10 Most Famous Temples in Varanasi​

1.Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the grandeur of the aarti ceremony at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where priests perform intricate rituals accompanied by chanting and music, creating a mesmerizing ambiance of devotion and spirituality.

2.Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Participate in the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings for strength, courage, and protection from evil forces.

3. Soaking in the Festivities at Durga Temple

Join the festivities during Navratri at the Durga Temple, where devotees gather to worship the divine mother and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Experience the joyous atmosphere filled with devotion and reverence. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Varanasi as you explore its ancient temples and experience the divine presence of the gods and goddesses. Let the sacred city of Kashi guide you on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

4. Kanthwala Temple (Nepali Temple)

This temple gets its name as Nepali Temple as it is a replica of Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple. This Varanasi Famous temple was built in the 19^th century by Rana Bahadur Shah, the then-exiled king of Nepal. This temple is built with stone and wood. You can find numerous terracotta structures in this temple. You can find iconic structures and sculptures like the ones found in temples in the Khajuraho group of monuments. Thus,  Famous Kanthwala temple is also called as Mini-Khajuraho. The wood used in the construction of this temple is believed to be resistant to termites.

4. Tulsi Manas Temple

The Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is constructed at the site where the saint-poet Tulsidas composed the epic Ramcharitmanas. This temple’s walls are adorned with verses from this sacred text, offering devotees a glimpse into the life and teachings of Lord Rama.

5. New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)

The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, is a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Kashi. Built by the Birla family, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its intricate marble carvings and serene ambiance.

6. Kal Bhairav Temple

The Kal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This ancient temples is adorned with black stone idols and attracts devotees seeking protection from evil forces and liberation from sins.

7. Vishalakshi Mandir (Manikarnika Shrine)

This shirne has a dark history. When Goddess Sati died in fire, Lord Shiva carried her body around the world. Lord Vishnu set his Chakra to destroy the body to give Lord Shiva, a closure. The Chakra struck the body and destroyed it into 51 pieces. These 51 pieces scattered around and at each point where a part fell, a Shakti Pith (temple) was erected. Manikarnika is the place where her earring fell. This temple stand in the site of the cremation ground, Manikarnika Ghat. This is one of the most powerful and sacred temples of the region.

8. Sankata Devi Mandir

This is one of the Ancient temples in Kashi, famous among the womenfolk. The deity of the temple is represented with four arms riding on a fierce lion. The temple also holds statues for the nine planets of the solar system. The deity is said to relieve sorrows and pain from the lives of her devotees. According to legends, the Pandava brothers visited this temple during their exile. The best time to visit this temple is during Navratri festival.

9. ISKCON temple of Varanasi

ISKCON is a non-profit group focused on spreading the spirituality of Lord Krishna. The ISKON Temple of Varanasi is built entirely out of white marble in 1966. The temple is famous for many cultural and religious activities. Every Sunday afternoon or evening, a large feast is conducted. In the evenings of Sundays, many cultural activities and rituals take place inside the premises of this temple. This temple is located closer to BHU.

10. Tridev Temple

This temple is one of the few Ancient temples with more than one main deity. All the three deities are very famous local Gods of Rajasthan region. The temple is located closer to Tulsi Manas Temple. This temple is a famous site among pilgrims. It is a small yet beautiful temple of marble with modern styled carvings and ceiling decorations. This is one of the very few temples where photography is allowed. People visit this temple to meditate inside the hall of the temple. It is also one of the newest temples in Varanasi, built just 6 years ago.

Apart from these, there are numerous temples in and around Varanasi. If you are looking for Buddhism culture, visit Sarnath, which is just 10 km away from Kashi. At Sarnath, you can find Chinese Temple, Tibetan Temple, and many other religious sites.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the famous Ancient temples in Kashi, we are left with a profound sense of awe and reverence for the spiritual heritage of this ancient city. From the majestic Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the serene Tulsi Manas Temple, each shrine holds a unique significance and offers devotees a sacred space to connect with the divine. Varanasi’s temples not only showcase the architectural splendor of bygone eras but also serve as spiritual beacons, guiding seekers on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Whether seeking blessings, solace, or simply marveling at the intricate craftsmanship, visitors to Varanasi’s temples are sure to be touched by the divine presence that permeates these hallowed grounds.