According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Varanasi was the first Jyotirlinga to manifest itself. Legend has it that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the three primary Hindu gods, argued about their supremacy. To settle the dispute, Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light or Jyotirlinga in front of them. Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) and tried to track the column beneath the ground to discover its origin, while Brahma, who assumed the shape of a swan, searched the heavens to locate the apex of the column. However, both were unable to identify the source of the luminous column. Brahma deceitfully claimed that he had found the summit of the column, while Vishnu honestly admitted his inability to find the starting point of the radiant column. Shiva, being omniscient, knew Brahma was lying and punished him by cutting off his fifth head and placing a curse on him. Brahma was cursed to no longer receive reverence, whereas Vishnu, being truthful, would be equally venerated alongside Shiva and have dedicated temples for eternity. In Hindu scriptures, Vishweshara is described as the sacred deity of Varanasi and holds the position of king over all the other deities, as well as over all the inhabitants of the city and the extended circuit of the Panchkosi, an area spreading over 50 miles, which is considered to be the sacred boundary of Varanasi.

The Skand Purana and the Brahmavaivarta Purana are two ancient texts that are dedicated to the city of Varanasi. The Skand Purana has a section called 'Kashi Khanda', while the Brahmavaivarta Purana has a portion known as 'Kashi Rahasya'. According to the Kashi Khanda, there were 1099 temples in Varanasi, out of which 513 were exclusively devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. The Vishvanath temple, which is a famous Hindu temple located in Varanasi, was previously known as Moksha Lakshmi Vilas. The temple had a total of five halls, namely the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the lingam of Vishwanath was located, the Jnana mandapa (hall of knowledge) situated in the east, the Ranga mandapa (assembly hall) located in the west, the Aishvarya mandapa (hall of wealth and prosperity) situated in the north, and the Mukti mandapa (hall of liberation) located in the south.