Best Temples in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India

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Best Temples in Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the
world, is a city deeply rooted in spirituality
and culture. Known as the spiritual capital of
India, Varanasi is home to numerous temples, each
with its own unique history, architecture, and
religious significance. These temples are not
just places of worship but also repositories of
the rich cultural heritage of India. In this
article, we will explore some of the most famous
temples in Varanasi that every visitor should
consider visiting.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Historical
Significance The Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most
revered temples in Hinduism. Located on the
western bank of the Ganges, the temple has been
destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the
current structure dating back to 1780, built by
the Maratha ruler, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. It
is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of
Shiva temples.
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Architectural Marvel The temple's architecture
is an impressive example of the Nagara style of
temple architecture, characterized by its tall
spires and intricate carvings. The gold-plated
spire and dome, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh
in 1839, add to the temple's grandeur, making it
a magnificent sight to behold. Rituals and
Festivities The temple is a hub of religious
activities, with rituals such as Rudrabhishek and
Maha Aarti being performed daily. The temple
also comes alive during festivals like
Mahashivratri, when thousands of devotees throng
the temple to seek the blessings of Lord
Shiva. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Legend and
Origin The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one
of the most visited temples in Varanasi,
dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It was established by
the renowned saint Tulsidas in the early 16th
century. The temple is believed to relieve
devotees of their troubles and fulfill their
wishes, which is why it is called 'Sankat
Mochan,' meaning the remover of obstacles.
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Devotional Practices Devotees flock to the
temple every Tuesday and Saturday to offer
prayers to Lord Hanuman. The temple is
especially crowded during Hanuman Jayanti, the
birthday of Lord Hanuman, when special rituals
and offerings are made. Annual Celebrations The
temple hosts an annual classical music and dance
concert known as the Sankat Mochan Sangeet
Samaroh, where renowned artists from across the
country come to perform. This event draws a
large number of visitors, adding a cultural
dimension to the temple's spiritual
significance. Durga Temple The Story Behind the
Temple The Durga Temple, also known as the
Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys
in the area, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Built
in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, the
temple is an excellent example of North Indian
Nagara style architecture. According to legend,
the statue of Goddess Durga here is not man-made
but appeared on its own.
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Unique Features The temple's red color
symbolizes the power and strength of the goddess.
The rectangular tank, known as the Durga Kund,
located adjacent to the temple, adds to its
serenity and is used for religious
rituals. Significance During Navratri Navratri,
the festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess
Durga, is celebrated with great fervor at this
temple. Devotees fast, offer prayers, and
participate in rituals during these nine days,
making it a spiritually enriching
experience. Tulsi Manas Mandir Connection to
Ramayana Tulsi Manas Mandir is a significant
temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that
this is the place where the poet-saint Tulsidas
wrote the epic Ramcharitmanas, which is a
retelling of the Ramayana in the local dialect.
This connection makes the temple an important
pilgrimage site for followers of Lord Rama.
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Intricate Inscriptions The walls of the temple
are adorned with verses and scenes from the
Ramcharitmanas, beautifully inscribed in Hindi.
These inscriptions make the temple not only a
place of worship but also a repository of
cultural and literary heritage. Spiritual
Atmosphere The temple's serene environment,
coupled with the chanting of Ramayana verses,
creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere,
drawing devotees and tourists alike who seek
solace and inspiration. New Vishwanath Temple
(Birla Mandir) Modern Architecture The New
Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is
located within the premises of Banaras Hindu
University (BHU). Unlike other ancient temples in
Varanasi, this temple was constructed in the
20th century by the Birla family. It is a modern
temple with an expansive structure made of white
marble and designed in the traditional style, but
with a contemporary touch.
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Role in Banaras Hindu University The temple is
not just a place of worship but also serves as a
symbol of the universitys commitment to
integrating spiritual values with education. The
serene environment of the temple provides a
perfect backdrop for students and visitors to
meditate and reflect. Cultural Importance The
New Vishwanath Temple holds cultural significance
as it brings together people from different
walks of life. It is a place where traditional
values meet modern ideals, making it a unique
temple in the spiritual landscape of
Varanasi. Annapurna Devi Mandir Goddess of
Nourishment The Annapurna Devi Mandir is
dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of
food and nourishment. The temple is situated
near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, emphasizing the
importance of physical sustenance along with
spiritual enlightenment in Hindu philosophy.
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Ritual Offerings and Worship Devotees offer food
to the goddess, which is then distributed as
prasad among the devotees. This practice
symbolizes the belief that no one in the city
should go hungry, reflecting the compassionate
nature of the goddess. Pilgrimage
Significance The temple is a must-visit for
pilgrims, especially during the festival of
Annakut, when the temple is beautifully
decorated, and a large variety of food items are
offered to the goddess. This festival highlights
the temples role in promoting the values of
sharing and community. Bharat Mata Mandir A
Temple Without Deities Bharat Mata Mandir is a
unique temple in Varanasi, dedicated not to a god
or goddess, but to Bharat Mata, or Mother India.
This temple, built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta,
houses a large relief map of India carved out of
marble, showcasing the countrys rivers,
mountains, and other geographical features.
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Map of India in Marble The map is a significant
attraction of the temple, offering a visual
representation of India's vast and diverse
landscape. This feature makes the temple a place
of national pride and a unique spot for visitors
who wish to connect with the geographical and
cultural unity of India. Nationalistic
Significance The temple was inaugurated by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, and it stands as a symbol
of India's independence movement and the unity
of the Indian people. The temples emphasis on
Mother India rather than religious deities makes
it a place of national importance, promoting a
sense of patriotism among its visitors. Kalbhaira
v Temple The Guardian of Varanasi The
Kalbhairav Temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairav,
the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva,
considered the protector of Varanasi. The temple
is highly revered by locals, who believe that no
one can stay in Varanasi without the permission
of Kal Bhairav.
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Ritual Practices Devotees offer black thread to
the deity, which is believed to protect them from
evil forces. The temple also witnesses a
significant number of devotees during the
Kalbhairav Ashtami festival, when special
rituals are performed to honor the deity. Unique
Offerings Unlike other temples where offerings
include flowers and sweets, at Kalbhairav Temple,
devotees often offer alcohol to the deity, which
is considered a symbol of the god's acceptance
of all forms of worship and the diverse nature of
devotion in Hinduism. Mrityunjay Mahadev
Temple Significance in Mythology The Mrityunjay
Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is
worshiped here in his form as the conqueror of
death. The temple is associated with the powerful
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is believed to
have the power to protect against untimely death
and bring health and long life. Healing
Powers The temple is also known for its sacred
well, which is believed to contain water with
healing properties. Devotees often drink or
bathe in this water to cure ailments, making it a
place of pilgrimage for those seeking physical
and spiritual healing. Architectural Beauty
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temples architecture is simple yet elegant, with
a large shivalinga at the center. The peaceful
ambiance of the temple, combined with its rich
history and spiritual significance, makes it a
place of deep reverence for devotees. Conclusion
Varanasi is not just a city it is a spiritual
experience. The temples of Varanasi are more than
just places of worship they are embodiments of
the citys rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
From the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the
modern New Vishwanath Temple, each temple has
its own unique story to tell. Visiting these
temples offers a glimpse into the soul of
Varanasi, a city where the divine and the earthly
coexist in harmony. Whether you are seeking
spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or
simply a sense of peace, the temples of Varanasi
provide a sanctuary for the soul. Each temple,
with its unique history, architecture, and
rituals, contributes to the citys reputation as
the spiritual heart of India. FAQs What is the
best time to visit Varanasi's temples? The best
time to visit Varanasi's temples is during the
cooler months from October to March. This period
also coincides with major festivals like Diwali
and Navratri, adding to the spiritual
experience. Are there any specific rituals one
should follow while visiting these temples? Yes,
it is customary to remove your shoes before
entering the temple and to dress modestly. Some
temples may have specific rituals, like offering
flowers or performing aarti, that visitors can
participate in. How accessible are these temples
for tourists? Most temples in Varanasi are
easily accessible by road. However, some may
require a short walk through narrow lanes. It is
advisable to check the accessibility beforehand,
especially for those with mobility issues. What
should I wear when visiting these
temples? Visitors should dress modestly,
covering their shoulders and knees. Wearing
traditional Indian attire like a saree or kurta
is recommended but not mandatory. Can I take
photographs inside the temples? Photography
rules vary by temple. While some temples allow
photography in the outer areas, many do not
permit it inside the sanctum sanctorum. It is
best to ask the temple authorities before taking
any pictures. Ashirwad Holidays Pvt Ltd
(SafarGenie) is recognized by Ministry of Tourism
Government of India
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