When you think of Kashi (also known as Varanasi or Banaras), what is the first thing that comes to your mind? The serene ghats along the Ganges, the maze-like narrow streets, or the countless temples that have stood the test of time? Well, talking of the temples, these not only hold spiritual but also deep historical and cultural significance in Hindu mythology.
In this blog, we will learn about the 8 most popular temples of Kashi that you must see while you visit the city.
7 Must-Visit Temples in Kashi
Kashi, also known as Varanasi or Banaras is known as the spiritual capital of India. The vibe and divine aura of this beautiful place take you to a whole different world of peace and spirituality. And one of the main aspects adding to its serenity is the temples located here.
Here are the 7 temples you should explore on your next visit to Kashi:
1. Kal Bhairav Mandir
Kal Bhairav Mandir is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi and is known for its strong spiritual energy and unique customs.
As per the legends, Lord Bhairav was a powerful king who meditated for years at this spot to attain spiritual enlightenment. Every year, thousands of devotees come here to seek the blessings of Lord Bhairav. You’d often find people offering alcohol in the form of prasad.
And you know what’s the interesting part? Kal Bhairav is believed to be the Kotwal of Varanasi meaning a police officer guarding Varanasi. It is said that no one can stay in Kashi without the permission of Kal Bhairav, making this temple an important stop for all visitors.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Address: Pandeypur Rd, Golghar, Naibasti, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002
2. Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is one of the most unique temples, where Bharat Mata (Mother India) is worshipped as a goddess. Here you’ll find a beautiful statue of Bharat Mata, carrying the national flag of India. It also features a map of India intricately carved on a marble stone. The map highlights the major mountains, rivers, and cities of India that’s quite interesting to watch.
The temple was built by a freedom fighter named Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta in 1936. It was built in honor of several Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I and stands as a symbol of unity and harmony.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Address: Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus in Varanasi
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most famous temple in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known as Vishweshwara or Vishwanath i.e., the Lord of the Universe. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva believed to have been appeared as a column of light.
The temple has had many earlier versions. The first reconstruction was sanctioned in 1585 by the Mughal emperor Akbar. However, the temple was demolished by Aurangzeb (grandson of Akbar) in 1699 who used its debris to build a mosque near the site. The current structure was built by Ahalya Bai during the 18th century. Today, it is famously known as the Golden Temple, which has spires and domes plated with gold.
In Hinduism, it is believed that visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple and taking a dip in the river Ganges helps achieve moksha (liberation).
Timings: 3:00 AM to 11 PM
Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
4. Birla Mandir (New Vishwanath Temple)
The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, is located within the Banaras Hindu University campus. It is entirely made of marble and has the tallest temple tower in the world, stretching to a height of 77 meters. The temple comprises 9 shrines, with the ground floor solely dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the first and other consecutive floors, you’ll find the shrines of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and more.
But why is it called ‘New Vishwanath Temple?’
In the early years, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was demolished and rebuilt several times. Hence, in 1930, Pandit Madan Mohan decided to build its replica inside the BHU campus. Hereon, the Birla family came forward to support him and in 1931, the foundation of the temple was laid down. The temple was finally completed in 1966 and since it was a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, it was known as the ‘New Vishwanath Temple’. Meanwhile, the name ‘Birla Mandir’ was kept in honor of the Birla family for their contribution to building the temple.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: Hindu University Campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221011
5. Tulsi Manas Mandir
The Tulsi Manas Temple is a tribute to the epic Ramcharitmanas, written by Goswami Tulsidas, a famous Hindu poet-saint, philosopher, and reformer. The walls of this temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas, telling the story of Lord Rama.
According to the legend, Ramayana was originally written in the Sanskrit language by Valmiki during 500 BC. Being written in Sanskrit, the epic was not easily understandable to the masses. Hence, in the 16th century, Goswami Tulsidas wrote Ramayana in the Awadhi dialect of Hindi, and this Awadhi version was known as Ramcharitmanas.
Later in the year 1964, the Sureka family constructed a temple at the same place where Goswami Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, near Jalan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005
Also Read : 10 famous temples of Himachal Pradesh
6. Durga Kund Mandir
Durga Kund Mandir, a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga was built in the 18th century by the Bengali Maharani-Rani Bhabani of Nator. Herein, right next to the temple, you’ll find a pond (kund) which was connected to the river Ganga earlier.
As per the legends, the statue of Goddess Durga here is not man-made, rather it appeared on its own. It is widely believed that Goddess Durga came to rescue when one of her devotees pleaded for help.
Built in the North Indian Nagara style of architecture, the temple presents a perfect blend of traditional art and architecture. It is painted in rich hues of red, which is to signify the color of the powerful and fierce Goddess Durga. The temple features multiple small shikhara conjoined together to form one elaborate structure.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Address: C14/160-36-A, Durgakund, Naipokhari, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
7. Shree Annapurna Devi Mandir
Annapurna Devi Mandir is dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment, Maa Annapurna who is a form of Goddess Parvati.
The temple was built by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao in 1729 AD. It houses two icons of Goddess Annapurna made of brass and gold. The brass idol is accessible to devotees for daily darshan while the gold one can only be seen on Annakut day (also known as Govardhan pooja).
There are many popular beliefs associated with the origin of this temple. According to a legend, Lord Shiva once commented that everything in this world including the food and nature is Maya (illusion). Listening to this, Goddess Parvati, who is the heart and soul of nature and everything around got really furious and replied, let’s see how the universe will survive without me, and just disappeared.
Soon after her disappearance, the world came to a standstill. Everyone right from humans, animals, and birds was suffering and dying with hunger. The situation really disturbed Lord Shiva and he soon realized the importance of food and nourishment. He soon came to Goddess Parvati, seeking forgiveness. Seeing Lord Shiva so helpless, Parvati finally decided to serve him food to Lord Shiva with her own hands. She then set up her kitchen in Varanasi to serve food to all her devotees. And later at this spot, the Annapurna temple was established.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Address: D 9, Annapurna Math Mandir, 1, Vishwanath Galli, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
Conclusion
Kashi, with its numerous ancient temples, takes you on a spiritual journey like no other. Each temple, with its unique story and significance, allows you to explore the depths of devotion and tradition. Whether you seek blessings, wish to experience the cultural heritage, or simply find peace, the temples of Kashi offer you the best of everything.
