city's name is also connected to the Avimukteshwar

Ling said to have existed since the Satya Yuga, a revered Shivaling

said to grant liberation and remove the sins of several generations.  

Some texts mention that Kashi, or Avimukta Kshetra, is a spiritual

centre of immense significance, even during times of universal

destruction (Maha Pralaya), where Lord Shiva is said to be present. 

There has been a lot of discussions and doubts raised in various

places whether Avimukteshwar temple is the main temple or the

Vishwanath Temple.  In ancient texts and granths, Avimukteshwar

temple has been given importance.

It is stated in ancient texts that a person having the darshan of

Avimuktheshwar Ling is relieved of all his Paap Karmas of several

generations and has no rebirth.  It is also believed that Bhagvan

Vishwanath performs pooja of Avimukteshwar every day.  

Avimuktheshwar ling finds mention in Ling Puran, Kashi Khand, and

also in Brahma Vaivart Puran.

Kashi Khand, Chapter 39, Shlok 83

 अविमुक्ते महाक्षेत्रे अविमुक्त मवलोक्य च 

त्रिजन्मजनितं पापं हित्वा पुण्यमयो भवेत्

 The person who worships Avimukteshwar Ling in Avimukta

Mahakshetra, he renounces the sins of three births and becomes

virtuous.

 According to historical evidences, there was a magnificent temple of

Avimukteshwar Ling and in this premises Vishweshwar Ling was also

present. Devotees had darshan of both lings in the same premises. 

But there was a bout of destructions during Mughal period and the

Avimukthshwar Ling may not be in the same place as envisaged in

Kashi Khand. Presently Avimukteshwar Ling is situated in the same

premises of Vishwanath Temple.

The temple is open for worship practically throughout the day and

aarties (deep aradhana) are performed at various times. Since 1983,

the management of the temple has been taken over by District

Administration. The temple was in a congested premises and

recently, a compound wall has been demolished to give more leg

space and elbow room to the devotees.