10 Must-Visit Temples in Varanasi: Timings and How to Reach There
Varanasi, also commonly recognised as India’s spiritual heart is a historic city on the banks of the holy Ganges River. It is very well-known and popular for its rich culture, old temples, and spiritual enlightenment. Varanasi has always been a hub of spiritual and cultural significance because of the rites, ceremonies, and soul-cleansing experiences offered by the sacred Ganges waters. Renowned for its magnificent historic temples that attract pilgrims and visitors around the different parts of the world looking for spiritual enlightenment and rich cultural experience, Varanasi has been the epicentre of all spiritual activities around India. This holy city’s temples each provide a different window into the majestic web of Indian mythology, building design, and religious customs.
Here is the list of the most popular top 10 temples in Varanasi that you should not miss while you are in Varanasi :
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple or the Golden Temple is one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the holiest temples in Varanasi devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated in the centre of the city which draws a large number of pilgrims and visitors looking for spiritual comfort and experiencing positive vibrations. The temple is well known for its astonishing carvings, magnificent architecture, and strong spiritual aura. It is said that people who visit this temple are granted salvation (moksha) and have their sins cleansed away.
Timings of Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open from 3:00 AM to 11 PM, with separate hours set for prayers, Aarti and Rudrabhishek.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple: You can reach Varanasi by Flight, Train, or by Bus or Car/Cab. Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport or Babatpur Airport (VNS) is 30 km from the Temple. Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main Railway Station at 5 Km from Temple. You can take a Cab/Auto to Gaudauliya Chauraha from the Junction and from there take an auto rickshaw to reach the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dedicated to lord Hanuman is a very prominent religious spot in Varanasi renowned for its soothing atmosphere and strong spiritual aura. This temple is close to Assi Ghat and is an important place for believers looking for blessings to face challenges head-on and ignite bravery. The temple is a great place to pray and meditate because of its peaceful surroundings. Throughout the day many devotees come to worship and take part in the evening aarti that calls out strong heavenly blessings.
Timings of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: The temple is open every day from 4:30 AM to noon and then reopens at 3 PM. On Tuesday and Saturday, the temple remains open until midnight. On all other days, it closes at 10:30 PM.
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi: You can take an autorickshaw or taxi from anywhere in Varanasi to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and transport facilities are easily available.
3. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
The Durga Temple in Varanasi also known as Durga Kund which is devoted to Goddess Durga is a popular temple that was constructed in the 18th century by Bengali Maharani. The temple is situated next to Durga Kund which is a serene pond and is well-known for its majestic design and bright red hue. During the Navratri festival when devotees gather here in the temple to seek the goddess’ blessings for strength and protection that becomes a heavenly view to experience. The peaceful surroundings of the temple offer an ideal environment for meditation and prayer.
Timings of Durga Temple (Durga Kund): Durga Temple (Durga Kund) is open from 05:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm all days in week.
How to Reach Durga Temple (Durga Kund): From Varanasi Cant railway station you can take an auto to reach the Durga Temple.
4. Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple in Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Rama and is very important for Hindus both religiously and culturally. In the 1960s a rich merchant of Kolkata, Ratanlal Sureka, purchased the garden area of Bhinga Raj and built the Satyanarayana Tulasi Manas Mandir in 1964. The walls of the temple bear the name Tulsidas the poet-saint who wrote the epic Ramcharitmanas here and it is decorated with passages and images from the Ramayana. It provides a calm setting for prayer and meditation providing a peaceful natural environment to both devotees and guests.
Timings of Tulsi Manas Temple: The temple is open all day, Morning Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM · Evening Hours: 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
How to Reach Tulsi Manas Temple: From Varanasi Cant railway station one can take an auto to Durga Kund to reach the Tulsi Manas Temple.
5. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
The New Vishwanath Temple inside the BHU campus also known as Birla Mandir is a modern architectural wonder in Varanasi devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple was built by the Birla family in the year 1966 making it famous for its detailed sculptures and peaceful atmosphere, drawing both pilgrims and visitors. The temple complex’s spiritual importance is increased by the addition of smaller shrines devoted to different deities.
Timings of New Vishwanath Temple (BHU): It is open during the day with varying intervals so that guests can pray and enjoy the surroundings of one of the peaceful BHU campuses.
How to Reach New Vishwanath Temple (BHU): Autorickshaws and taxis may take you from the city centre to Banaras Hindu University (BHU). From there, Rickshaw/Tuktuk runs inside the BHU Campus that will take you to VT for Rs 10/Person.
6. Bharat Mata Temple
The Bharat Mata Temple in Varanasi is known for its unique shrine dedicated not to any particular deity, but to Mother India or Bharat Mata. This temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. This temple is very different from others unlike other temples it has a large marble relief map of a united India which signifies unity and patriotism. The country’s geographical variety is shown inside the temple through mountains, plains, and seas on the map. Those who are interested in India’s rich culture and historical legacy should visit this temple. Offering a unique spiritual experience, the Bharat Mata Temple honours the variety and character of the country and its distinctive emphasis on national unity.
Timings of Bharat Mata Temple: Bharat Mata Temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 01:00 pm to 07:00 pm all days a week.
How to Reach Bharat Mata Temple: The temple is located next to the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus and is easily reachable via taxi or autorickshaw.
7. Kaal Bhairav Temple
The Kaal Bhairav Temple of Varanasi is considered one of the oldest and most powerful temples located in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Bhairav which is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva according to Indian Mythology. This temple has beautifully elaborated carvings and patterns constructed using a combination of art styles from ancient North Indian architectural traditions. This god is said to be the protector of the city of Varanasi and finishes off every evil. As part of the ancient rites, devotees donate wine to the deity here to get blessings for safety and well-being.
Timings of Kaal Bhairav Temple: The temple is open on all days: 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM and 03:30 PM to 10:00 PM
How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple: You can easily get an auto rickshaw from Varanasi Junction to Maidagin Chauraha or Kaal Bhairav Temple.
8. Annapurna Temple
Goddess Annapurna known as the goddess of food and nourishment is worshipped in the Annapurna Temple of Varanasi located near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This temple is well known for its typical North Indian architectural design that includes beautiful carvings and a calm ambience. According to devotees praying here guarantees both prosperity and access to food. The temple is filled with the aroma of burning incense and the sound of fervent prayers from inside and the statue of Goddess Annapurna is beautifully decorated. Devotees are free to visit the temple whenever it is convenient for them because it is open all day.
Timings of Annapurna Temple: The most Captivating period is to see the aarti rites here that are done in the morning. Temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and in the evening, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
How to Reach Annapurna Temple: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Annapurna Temple are adjacent to each other so you can reach there just by walking after you visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
9. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple
Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple located in Varanasi is a temple devoted to lord Shiva In this Temple Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Mrityunjay (conqueror of death) form. The temple has a beautiful atmosphere and exciting architectural characteristics such as a gorgeously decorated Shiva lingam. according to devotees Prayers performed here can prevent illness and promote long life and health. An old well (sometimes referred to as a koop) may be seen on the temple’s grounds. This well’s water offers medicinal properties for people. It is believed to include a combination of multiple underground water streams and to possess miraculous healing powers for a variety of ailments. The famed “Dhanvantari” (the father of Ayurveda) is said to have dumped all of his medicine in the well, which is why the water from this well is holy and has healing properties that may treat a variety of illnesses. The serene environment of the temple provides a perfect surrounding for introspection and meditation.
Timings of Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: The temple is open all day from 4:30 AM To 11:30 PM.
How to Reach Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: Situated close to the Kaal Bhairav Temple at a distance of 500 metres, You can easily walk to this Temple after offering Prayers in Kaal Bhairav Temple
10. Kedar Ghat temple
Situated beside the Ganges River the Kedar Ghat Temple of Varanasi is devoted to Lord Shiva. Travellers and devotees like it for its breathtaking architecture and vibrant atmosphere around the temple. The temple’s temptation is enhanced by its rich cultural views of the city and the river.
Timings of Kedar Ghat temple: It is open all days from 04:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
How to Reach Kedar Ghat Temple: You may walk down the ghats or take a boat from the other ghats to reach the Kedar Ghat.
