\Many believe that pilgrimage sites (tirtha kshetras) are miraculous places. These are locations imbued with divine power. Even among pilgrimage sites, there are four categories:

• Daiva (Divine)

• Rakshasa (Demon-created)

• Arsha (Created by sages)

• Manusha (Created by humans/kings)
  

Daiva tirtha kshetras are those where the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara - have directly manifested and reside. Examples include Kashi, Prabhasa, and Pushkara. Rakshasa pilgrimage sites were created by demons, Arsha ones by sages and seers, and Manusha ones by kings.The Baba Budan Swami Dargah/Dattatreya Peetha in Chikkamagaluru: A Center of Religious and Political Controversy..!

Kashi falls under the Daiva category. Since Lord Shiva himself resides here, it is considered one of the holiest places. But in what form does Shiva reside here? The Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana explains this in detail.

According to the legend, a man named Ishana, who had long matted hair, once entered the city of Kashi. Amidst the greenery, he saw a Shivling shining brightly. Realizing it was a Jyotirlinga, he decided to wash it with water. However, finding no pure water nearby, Ishana struck the ground with his trident, creating a pond from which crystal-clear water emerged.Karnataka BJP Chief B.Y. Vijayendra Slams Congress Over Minister K.N. Rajanna’s Voter List Irregularities Claim..!

Using this water, Ishana performed abhisheka (ritual bathing) of the Jyotirlinga. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva appeared before him and offered a boon. Ishana requested that this place be named after the Lord and that it remain the holiest site on earth.

Granting the boon, Shiva declared that since the water of the pond created by Ishana had touched him, it was now a sacred well. As Shiva’s name is associated with “knowledge” (jnana), and the water from this well symbolized flowing knowledge, it would benefit all devoted seekers.Unveil Your Hidden Personality Through Your Favorite Lipstick Shade..!

Thus, this holy spot came to be known as Jnana Tirtha, and the well itself was named Gyanvapi (The Well of Knowledge). The Gyanvapi we know today originated from Ishana’s devotion in ancient times.