🛕 Top 12 Temples to Visit in Varanasi: A Spiritual Trail Through the Holy City
“Kashi is not just a city; it’s an emotion wrapped in faith, legends, and thousands of temples.”
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, is rightly called the spiritual capital of India. Home to over 2,000 temples, the city radiates divine energy at every corner. From sacred jyotirlingas to ancient shrines dedicated to every major Hindu deity, here are the top temples to visit in Varanasi for a soul-stirring journey.
🪔 1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Deity: Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
- Why visit: The holiest of Shiva temples and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
- Tip: Visit early morning (4–6 AM) for peaceful darshan.
✅ Include in: Kashi Darshan Tour → [Book Now]
🌸 2. Annapurna Devi Temple
- Deity: Goddess Annapurna (goddess of food)
- Why visit: Just a few steps from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this temple honors the goddess who nourishes the world. Devotees believe a visit ensures abundance and no scarcity.
🙏 3. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Deity: Lord Hanuman
- Why visit: A powerful temple where Tuesday and Saturday aartis are attended by thousands. Devotees believe that problems ("Sankat") are removed here.
- Note: Beware of monkeys, and don’t carry food inside.
🌿 4. Tulsi Manas Mandir
- Deity: Lord Rama
- Why visit: Built at the site where Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas, this marble temple has epic verses engraved on its walls.
🕉️ 5. Durga Kund Temple
- Deity: Goddess Durga
- Why visit: Famous for its striking red structure and sacred kund (pond). Legend says the idol appeared on its own (swayambhu).
- Ideal during Navratri and other Durga festivals.
🛕 6. Bharat Mata Temple
- Unique Feature: No deity—this temple is dedicated to Mother India and has a relief map of the Indian subcontinent carved in marble.
- Built by: Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta during India’s independence movement.
🔔 7. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
- Also known as: Birla Mandir
- Why visit: A replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath, located inside Banaras Hindu University. Serene, spacious, and clean.
🧘 8. Kal Bhairav Temple
- Deity: Kal Bhairav (the "Kotwal" or guardian of Kashi)
- Why visit: Locals believe entry into Kashi is incomplete without visiting this fierce form of Shiva. Often visited before any major spiritual journey in the city.
🪔 9. Tridev Temple
- Deity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (The Hindu Trinity)
- Why visit: A beautiful lesser-known temple that symbolizes cosmic balance. Perfect for those seeking deeper philosophical understanding.
🐂 10. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple
- Deity: Lord Shiva as "Conqueror of Death"
- Why visit: Believed to protect devotees from untimely death and illness. Often visited by those undergoing healing.
🌼 11. Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Deity: Shiva
- Why visit: It is said that the Shivling here increases in size every year. Highly spiritual atmosphere.
🏯 12. Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
- Built by: King of Nepal
- Architecture: Intricately carved in wood in the style of Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu.
- Located near Lalita Ghat—peaceful and photogenic.
🧭 Suggested Temple Tour Routes
⚡ Quick 1-Day Darshan Trail:
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Annapurna Devi
- Kal Bhairav
- Sankat Mochan
- Tulsi Manas
✨ Spiritual Immersion (2-Day Trail):
- Day 1: All the above + Durga Kund + Tridev Temple
- Day 2: Sarnath + Mrityunjay + Nepali Temple + BHU temple
✅ Try our 2-Day Spiritual Temple Tour → [Reserve Your Dates]
🧳 Planning Tips for Temple Visits
- Dress modestly
- Carry ID proof (required at Kashi Vishwanath)
- Don’t carry leather items or mobile phones inside certain temples
- Most temples open by 5 AM and close around 9–10 PM
- Visit during Sawan (July–Aug) or Mahashivratri for special experiences