Varanasi, being one of the sacred cities of the Hindus, has hundreds of temples scattered around the city. In fact, it is believed that all gods reside in the perimeter of Kashi. That is why, it has all the four dhams, the seven holy cities, the twelve jyotirlingas, the nine grahas, the fifty six Vinayakas, the eight Bhairavas, the nine Durgas and all others. The most prominent hindu temples of Varanasi are:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Lord Vishveshvara or Lord Vishwanath is the presiding deity of Kashi. It is his divine light, the luminosity which has been symbolised in the Jyotirlinga of Vishwanath. His Tarak Mantra liberates one who dies in Kashi. It is his blessings that draw millions of pilgrims from all over come to Kashi.
Pooja/Aarti Details: There are 5 aartis of Lord Vishwanath performed by priests on daily basis:
1. Mangla Aarti: 0300 AM- 0400 AM
2. Bhog Aarti: 1115 AM- 1220 PM
3. Sandhya Aarti: 0700 PM – 0815 PM
4. Shringar Aarti: 0900 PM – 1015 PM
5. Shayan Aarti: 1030 PM – 1100 PM
Restricted Items: Security arrangements do not allow any cell phones, camera, belts with metal buckle, cigerrette, lighters, etc. inside the temple.
How to Reach? This temple is situated in the middle of narrow lanes near Godaulia. From Railway Station/Bus Stand, take an auto rickshaw to Godaulia (approx. 4 kms) There are at least three narrow streets that approach towards the temple. Either one is suitable, but, the most famous one is known as Vishwanath Gali (street) which entry gate is in main Godaulia market, about 300 meters from the Godaulia crossing. From Godaulia, expect to walk for 1-2 kms before reaching the main temple. Dashashwamedh Ghat is situated at the end of the main market of Godaulia.
Sometimes auto rickshaws don’t ply unto Godaulia to avoid traffic jams and in that case, they left the passengers about 2 kms before Godaulia. From there, a cycle rickshaw is available or if comfortable, a person can walk upto the temple.
2. New Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, this temple is situated in the campus of Banaras Hindu University. The construction of this temple was started in 1930 and completed by 1964. Major financial support was provided by Raja Baldev Das Birla. Although the chief deity in this temples is Lord Mahadeva, but there are many small temples also with the other gods and goddesses like Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama, Maa Durga, Lord Ganesha, Maa Sarswati etc. Entire text of Bhagavad Gita and extracts from sacred Hindu scriptures are inscribed with illustrations on the inner marble walls of the temple.
How to Reach? After entering in the BHU campus from the main entrance near Lanka Market, go straight ahead and take the second right turn (approx. 500 meters from the main entrance) and move ahead for 1.5 kms to reach the temple. There are many auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws available near the BHU entrance.
3. Mata Annapurna Temple: No one ever starved to death in Kashi. This is the city of Mata Annapurna. She is the goddess of Plenteous Food. If Lord Visheshvara is the king of Kashi, then Maa Annapruna is the queen, reigning the city alongside the King. She is also considered as Goddess Bhawani and Goddess Parvati. There is no weapons in her hands, but she carries a cooking pot and a spoon. She is very generous in the nature and always a giver of life. It is believed that in Kashi, Lord Shiva and Mata Annapurna made an agreement: She would provide food and abundance in life and he would provide Moksha at the time of death.
How to Reach? The temple is situated near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, near the Vishwanath Gali. The entrances of both the temples are separated by few meters only.
4. Mata Sitala Temple: Mata Sitala is a revered goddess of Kashi. She is considered as the goddess of fever diseases like smallpox. She can outbreak as well as cool these diseases. People of Varanasi has a great respect towards the goddess Sitala and most of them visit this temple before marriage to give first marriage invitation card to the goddess.
How to Reach? The temple is situated adjacent to Dashashwamedh Ghat, 300 meters ahead of Vishwanath Gali.
5. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman has a very important place in the heart of the people of Kashi. Every Tuesday, thousands of devotee visit this temple to seek the blessing of Mahavir Hanuman.
How to Reach? The temple is situated near the Banaras Hindu University, 1 km from Lanka Market and 150 meters from the main Durga Kund-BHU Road.
6. Tulsi Manas Temple: It is believed that Goswami Tulsidas wrote his epic Ramcharit Manas at the same place, where this temple stands today. The temple was constructed in white marble, and it’s construction was funded by the Birla family. The temple walls are depicted with the verses and pictorial representation from Ramcharit Manas.
How to Reach? The temple is situated on the Durga Kund-BHU road, 250 meters south of Durga Kund, 4 kms from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. BHU is about 1.5 kms from the temple.
7. Durga Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the goddess of power. The temple sits on a large rectangular tank, knows as Durga Kund.
How to Reach? The temple is about 4 kms from Varanasi Cantt Railway station on the main road to Banaras Hindu University, just before Tulsi Manas Temple.
8. Kal Bhairav Temple: Lord Kal Bhairav is believed as the Kotwal of Kashi. Without his permission, no one can stay in the sacred circle of Kashi.
How to Reach? The temple is situated near Maidagin Park.
9. Newly Constructed Tridev Temple: It’s a newly constructed temple dedicated to Salasar Hanuman, Rani Sati Devi Khatu Shyam, three sacred deities of Rajasthan.
How to Reach? It is just a stone thrown away, on the opposite side of Tulsi Manas Temple on the main road to BHU.
10. Bharat Mata Temple: A very special temple in the premises of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth is dedicated to Mother India. A huge marble map of mother India is erected on the floor with details of relief features like the mountains and rivers.
How to Reach? It is inside the Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, opposite to Chandua Satti, a huge market for the vegetables. It is about 2 kms from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station.
