16 Famous Temples in Varanasi

Introduction

There is no city in the world quite like Varanasi. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this ancient city is a holy site for Hindus, who come from all over India to bathe in the river and perform cremation rites. The city is also home to dozens of temples, which are revered by Hindus and attract visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular temples in Varanasi. Be with us to explore these amazing temples of Kashi.

16 Famous Temples in Varanasi

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred and important temples in Hinduism, is located in the holy city of Varanasi, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of light. The temple has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.

Every year, thousands of devotees from around the world make a pilgrimage to Kashi Vishwanath Temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The temple complex is also home to a number of other shrines, temples and monuments of great historical and religious significance, making it a must-visit.

• Main Deity : God Shiva
• Timing:02.30 am to 11.00 pm
• Address:Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

2. New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

The newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Mandir has been built with stunning architectural design, incorporating intricate carvings and sculptures to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The temple has been built to honor Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and one of the most important gods in Hinduism. The temple complex houses numerous shrines, the main shrine being dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe.

The temple is a sight to behold, adorned with gold plated domes and intricately designed pillars, surrounded by lush greenery. It is an important pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from all over India and the world. The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is an iconic landmark, symbolising the spiritual and cultural of Kashi.

• Main Deity: God Shiva
• Timing:5am–8pm
• Address:Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005

3. Durga Kund Mandir

The majestic Durga Kund Mandir, located in the heart of the city, is an ancient and revered temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess, Durga. With its majestic architecture, intricate carvings and magnificent sculptures, this temple is truly a sight to behold. The temple is said to have been built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest temples in the city.

The Mandir is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of the Goddess and is visited by people from all over the country. Every year, during the Navratri festival, the Durga Kund Mandir is especially crowded as thousands of devotees come to pay their respects to the deity. It is truly an awe-inspiring experience to visit this temple.

• Main Deity: Durga Ji
• Timing:5am–10pm
• Address:27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005

4. Sankat Mochan Mandir

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, is a revered Hindu temple located in the city of Varanasi, India. It is believed to be one of the most powerful temples of the deity and is visited by countless devotees from all over the world who come to seek his blessings and divine protection.

The temple is home to a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman, which is believed to have been brought by Lord Ram himself from Lanka. This temple is also visited by many sages and yogis for meditation and spiritual practices. The temple complex also houses a number of other shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses.

• Main Deity: God Hanuman
• Timing:5–11:30am, 3–10pm
• Address:Sankat Mochan Rd, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010

5. Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the motherland of India and is a symbol of patriotism and national pride. Located in the heart of India, this temple is an ode to the country’s rich culture and history. It is said to be constructed in the 4th century CE and has been a site of pilgrimage for many centuries.

This temple celebrates the unity of all religions and is an important part of Indian culture and heritage, as well as being a major tourist attraction. Inside the temple, visitors can explore the many statues of gods and goddesses, as well as the numerous shrines dedicated to different deities. The temple is open to all and is a great place to learn more about India’s history.

• Main Deity: Bharat Mata
• Timing:7:30am–5:30pm
• Address:Vidyapeeth Road, Cannt Road Lalapura, Chanuwasatti Chandua Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

6. Tulsi Manas Temple

The stunning Tulsi Manas Temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage site located in the holy city of Varanasi. It is said to have been built in the dedication of Lord Rama and is believed to be the exact place where Lord Rama’s devotee, Tulsidas, composed the celebrated Hindu scripture, the ‘Ramcharitmanas’. The temple is a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike, who come to admire its intricate carvings, beautiful marble sculptures and its awe-inspiring architecture.

• Main Deity: God Ram
• Timing:5:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Address:72P2+R5V, Sankat Mochan Rd दुर्गाकुंड मार्ग Near Jalan, Varanasi, 221005

7. Shree Batuk Bhairav Temple

The Ancient Shree Batuk Bhairav Temple is a beautiful and historic site situated in the heart of India. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination and a place of reverence for worshippers of the Lord Shiva. The temple holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva himself.

The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, and it is believed that the temple was constructed in the 12th century by a devotee of the Lord Shiva. Devotees from around the country come to pay their respects to the temple and seek blessings from the deity. The temple also hosts many festivals throughout the year, and it is said to be the most sacred of all.

• Main Deity: Shree Batuk Bhairav
• Timing:5:30am–12pm, 4pm–12am
• Address:Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010

8. Chinese Temple

The ancient Chinese temple was a place of worship and respect. Constructed with elaborate carvings and intricate decorations, the temple was a grand sight to behold. Its tall spires and colorful paintwork made it awe-inspiring and it was a place of spiritual solace for the local people. It was believed to be a place of connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm, and its powerful presence could be felt by all who entered.

Inside the temple was a large hall where people could come to pray and meditate, and a variety of statues of Chinese gods and goddesses were on display. There were also several rooms dedicated to different aspects of spirituality and religion, which attracted many devotees from different walks of life.

• Main Deity: God Budhha
• Timing:9am–7pm
• Address:Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007

9. Sarnath Buddhist Temple

The magnificent Sarnath Buddhist Temple stands as a majestic reminder of the religion’s past, present, and future. It is a place of peace and spirituality, where visitors come to contemplate the teachings of the Buddha and the deep wisdom held within. Built in the 11th century, the temple has been a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists across India and beyond, and it is home to a number of precious relics and artifacts that help to bring the Buddha’s teachings to life.

Visitors can explore the intricately carved stone structures and marvel at the intricate stonework, which is believed to be the oldest surviving example of Buddhist architecture in India. They can also take part in meditation and spiritual activities, or simply take in the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

• Main Deity: God Budhha
• Timing:8am–5pm
• Address:92JG+7MC, Saranth Station Rd, Pandeypur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007

10. Tibetan Temple

The majestic Tibetan Temple stood proudly on the top of the mountain, its intricately carved stones illuminated by the bright morning sun. Inside its ancient walls, the temple housed a vast collection of artifacts and religious artifacts, each one telling its own unique story about the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people.

The sound of chanting monks and the aroma of incense filled the air, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity. As visitors explored the temple grounds, they were met with awe and admiration for the beauty and grandeur of the Tibetan Temple.

• Main Deity: God Budhha
• Timing:24 hours
• Address:92GG+VH9, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007

11. Sankata Devi Mandir

Sankata Devi Mandir is a revered religious site that is a popular destination for devotees from all across India. It is a place of spiritual significance, and the temple is believed to be a powerful source of blessings and divine energy. People come here to seek solace and blessings from the deity for their various needs and wishes.

The temple is a symbol of faith and devotion, and many pilgrims come here to offer their prayers and receive the divine grace. The temple is an important part of Hindu culture and its presence is a reminder of the power of faith and belief.

• Main Deity: Sankahtha Mata
• Timing:4am–10pm
• Address:CK 21/20, Shitala Gali, Garwasitola, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

12. Lalita Gauri Temple

The Lalita Gauri Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in a small, peaceful village in India. Dedicated to the goddess Lalita Gauri, it stands as a testament to the beauty and power of Hindu spirituality. The temple is a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, and its colorful facade is a sight to behold. It is believed that anyone who visits the temple is blessed with prosperity and spiritual growth.

Inside the temple, devotees will find a wealth of statues, paintings and other artifacts that tell the story of the goddess Lalita Gauri and her many blessings. Each year hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world visit this temple to seek spiritual guidance and to be blessed with the divine energy that it provides.

• Main Deity: Parvati
• Timing:Open 24 hours
• Address:8257+V7W, Ghats of Varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

13. Maa Annapurna Temple

The beautiful and sacred Maa Annapurna Temple is a revered place of worship for many Hindu devotees around the world. Located in the holy city of Varanasi, India, the Maa Annapurna Temple stands tall and proud, radiating a sense of divinity and spiritual energy that can be felt by all who enter its hallowed grounds.

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Annapurna, the temple is believed to be one of the most powerful places to receive her blessings and grace. Numerous devotees flock to this temple every day to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess.

• Main Deity: Maa Annapurna
• Timing:04 AM – 11:30 AM & 07:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Address:Annapurna Math Mandir D 9, 1, Vishwanath Galli, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

14. Sankatha Temple

Sankatha Temple is a historic religious structure located in the city of Varanasi, India. It is renowned for its architecture and intricate carvings, which make it a popular tourist attraction. The temple is believed to have been built by the King of Varanasi in the 10th century, and it is said to be the oldest temple in the city.

The interior of the temple is adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities, and the walls are engraved with ancient scriptures. The temple is home to many rituals and festivals, and it is a place of worship for many devotees. It is also a popular venue for pilgrims, who come to pray and seek blessings from the gods.

• Main Deity: Sankata Devi
• Timing:4:30 am – 2:30 pm & 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Address:9X6R+PGG, Unnamed Road, Majhbhitiyan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221102

15. Mritunjay Mahadev Temple

Mritunjay Mahadev Temple is an ancient sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the beautiful city of Varanasi. The temple is known for its historical and religious significance, and is believed to have been built during the time of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees each year to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the divine energy of the temple. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and its intricately carved walls and sculptures. The temple is believed to be the birthplace of the great sage Mritunjay Mahadev.

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva
• Timing:4am–10pm
• Address:K52, 39, Daranagar, Visheshwarganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

16. Nepali Mandir

Nepali Mandir is a beautiful and serene place of worship for those of the Hindu faith. It is a place of prayer and meditation, where people come to offer their respects to the gods and goddesses. The architecture of a Nepali Mandir is unique and fascinating, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars.

The colors and designs are colorful and vibrant, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. On special occasions and festivals, hundreds of devotees gather at the Nepali Mandir to celebrate their faith and offer their prayers. The peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality of the temple make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva
• Timing:Open 24 hours
• Address:Near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Conclusion

In conclusion, the temples of Banaras are some of the most beautiful and sacred places in India. They are a must-see for anyone who is interested in Indian culture and religion. Not only will visitors be able to take in the stunning architecture, but they will also be able to experience the unique atmosphere and culture of the city. Visiting the temples of Varanasi is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during any Banaras trip.

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FAQs Related To the Temple in Varanasi

What is the most famous temple in Varanasi?
The most famous temple in Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the “Golden Temple.”

Is it true that Varanasi has one of the oldest temples in the world?
Yes, Varanasi is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, and Durga Temple.

Can you visit all the temples in Varanasi in a single day?
No, it is virtually impossible to visit all the temples in Varanasi in a single day, as the city has thousands of temples.

What is the significance of the Ganges River in relation to Varanasi temples?
The Ganges River is deeply intertwined with the spiritual significance of Varanasi and its temples, as many rituals and ceremonies are performed on the river’s banks.

Are there any specific dress codes for visiting temples in Varanasi?
There are generally accepted dress codes for visiting temples in Varanasi, such as wearing modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.

What are the opening and closing timings of the major temples in Varanasi?
The opening and closing timings of major temples in Varanasi typically range from around 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

Do I need to pay to enter any temples in Varanasi?
Most temples in Varanasi do not charge an entry fee, but some may require a small fee for accessing certain areas.

What are some of the daily rituals performed in Varanasi temples?
Common daily rituals in Varanasi temples include Aarti, Puja, and Abhishekam, involving offerings, chanting, and bathing the deities.

Is photography allowed inside all the temples in Varanasi?
Photography policies vary among temples in Varanasi, with some restricting photography in the main sanctum sanctorum.

Is it customary to offer anything to the deities while visiting temples in Varanasi?
Yes, it is customary to offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, or money as a gesture of devotion when visiting temples in Varanasi.

What are some of the important festivals celebrated in Varanasi temples?
Some of the important festivals celebrated in Varanasi temples include Maha Shivratri, Nag Panchami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali.

How can I ensure a respectful visit to the temples in Varanasi?
To ensure a respectful visit, follow local customs, dress modestly, remove shoes, and avoid disruptive behavior.

Are there any guided tours available for visiting the temples of Varanasi?
Yes, there are several guided tours available for visiting the temples of Varanasi, led by local experts.

Where can I find information about the history and significance of specific temples in Varanasi?
Information about the history and significance of specific temples can be found on temple websites, through local guides, or by interacting with priests and scholars.

Are there any specific temples in Varanasi recommended for meditation or spiritual practices?
Temples like the Sankat Mochan Temple and Assi Ghat Temple are recommended for meditation and spiritual practices.

What is the best time of year to visit the temples in Varanasi?
The cooler months from October to February are generally considered the best time to visit the temples in Varanasi.

How do I reach the major temples in Varanasi?
The major temples in Varanasi can be accessed by walking, autorickshaws, taxis, or local buses.

Are there any facilities available for storing luggage near the temples in Varanasi?
There are some facilities available for storing luggage near the temples, often offered by hotels, guesthouses, or local shops.

What are some vegetarian food options available near the temples in Varanasi?
Varanasi offers a wide range of vegetarian food options near the temples, including the famous Banarasi Thali and various snacks and sweets.

Where can I find restrooms or toilets near the temples in Varanasi?
Finding clean and accessible restrooms near the temples can be a challenge, but some temples, hotels, and public facilities may be available.

Author: Banaras Trip