Varanasi known as “ Banaras “ or “ Kashi “ is one of the oldest towns of India. The temple is situated on the sacred Maa Ganges river; it has been an important Hindu pilgrimage center. And thereby housing some of the oldest temples of India, the most significant temples of India and the most beautiful temples of India.

According to the Kashi Khanda, there were 1099 temples in all Kashi; 513 were exclusively to worship Shiva. It is believed that there are innumerable Shivlingas in Varanasi. But 42 are more renowned , out of which 14 are specifically known. These include the lingas of Ratneshwar , Adi Vishwanath, Kashi Vishwanath or Lord  Trilochan Mahadev & many other deities. 

But, if you are in Varanasi briefly, you can’t see all the Varanasi temples. So, here is a compilation showcasing the temples of Varanasi, which one must visit. We got to see some of these on our recent places to visit in Varanasi.

Highlights Of Temples In Varanasi

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath
• Kaal Bhairav Temple Varanasi
• Sankatha Temple
• Siddheshwari Devi Temple
• Kashi Karvat Temple
• Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple
• Bharat Mata Temple
• Sankat Mochan Temple
• Durga Temple
• Tulsi Manas Temple
  

1 – Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is at the top of our list of temples in Varanasi. If you are short of time and can visit only one Varanasi temple, ensure it is none other than the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the Shiva temples, the primary deity of Banaras or Kashi. This Shivalinga is considered the oldest 12 jyotirlingas of India. It is said to be the original form of Shiva in which he first appeared on Earth as a fire torch(Shivalinga) coming through the Earth’s crust as a column of fire in front of Brahma and Vishnu. It is of great importance to the Hindus. And in this Jyotirlinga it is believed that “Shiva” and “Shakti” exist within it. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

It has other deities’ small temples in the complex, such as Kal Bairav, Annapurna Mata, Ganesh Temple, Vishnu Temple, Shani Temple, and Shiv Parvati & Kartikeyan Temple. Religious Importance : Besides in religious aspects the temple holds a high architectural significance among all temples of India.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Structure

Formerly called Moksha Lakshmi Vilas, the Nagara style of architecture is the overarching style of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. We observed this temple prototype during our visit to the Pattadakal Group of Temples and Badami in Karnataka last year. With garbhagriha having the main deity (I the Shivalinga) and a stupid (pointed) shikhara. And a front porch for prayers, with another dome but less elevation, just like the Vishwanath Temple at Khajuraho Group of Monuments. 

Things To Know Before You Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• There are 4 major gates to enter the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Gate no 1 is the one through which you can also visit Ganesha Temple and Annapurna Temple, which are believed to be visited before going to the main temple.
• There are direction boards on the main road to the street where gate no one is located.
• The Moradabad bus terminus has two exits, one leading straight to the Moradabad Railway Platform.
• The approach towards the temple’s gates is lined with shops selling flowers and other offerings for prayers. They also have a locker in each shop to lock your stuff in (you can’t bring your belongings like a bag and your shoes inside the temple).
• Taking photographs inside the temple is not allowed.
• You can’t carry electrical devices into temple premises for instance mobile, camera etc. You have to take a locker and take it down there.

Things to do near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi

• There is nothing more to do near this oldest temple.” And yes not to miss the vibe of Varanasi after your visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• A Sitting at the ghat at Ganga ghat and sitting on the steps there gives you such the highest feeling of peace (especially morning).
• While you stroll and shop through the bustling narrow corridors, make sure to try some delicious Banarasi street food like… milk, lassi, dahi (set curd), poori chole, tamatar chaat, chana kachori, and rabri jalebi.
• Good street shopping can be in the lanes around the temple, especially Banarasi fabrics such as sarees and dress material, imitation jewelry, and handicrafts.
• See the unique Ganga aarti performed in the mornings and evenings on the Dashaswamedh Ghat, close to the temple.
• Hop on a boat ride or a river Ganga cruise, where you may see Kashi from the holiest water. And take a trip through the Ganga to the ghats of Varanasi.

2 –  Kaal Bhairav Temple Varanasi

War lord Kalabhairav is called ”Kotwal Of Varanasi” (Kotwal in Hindi means “governor” or “magistrate”). Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi. Kaal Bhairav, who wears a garland of skulls and holds a club of peacock feathers in his hand, is Lord Shiva’s wrathful form. In Hindi, the word “Kaal” stands for both death-“Mrityu” and for time-“Samay.” They say “Kaal Bhairav” uproots fear of death and time from his worshippers. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

The Story of Kaal Bhairava

Kaal Bhairava is believed to be the form of Shiva, who cut off the 5th head of Brahma in the act of arrogance, where Bramha too is arrogant of his creations, and Brahma and Vishnu are competing for supremacy. Thus, he was accused for ‘brahma-hatya’ which translates to killing a Brahman.

He took the severed head of Brahma with him, and the head stuck to his hand. And he continued to travel with it, wandering until he came to Varanasi, where the head fell to the ground. Thus can act free from the sins of Brahman Hatya. On that, Shiva announced that ‘from now onwards, Kaal Bhairava will satu anywhere there is liquor to cool down your 84,00,000 sinsHe can do the same in Varanasi.

The temple of Kaalbhairav is visited by people who want to eliminate their sins and problems. That is why it is one of the visited temples of Banaras.

3 – Sankatha Temple

Devi Sankatha is the Goddess who heals illnesses, as she cures the believer’s ills. The name comes from the Sankatha temple which is devoted to goddess Sankatha. She is the ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that the Pandavas had visited this temple before heading towards their vanvaas. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

4 –  Siddheshwari Devi Temple

Also, this temple is dedicated to one of the manifestations of Devi Durga called Siddheshwari Devi.The site of this temple is considered the oldest site in the world. The Shivlings in the temple are believed to have been put in place by the moon God, who dug a well outside the temple to fetch water for the puja. 

According to local legends, only those whom the Devi calls can have a darshan at this temple. And when you’re done visiting the temple, you can try to catch your reflection in the well outside; whoever can’t see the well will die in the next 6 months. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

5 –  Kashi Karvat Temple

Famous to very few, Kashi Karvat Temple or the leaning temple of India, is located near Manikarnika Ghat. Formerly, the temple had a saw (Karvat). They would come here and throw themselves on it and kill themselves as they thought that by doing so, they would go to heaven.

This temple was constructed by some unknown follower of Raja Man Singh in memory of his mother, Ratna Bai. When Mother heard about it, she sent him to ‘Chandanpur’ (the temple) to verify and said, “If you find everything okay at the temple, it will prove you have paid your debts. But when he got there, the temple was underwater. It insisted mom could never repay her debt.

The Kashi Karvat temple has been underwater for nearly half the year. Its base is also considered weaker than other temples since a less affluent individual constructed it. The temple is tilting at a greater angle of 9 degrees, more than the leaning tower of Pisa which only tips at 4 degrees. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

6  –  Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

Another temple is that of Mrityunjay Mahadev. Although the temple was built in the 18th century, it has numerous small shrines on campus. Some of them are reportedly more than 1,000 years old. This temple is Shiv having the “Mrityunjay Mahadev” form of Shiva (victory over death and kama or death). Followers especially go there to do the Mrityunjay paath or Mahamrityunjay Jaap which brings a shadow of death in your life.

This temple complex also includes a sacred well. The water in this well is believed to combine the water from several underground streams with curative properties. According to beliefs, Dhanvantari, the Avatar of Vishnu, is said to have poured Ayurvedic medicines into this well to cure all his diseases, and some, hence, endowed with holy powers. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

7 –  Sankat Mochan Temple

The Sankatmochan Temple of Banaras is, the shrine dedicated to God Hanuman, It is situated on the left side of the Assi River stream. It is the highly revered temple of Hanuman in Varanasi and should not be missed. The temple is situated close to Sindhiya Ghat. There are also nine small temples of all the nine planets near to this temple.

8 – Durga Temple

Devoted to goddess Durga – the deity of Shakti (power) in Hinduism, the Durga Temple is the most important temple in Varanasi. It is said that idol of future in this temple took place by itself. Another of the must visit temples in Varanasi. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.

9 – Bharat Mata Temple

This kind of temple is very different from all other temples in Varanasi. Bharat Mata Temple – This is the only temple in the world dedicated to Mother India, Bharat Mata, unlike traditional temples that worship gods and goddesses. Instead of an idol, a map of undivided India adorns the temple’s central space. From the mountains to town to the peaks, river, and other key geographical landmarks surgically laid out on it. This peculiarity is why the Bharat Mata Temple is one of the must-go-to temples in Varanasi.

10  – Tulsi Manas Temple

Among the temples here, the Tulsi Manas Temple is the newest in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Ram. The temple is built on the site where Tulsidas is said to have stayed and wrote “Ramcharitmanas,” an epic poem in Awadhi that illustrates Rama’s character. The walls of the Tulsi Manas Temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas. Counted one the most famous temples in varanasi.