Banaras, the city of light and liberation, pulses with divine energy. Revered as Shiva’s abode, it captivates with Kashi Vishwanath’s spires, Ganga’s flowing sanctity, and a cultural richness spanning music, dance, and crafts. Thousands of temples dot its landscape, fulfilling the adage of a shrine per street.
Among these, the Someshwar Mahadev Temple emerges as a poignant tale of heritage in peril. This nearly 1,000-year-old marvel, central to Kashi’s spiritual map, once attracted worshippers seeking Mahadev’s blessings. Historical accounts in the Skanda Purana highlight its prominence in ancient rituals.
Alas, years of abandonment have wrought devastation. The edifice is in shambles: fractured beams, a roof threatening imminent failure, and an access route resembling ancient ruins fraught with hazards. Devotees who remember its past glory now view it with sorrow.
Treasures within persist—a resplendent white marble Shivling attended by Nandi, and a rare Hanuman sculpture carrying Rama and Lakshman, symbolizing unwavering devotion. These idols whisper of bygone reverence amid the decay.
Varanasi’s global allure demands we confront this crisis. Restoration isn’t optional; it’s a duty to preserve Sanatan culture’s threads. Stakeholders, from government to locals, must unite for surveys, repairs, and sustained care. Someshwar Mahadev’s revival would reaffirm Kashi’s commitment to its timeless faith, ensuring its light endures.