Must visit temples of Varanasi India

Must visit temples of Varanasi India – are you wondering which temples to visit on your trip to one of the holiest cities in India?

Varanasi or Banaras (Ancient name: Kashi) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, it’s been a revered center of Hindu religious significance. And thus, houses some of the most ancient temples of India, most important temples of India and also most beautiful temples of India.

As per the Kashi Khanda, there were a total of 1099 temples in Kashi, out of which 513 were specifically devoted to the worship of Shiva. Devotees believe that there are countless Shivlingas in Varanasi. However, there are 42 Shivlingas which are more famous, out of which 14 are specially known. These include the lingas of Kashi Vishwanath, Trilochan Mahadev, Adi Vishwanath, Chandeshwar, Kedareshwar, Ratneshwar and many more.

However, if you are in Varanasi for a short period of time, it is impossible to visit all the temples of Varanasi. So, here we bring to you a list of the must visit temples of Varanasi. We had the pleasure of visiting some of these during our most recent visit to Varanasi.

Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Of course, the number one temple in our list of must visit temples of Varanasi is Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. If you have time to visit only one temple in Varanasi, then the Kashi Vishwanath Temple must be on your list.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva, the main deity of Banaras or Kashi. The Shivalinga in this temple is the 7^th of 12 jyotirlingas of India. This 60cm long Shivalinga is believed to be the first Shivalinga in whose form Shiva emerged on the land of India through the earth’s crust in front of Brahma and Vishnu. It holds immense significance for the Hindus. And this Jyotirlinga is said to have both “Shiva” and “Shakti” inside it.

The temple complex has several small temples of other deities which include Kal Bairav, Annapoorna Maata, Lord Ganesha, Vishu, Shani, Shiva, Parvati and Kartikeyan. Apart from the religious significance, the temple also has a great architectural significance amongst the temples of India.

Architecture of Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Previously known as the Moksha Lakshmi Vilas, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has a typical Nagara style of architecture. In fact we saw a prototype of this temple on our visit to Pattadakal Group of temples along with a trip to Badami in Karnataka last year. With a “garbhagriha” containing the actual deity (In this case the Shiva lingam), with a pointed dome. And a front porch for offering prayers, with another dome but lesser in height, similar to Vishwanath Temple in Khajuraho Group of Temples. The domes of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are covered in real gold. And the garbhagriha of the temple contains 36 kilos of gold.

There are also 4 mandapas around the garbhagriha –

• Jnana mandapa(east )
• Ranga mandapa(west)
• Aishvarya mandapa(north)
• Mukti mandapa(south)

Built before the 11^th centaury, there were additions to the temple done by different Hindu kings over the next 3 centuries. And then there were destruction attempts in the medieval period by the Muslim emperors. And the temple was restored and constructed back in the 18^th century by the Jaipur King.

Visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open from 3:00am in the morning to 11:00pm at night for visitors. There are different types of visits that you can do in this temple –

• Special Darshan with a ticket allows you to skip the queues and touch the lingam to get it’s blessings.
• General Darshan is for free. And you can do it anytime starting 3:00am in the morning. Of course the queues get longer as the day progresses. So, visit as early in the morning as possible
• Mondays and festive days dedicated to lord Shiva see immense crowd in the temple. So, you should plan your trip accordingly.

There are several pujas and aartis done in the temple at different times of the day. If you want to catch one of those, do visit as per the timings. You can check the timings and other updates on the official temple website here.

Vehicles are prohibited near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The best way to visit here is to take an “autorickshaw”, a “e-rickshaw” or a hand pulled rickshaw if you are staying anywhere far. Else, there are several hotels, guesthouses and homestays near the temple. Where you can stay, and walk to the temple at your convenience.

Things to know before you visit Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• There are 4 major gates to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Gate no 1 is the one from where you can also visit the Ganesha Temple and Annapoorna Temple, which are supposed to be visited before the main temple.
• There are signs on the main road to the street that leads to gate no 1. While Gate no 4 is located on the main road itself.
• The streets leading to the gates of the temple are dotted with shops selling flowers and other offerings for prayer. Each shop also has a locker to secure your belongings which are not allowed inside the temple, and your shoes.
• However, the main temple premise itself also has lockers and shoe deposit section near gate no 4 which we used.
• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
• You can’t carry mobile phones, smart watches or any electronic devices inside the temple premises. And must deposit them in one of the lockers. You can collect your belongings after visiting the temple.
• There is no specific dress code in the Kashi Vishwanath temple. But it is good to visit in traditional Indian attire to show respect.

Things to do near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi

There is so much more to do around Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Don’t forget to immerse in the vibe of Varanasi after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You can do so by –

• Visiting the ghat on the banks of river Ganga and sitting there on the steps for the most peaceful feeling, particularly in the morning hours.
• Try the mouth watering delicacies of Banaras from the narrow streets all along the route to the temple. Particularly the dairy products like milk, lassi and dahi (set curd) and poori chole, chats (especially tamatar chat), chana kachori, rabri jalebi etc.

• Enjoy street shopping in the streets lining the temple, particularly Banarasi fabrics like sarees and dress material, imitation jewellery and handicrafts.
• Witness the one of a kind Ganga aarti done morning and evening near the temple on the Dashaswamedh Ghat.

• Take a boat ride or a cruise on the river Ganga to catch a glimpse of Kashi from the holy waters. And visit the ghats of Varanasi through the Ganga.

Kaalbhairav Temple Varanasi

God KalaBhairav is seen as the “Kotwal Of Varanasi” (Kotwal in hindi is equivalent to “governor” or “magistrate”) . The Kaalbhairav Temple in Varanasi is one of the oldest temples of Varanasi dedicated to Kaalbhairav. Kaalbhairav is a fierce form of lord Shiva who wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers.The word “Kaal” in hindi means both death and time. It is said that “Kaalbhairav” removes the fear of both death and time from it’s devotees.

The story of Kaal Bhairava

It is said that Kaal Bhairava was the form of Shiva who beheaded the 5^th head of Bramha when Bramha and Vishnu were competing for supremacy. Thus he was charged with “brahman-hatya” (killing Brahman). The head of Brahma that he beheaded stuck to his hand. And he kept roaming around with it until he reached Varanasi, where the head fell to the ground. Thus freeing him of the sins of Brahman Hatya. After this Shiva declared that Kaal Bhairava stay in Varanasi to free his devotees of their sins.

People visit the temple of Kaalbhairav to get free of their sins and problems. That is what makes it a must visit temple in Banaras.

Sankatha Temple

Devi Sankatha is the Goddess of remedy. She remediates all problems of the devotees. The temple Sankatha Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sankatha. She is the 9^th form of Goddess Durga. Legends have it that Vishnu brought the Pandavas here to do pooja before they went for their vanvaas (exile).

Siddeshwari Devi Temple

Once again, this temple is dedicated to one of the forms of Devi Durga, Siddeshwari Devi. The place where this temple is located is believed to be the oldest place in the world. It is said that the moon God himself established the Shivlings in this temple. And then created a well outside the temple to get water for the puja. Since the Ganga River didn’t exist at that time.

Legends say that only those whom the Devi calls can get a darshan at this temple. And after visiting the temple, you can try to see your image in the well outside. Those who are unable to see the well, they are to die within next 6 months.

Kashi Karvat Temple

A temple that very less people know of – Kashi Karvat Temple or the leaning temple of India is located near Manikarnika Ghat. In ancient times the temple had a saw (Karvat). People would come here and throw themselves on it, thus killing themselves. As, they believed believed that this way of ending one’s life would lead to heaven.

An unnamed servant of Raja Man Singh built this temple for his mother Ratna Bai. When he returned to his mother, he said, I have now paid off all your debts. Upon hearing this, the mother sent him back to the temple to check and told him – if you find everything to be fine with the temple, I will assume you have really paid off your debt. But when he arrived there, he saw that the temple was submerged in water. Thus instating that a mother’s debt can never be paid off.

The Kashi Karvat temple remains submerged in water for almost half the year. It’s base is also believed to be weaker than other temples given it was built by a not so wealthy person. Interestingly, this temple is leaning by 9 degrees – more than the leaning tower of Pisa which leans only by 4 degrees.

Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

The Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple is yet another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. While the temple itself was built in the 18^th centuary, it has several smaller shrines within it’s campus. Some of which are believed to be more than 1000 years old. This temple has the “Mrityunjay Mahadev” form of Shiva (the form of Shiva which is victorious over death). Devotees particularly come here to do the Mrityunjay paath or Mahamrityunjay Jaap which helps attain victory over shadow of death on one’s life.

This temple premises also has a sacred well. The water in this well is said to be a mix of several underground streams, the combination of which holds healing power. Legends say that the Avatar of Vishnu, Dhanvantari poured all ayurvedic medicines in this well, thus giving it it’s holy powers.

Sankatmochan Temple

Dedicated to God Hanuma,the Sankatmochan Temple of Banaras is located besides the Assi river stream. It is one of the most reverred temples of Hanuman in Varanasi and a must visit. The temple is located near Sindhiya Ghat. Near this temple, there are also small temples of all 9 planets.

Durga Temple

Dedicated to goddess Durga – the goddess of shakti (power) as per Hindu religion, the Durga Temple is of utmost religious significance in Varanasi. It is believed that the idol in this temple appeared on it’s own. Another must visit of the temples in Varanasi.

Bharat Mata Temple

A very unique temple that you will find only in Varanasi. Bharat Mata Temple is a temple dedicated to the country India, unlike all other temples which are dedicated to specific deities. In the place of an idol, you will find a map of undivided India in the center of the temple. With mountain ranges, peaks, rivers and other important geographical landmarks distinctly constructed on it. This uniqueness is what makes the Bharat Mata Temple one of the must visit temples of Varanasi.

Tulsi Manas Temple

Out of the list of temples mentioned here, the Tulsi Manas Temple is one of the most modern temples in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Ram. The temple is constructed at the same spot where Tulsidas is believed to have lived and written the “Ramcharitmanas”, which narrates the life of Lord Rama. The Tulsi Manas Temple has several verses and quotes from Ramcharitmanas narrated on it’s walls.

New Vishwanath Temple

The New Vishwanath Temple is a modern temple built near the Banaras Hindu University Campus. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is open to all – anyone can visit this temple irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. This is what puts this beautiful temple on the list of must visit temples of Varanasi.

General tips on visiting the temples of Varanasi

• Although there is no dress code in the temples of Banaras, it’s good to wear traditional dresses to show respect.
• Visiting the most popular temples, particularly the Kaashi Vishwanath Temple in the early morning hours is the best as they are the least crowded at this time of the day. Some temples also close in the afternoon from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. So, you should inquire with the locals on the exact temple timings before visiting one.
• You cannot carry food inside the temple premises.
• If you are visiting a temple while there is a special festival dedicated to the God of the temple, you can expect a lot of crowd. For instance, Kashi Vishwanath Temple particularly sees a lot of crowd on Shivaratri, in the month of Shravan, on Mondays or during the Maha Kumbh time. Or, the Durga Temple during Dussehra time.
• While you visit the popular temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a lot of people will come offering help, skip the queue options etc. Go with only the officials with proper ID cards. Or, just go in the general line and do the darshan like the general public.
• The areas around the temple get super crowded. Don’t wear expensive jewellery and secure your belongings to protect from theft and pick pocketing. I always use this cross body bag of mine in such places which is small, can hold all my essentials and is not easy to pickpocket because of the way I can wear it across myself.