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Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is an ancient city located on the banks of the Ganges River in the Bhojpur-East regional region of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an extremely important pilgrimage site in Hinduism, and also a pilgrimage center for Buddhism and Jainism. In Hinduism, it is called "Avimukta Kshetra".
There are thousands of temples all over the city of Varanasi such as Bal Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple etc. But the real challenge for first-time visitors is: where to start?
So let us help you experience the true soul of Kashi with this excellent presentation of the top 10 paintings of Kashi that every first-time visitor must visit.
1. Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi – The Mysterious Court of Gods of Kashi
Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is an important religious site, considered as the "Kotwal" of Kashi. The theory is that no person can enter or reside in Kashi without the name of Kaal Bhairav. This temple is a spiritual shrine associated with power, protection and mystery, and is a must visit if you are visiting Kashi for the first time.
Who is Kaal Bhairav?
Kaal Bhairav is Lord Shiva in a fierce and protective form.
"Kaal" means time and death "Bhairav" means destroyer of fear He destroys evil, sin and negative forces and harms his devotees, removes evil eyes and provides protection from invisible fears.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple - A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
This temple has been situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganges for the last several thousand years. The main deity of the temple is known as Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara, which means Lord of the Universe. It is believed that one can attain salvation by visiting this temple once and taking a bath in the holy Ganges.
Why: This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered to be one of the most powerful temples of Lord Shiva.
Location: Vishwanath Gali near Dashashwamedh Ghat
Inclusions: Sea of fragrance shikhara and vibrant aartis
Best time to visit: Morning (Mangala Aarti at 4 am)
Local theory: "Visit to Kashi Vishwanath erases all sins, and attains salvation."
Tip: Carry valid ID; strict security checks. Use the Darshan Scallop to access the official app/web site.
3. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple - Remover of All Troubles Deity: Lord Hanuman
"Sankat Mochan" means "remover of all troubles," and this temple is famous for worshiping Lord Hanuman as the deity who removes the troubles and sorrows among devotees.
Built by Descendant: Goswami Tulsidas Ji (16th century)
Why: It is believed that praying here removes all 'Sankat'.
Special Rituals: Tuesdays and Saturdays, in Hinduism, are considered especially important days for worshipping Hanuman Ji. Worshipping Hanuman Ji on these days brings special fruits and removes negative energies and reduces the effects of planets and is also considered auspicious.
Don't Miss: The Lodh received as prasad is very coveted.
Devotees chant: "Sankat se Hanuman chhudave, man karma vachan dhyan jo laavae."
4. Durga Kund Temple - A famous Shakti Peeth of Varanasi
This temple was established in the 18th century by a Bailar queen and is believed to house the idol of Goddess Durga as self-manifested. There is a pond near the temple, called Durga Kund, and this temple is known for its architecture and historical significance.
Construction: 18th century by a Bengali queen
Location: Durgakund, Varanasi
Special Details: A catholic pond (kund) adjacent to the temple
Principle: Durga Maa here is self-manifested, and the temple is guarded by monkeys - hence it is known as "Monkey Temple".
Navaratri Celebration: Temples are anointed with lights, music and special rituals for 9 days, Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated to worship the nine principles of Goddess Durga. Navratri celebrations are celebrated by Hindus in India and around the world. It is an important festival that symbolizes reverence and devotion towards Goddess Durga.
5. Tulsi Manas Mandir - Where Ramayana was born
Tulsi Manas Mandir is a very famous temple among the modern temples of Kashi. This temple is at the end of Durga Mandir. This temple was said by Seth Ratan Lal Sureka. Made entirely of marble, the temple was inaugurated by the President of India His Excellency Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in 1964.
Important: This temple is located at the exact spot where Goswami Tulsidas wrote Ramacharitmanas.
Construction: 1964
Composition: Final components
Inside view: Verses from Ramacharitmanas are engraved on the walls of the entire temple.
Cultural advice: This temple is a "must visit" spiritual center for devotees of Ramayana, you get to know a lot of historical information when you visit here, so you must visit once.
6. Bharat Mata Mandir - A temple without any deity
This temple dedicated to Bharat Mata is in the premises of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.
It was built by Dr. Shivprasad Gupta and inaugurated by Gandhiji in 1936. There is no picture or idol of any deity in this temple but there is a three-dimensional geographical map of undivided India engraved on marble. Mountains, plateaus, rivers and seas are all depicted in this map, and it looks very amazing. Anyway, you can see this only when you come to Varanasi, if you come by train or bus then you will come to Varanasi Cantt from where its distance is only 800-1000 meters i.e. around 1km.
Speciality: No idol - instead, there is a marble map of undivided India.
Inaugurated by: Mahatma Gandhi in 1936
Constructed by: Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta
Why visit: This temple is a wonderful symbol of patriotism and unity - where India is worshipped.
7. Annapurna Devi Temple - Goddess of Food
This temple is located in Vishwanath Gali, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Maa Annapurna is considered to be the "presiding deity of food". It is believed that the sustenance of the world is possible only with the blessings of Maa Annapurna.
Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Goddess: Annapurna Devi - incarnation of Parvati
Belief: Whoever visits this temple never goes hungry in life.
Special Ritual: On Annapurna Jayanti, free food is distributed to thousands of devotees.
Adi Shankaracharya composed Annapurna Stotra in Annapurna Temple and wished to attain knowledge and detachment. Yatha.. Annapurne sadapurne Shankarpraan Vallabhe, Gyan Vairagya Siddhartham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati. Annapurna Temple has a provision of free food where visitors can take prasad and get a slip by donating according to their faith.
8. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Victory Over Death
The best time to visit Mahamrityunjay Temple is during the Sawan Mela from July to August, when the temple is rejuvenated. Mahamrityunjay Temple is one of the most popular tourist places in Varanasi. The Shivlinga located in the temple is worshipped as Mrityunjay Mahadev, and it is believed that a mere darshan of it liberates one from unnatural death.
Deity: Lord Shiva as "Maha Mrityunjay"
Location: Daranagar
Spiritual significance: It is said that the Mrityunjay Mantra chanted here prevents untimely death and cures diseases.
9. New Vishwanath Temple: Located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Completed in 1966, the temple has the tallest spire in the world, but this exquisite temple has nine other shrines in a single building and welcomes visitors from all religions, who are amazed at its grandeur, which uses symbolism to depict the values and beliefs of Hinduism. The new Vishwanath temple encompasses all aspects of Hinduism, including good, evil and humanity, emphasizing the importance of dharma, kama, artha, moksha and karma in our lives.
Built by: Birla family
Structure: Replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Why visit: Spacious, peaceful, less crowded - ideal for meditation and peace lovers
Photography tip: Photography is allowed here and - perfect for cool shots and reels.
10. Nepali Temple / Kathwala Temple - Mini Pashupatinath
The Nepali Temple located in Varanasi, also known as Kathwala Temple or Mini Pashupatinath, is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the King of Nepal in the 19th century and is a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
Mini Khajuraho: The wooden carvings of the temple resemble the temples of Khajuraho, due to which it is also called "Mini Khajuraho".
Near Lalita Ghat: It is 3.8 km south-east of Varanasi Junction and 100 meters south-west of Manikarnika Ghat.
Other Important Information: The temple is run by the Nepali community and is maintained by the Nepali government.
This temple is an excellent example of cultural relations between India and Nepal. This temple is one of the major tourist places in Varanasi.
Here are some tips for visiting Varanasi temples:
✅ While entering the temple, it is important to dress modestly. Women are advised to cover their head. Always dress conservatively (no shorts/sleeveless tops)
✅ While entering the temple, carry minimal luggage, as you may have to deposit your luggage due to security checks.
✅ Early morning is best for darshan and spiritual energy. Remove shoes before entering the temple.
✅ Respect local customs – do not click photos where prohibited.
✅ If you want to take a dip in the Ganges river, be careful, especially when the ghats are crowded.
✅ Carry some small change for donations, prasad and flowers
✅ Hire a local guide if possible to understand the stories behind each temple.
Conclusion: Temples of Varanasi – A Darshan
These temples of Kashi are not just a glimpse of God – they are sacred gateways that connect you to history, tradition and spirit, bringing peace to your soul.
The temples of Varanasi are famous for their intricate carvings, exquisite architecture and historical significance.
These temples are not only religious centers but also an integral part of the culture and heritage of Varanasi.
For bookings, tour inquiries, or customized travel plans between Varanasi and Ayodhya, feel free to reach out to us:
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