Varanasi, popularly known as Kashi, is a town that radiates divine energy and historical traditions. The Temples here exude an aura of reverence and spirituality that draws pilgrims and tourists alike from round the country. With its narrow alleys connected to sacred ghats alongside the Ganga River, Varanasi is Mahadev’s Nagri, home to a large number of temples has always been a priority for the devotees of Shiva to be visited during a pilgrimage. Here, we will discuss the top 10 temples in Varanasi which you must visit to discover the city’s deep rooted religious essence.
1.Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most visited culturally and historically salient and ancienttemples in India. Located at the western bank of the Ganges, this temple is celebrated for its awe-inspiring architecture, with intricate carvings and sacred symbols adorning every cornerand the spiritual charisma that envelops the whole place making it a divine sanctuary that deserves every bit of its revered status.
This Temple also known as Moksha Lakshmi Vilas as per the Kashi Khanda states that theJyotirlingaplaced in this temple is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a significant Temple for Hindu devotees.A visit to this sacred place is a must for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
2.Kaal Bhairav Temple
Famed as the “Kotwal of Varanasi,” Kaal Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva donning a garland of skulls and carrying a club of peacock feathers. Locals say a journey to Varanasi is incomplete without paying homage here as Kaal Bhairav is considered to be the protector of the city and everyone who wants to reside here needs to take his permission.
This historical temple is believed to shield the city and its inhabitants and is said to remain forever in Varanasi in order to remove sins of his disciples. Devotees offer oil and black sesame seeds to seek the deity’s blessings for protection and prosperity.
3.Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
Built in 1964, the Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan, who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is named after Sant Tulsidas, renowned for his devotion to Lord Rama who composed the epic “Ramcharitmanas” right here. This breathtaking divine temple walls are adorned with verses and intricate scenes from the Ramayana, offering a visual and religious treat to the devotees.
The temple is also known to be dedicated to the holy plant, Tulsi, of which several plants are placed all around the mandir premises along with a variety of flowers and plants, making it a perfect spot for nature loverswho are on lookout for a peaceful and spiritual retreat.
4.Durga Mata Mandir
Also known as the Durga Kund Mandir, this temple is dedicated to Shri Adi Shakti Maa Durga with its red stones representing the colours of the central icon of Maa Durga. Built in the 18th century by Queen Bhavani of Bengal, this temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together and stands beside a beautiful rectangular pond known as the Durga Kund, earlier connected to river Gangawhich adds to its divine splendor.There are separate shrines in the premises in the form of idols of Baba Bhairavnath, Lakshmiji, Saraswati ji and Mata Kali.
It is believed that The Goddess Durga statue here was not created by humans, it just appeared in the temple on its own.Due to lots of monkies roaming in there, the temple is also known as Monkey Temple.Also according to a legend, Maa Durga rested here after slaying the Asuras. The temple’s striking crimson hue and serene surroundings makes it a famous destination for both devotees and tourists.
5.Maa Annapurna Mandir
Adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Maa Annapurna Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of Food and nourishment. It is believed that no one ever goes hungry in Varanasi due to her blessings and to ensure it, the temple’s trust provides free meals everyday to the devotees from 7 am to 10 pm. The temple’s simple yet powerful presence is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted faith in divine providence.
It is believed that when Lord Shiva told Mata Parvati that the whole world, including food is Maya, she got very angry.Soin order to show the importance of food, she disappeared all the food on earth and the entire world started to suffer due to hunger. When Lord Shiva finally came to Mata Parvati and acknowledged the importance of food,then, Mata Parvati was content and offered food by her own hands to Lord Shiva and made a kitchen in Varanasi for her devotees.
6.Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
Founded by the poet-saint Tulsidas, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is devoted to Lord Hanuman. The temple is a haven for the ones seeking for solace and solutions to their problems. Devotees come here to offer prayers and seeking blessings from the monkey god, regarded for his strength and unwavering devotion. It exudes a spiritual aura that enchants all who visit.
The temple's centerpiece is a revered banyan tree, believed to possess incredible power to fulfill heart's desires. Devotees tie a rope to this sacred tree while expressing their deepest wishes, and it is said that these wishes are miraculously granted. Within its sacred premises lies another exquisite shrine, devoted to Lord Shri Rama. This temple of Lord Rama stands majestically in front of the Hanuman temple, creating a harmonious and divine atmosphere that resonates with devotees.
7.Nepali Temple
The Nepali Temple, also known as the Kathwala Temple, a unique structure built by the King of Nepal is a captivating testament to the harmonious blend of Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. Located on Lalita Ghat, this temple is well-known for its intricate woodwork and traditional Nepalese architecture showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. The pagoda-style roof adds to its allure, reminiscent of traditional Nepali temple architecture.
The serene atmosphere envelops devotees in a sense of profound calmness making it a sanctuary to escape the bustling activity of the riverbanks. The Nepali Temple stands out as the epitome of tranquility along the banks of the Ganges River. For travelers seeking not only architectural marvels but also spiritual enlightenment, a visit to the Nepali Temple is an enriching and memorable experience, offering glimpses into the rich tapestry of religious and cultural heritage that defines Varanasi.
8.Bharat Mata Mandir
Located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus, unlike other temples dedicated to deities, the Bharat Mata Mandir is devoted to Mother India. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, this temple houses a huge map of Akhand Bharat carved in marble, brought from the quarry that supplied all the marble for the Taj Mahal, was originally the only one of its kind in the world. This temple has no "murti" or image of God so that the temple is inclusive to all religions in the country and thus, promotes secularism.
It is a living testament of patriotism and harmony, providing a unique spiritual experience that celebrates India’s heritage It is also considered as some sort of a museum with one display of the Indian Sub Continent. Every citizen of the country must pay a visit here to see the expanse of the country at a time in history. It instils a feeling of pride in our history but melancholy in the present.
9.New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Situated within the Heart of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, the New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is a modern day replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Built with white marble, the temple complex is expansive and have beautifully maintained gardens, imparting a sense of belongingness and providing space for self-retrospection.
This temple ideated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and constructed by the Birla family, is a marvel that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity and exudes positive vibes among the BHU students. Its architectural splendor, spiritual ambiance, and well-planned facilities with added allure of lush green BHU campus makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a profound connection with Hindu spirituality.
10.Kedareshwar Mandir
Located on the Kedar Ghat, the Kedareshwar Mandir is another significant Shiva temple in Varanasi. The temple, with its scenic riverside picturesque, attracts many devotees and travellers alike. It is especially popular all through the monsoon festival of Nag Panchami. As the swayambhu (self emerged) Shivlinga is made on Anna in this temple, the ritual of Annadan holds immense signficance amongst the devotees. As the deity in this temple naturally exists in Ardhanarishwar swaroop i.e., the presence of Shiva and Shakti at one place, the temple becomes highly significant for the Shiva and Devi bhakts.
According to Skand Puran, darshan of Jyotirlinga Kedar in Himalayas 7 times and darshan of Gauri Kedar in Kashi one time are both equal and there is no discrimination made in Kashi between the Kedar Shiv Linga and Vishwanath Linga. It is written in the Shiv Mahapuran that one who enters into the Garba Griha of this temple never has to enter into Garba again i.e., from darshan itself the devotee obtains liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
