Other Devi shrines
Vaishnavi Devi (Narayani)
Gauri Shankar Temple, Lal Ghat · K 4/24
History & traditions
This Matrika is associated with Vishnu and is recorded in the Gauri Shankar precinct. Ask for Vaishnavi or Narayani on arrival.
Narayani expresses this mother goddess’s association with Narayana, a name of Vishnu. Kashi’s Matrika inventory identifies her at the Gauri Shankar temple. Ask for the Devi inside the host precinct, and distinguish Lal Ghat from Lalita Ghat when arranging the visit.
Deity & sacred image
- Deity or sacred figure
- Vaishnavi Devi (Narayani), a form of the Goddess in Kashi’s Shakti tradition
- Idol or shrine image
- The sources identify the deity. The image’s appearance and material are unconfirmed.
PILGRIMAGE CONTEXT
Other Devi shrines
Kashi’s goddess shrines include neighbourhood guardians, forms of Chandi, and Matrikas or mother goddesses. The Kashi Khanda describes Durga protecting the city with a wider group of Shaktis. This makes the named precinct important when different forms are worshipped in adjoining lanes or within the same temple.