श्रीविश्वनाथाष्टकम्ShivaShri Vishwanathashtakam is composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva. The city also known as Kashi and Benaras is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. To the Hindus, the Ganges is a sacred river and any town or city on its bank is believed to be auspicious. But Varanasi has a special sanctity, for it is believed, this is where Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stood when time started ticking for the first time. Hindus believe that a person who breaths his last in Kashi, is blessed with eternal salvation, thus freed from the tormenting cycle of birth and death. This has attracted people from all over the world to this place. Kashi is also the holy land to have Vishwa Nath temple of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve “jyotirlingas” of Lord Shiva present on Earth (according to Hindu mythology). The holy city of Kashi, thus becomes an adored location for all the followers of Sanatan dharm who believe in the cult of Lord Shiva. It is called as Shiv ki Nagri (city of Shiva) in Rig Veda. Some believe Kashi to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, hence a pilgrimage of utmost importance for the devout Hindus.Those who study this eight-canto eulogy on Viswanatha in the proximity of Siva (in Varanasi), attain Moksha at the time of death, after obtaining knowledge, wealth, friends, and immeasurable glory, achieve the world of Siva and then they rejoice with Him.