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Located on the northern banks of the sacred River Ganga, Varanasi, also popularly referred to as Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with great importance in the religious geography of India. In the upcoming sections, you will see some of the main temples in Varanasi which will be worth your time. Varanasi has acted as a centre of religion and culture and people worldwide dream of coming to this city. The city is well famous for its numerous temples, each one of them associated with centuries-old Hindu myths and practices.
10 Main Temples In Varanasi
Here’s a curated top-picked list of ten main temples in Varanasi to make your trip to Uttar Pradesh memorable.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Photo: Ashvin Kaitabhya / Wikimedia Commons
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular and significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the centre of Varanasi and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is popularly known as the Golden Temple owing to its gold-laced spire and dome. Millions of worshippers visit the temple each year to receive blessings and to carry out the rituals. Moreover, the temple’s efflux location along the sacred River Ganga adds to its religious importance, marking its spiritual importance and making it a worthy attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.
Timings: 3 AM – 11 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The renowned Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of the attractions in the city and was built in the 16th century by the saint Tulsidas. It is believed that it is a temple meant for seeking relief from all Troubles. ‘Sankat Mochan’ means ‘the one who frees one from all troubles’. It draws many devotees who come to pray, especially on Tuesday and Saturday, as they are regarded as auspicious days to worship Lord Hanuman.
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
3. Durga Temple
Photo: Juan Antonio Segal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Also known as the Durga Kund, the Durga Temple is one of the most popular temples in Varanasi devoted to Goddess Durga. The temple was constructed in the late 18th century with vivid red colour representing the power and the vigor of the goddess. The temple is placed close to a big rectangular-shaped water tank (kund) which adds to the tranquility of the temple. It becomes very busy on auspicious festivals like Navratri when devotees come to the temple to pay homage to the goddess and seek her protection and blessings.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
4. Tulsi Manas Temple
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Tulsi Manas Temple in Varanasi is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The construction of the temple was completed in 1964, and it was built to honour the memories of Tulsidas, the saint who wrote the Ramcharitmanas. The temple has an impressive white marble structure, pictures of Lord Rama’s life, and inscriptions from the Ramcharitmanas. The calm and serene gardens around the temple create an inviting atmosphere for the devotees and the onlookers. Being a place of worship and cultural activities, especially during festivals like Ram Navami, makes it one of the crucial parts of the spirituality in Varanasi.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
5. Annapurna Devi Temple
Photo: Garv Chaplot / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Annapurna Devi Temple is situated in Varanasi and is devoted to the goddess of food, Annapurna. This temple is considered to be one of the spiritual centres where devotees connect with the divine for blessings concerning plenty and healthy sustenance. This temple was built in the 18th century and attracts tourists with its elaborate decorations and detailed carvings. The temple witnesses lots of visitors who come to pray and perform puja to the goddess with special regard during festivals such as Navratras when many festivities are celebrated.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
6. New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)
Photo: Rahul Pandit / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Temple, is situated in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The Birla family constructed this modern temple in 1931 and it is devoted to Lord Shiva as Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Infused with exquisite white marble construction, the architecture is enriched with sculptures and carvings. The temple premises radiate calmness and prevail for prayer and meditation. The New Vishwanath Temple is frequented by devotees and followers, especially during the festive seasons and other special occasions.
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
7. Bharat Mata Mandir
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons
The Bharat Mata Mandir in Varanasi is a one-of-a-kind temple that honours ‘Mother India’. Built in 1936 under the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, this temple is unique as there are no idols inside the temple; rather, there is a beautiful marble relief depicting the map of the undivided country of India. The temple illustrates the oneness and the diversity of India exuding the feeling of love for one’s country. The map beautifully promotes nationalism as it represents different landforms, rivers and mountain ranges spread over the country.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
8. Vishalakshi Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vishalakshi Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas temples dedicated to the worship of Goddess Vishalakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple holds an immense spiritual importance being one among the 51 such Shakti Peethas that exist in India. The temple features splendid architecture that has many intricate designs and exquisite statues. The devotees seek blessings for health, wealth, and spirituality, especially during festivals like Navratri. The tranquil atmosphere of the temple along with the presence of the goddess attracts a lot of devotees and visitors.
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 10 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
9. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple
Photo: rrdarvesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, situated in Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his avatar of Mrityunjaya. This historic temple is built close to the bank of the River Ganges and serves as an important place of worship for the followers. The temple has a peaceful interior filled with beautiful sculptures and a divine idol of Lord Shiva. Many people visit the temple to carry out the rituals and offer prayers, especially on festive days like Mahashivaratri. Its spiritual setting and association with Lord Shiva make the temple a vital component of the religious history of Varanasi.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
10. Kalbhairav Temple
Photo: Nabin K. Sapkota / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kalbhairav Temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva. Commonly known as the ‘Guardian of Varanasi’, this old temple is a prominent place of worship for residents and visitors alike. It also boasts of distinctive customs such as the offering of liquor for the deity, which is perceived to be an element of the worship. The stunning design and peaceful ambience attract many visitors to visit the temple in search of blessings for power and protection. Kalbhairav Temple draws many patrons during the Maha Shivaratri Festival, enhancing the religion’s sphere in Varanasi.
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 10 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Visiting Varanasi for a serene holy vacation is an amazing experience. Plan your visit to Uttar Pradesh today and visit the main temples in Varanasi. If you are a history lover, a devotee seeking blessings, a keen observer, a nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday, temples in Varanasi have something for everyone. Each place promises a unique experience and a holy time. Plan a trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
