The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The main deity is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara (IAST: Vishveshvara or Vishveshvur) literally meaning Lord of the Universe. Varanasi was called Kashi ("shining") in ancient times, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is considered a central part of worship in Shaiva culture by Hindu scriptures.