Temples

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi the temple was found in 1490. Kashi has seen the rule of many kings both famous and not so famous. Few of us know that it was also `ruled by Buddhists for some time. The city on the banks of Ganges has seen its share of slaughter and destruction. The temples were plundered time and again by the Mughals. The original temples were re-built, then destroyed and re-built. Mughal Emperor Akbar gave permission to build the original temple, which was later destroyed by Aurangazeb. The “ KASHI VISWANATH TEMPLE ” was last rebuilt and restored to its glory by the Queen of Indore, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. She took the initiative to restore the temple and also provided the funds for it. Aurangzeb had destroyed the temple and built a mosque in its place. It is believed that when the earth was created the first ray of light fell on Kash...Read more>>

New Vishwanath Temple

The New Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is also called the Birla temple as the famous industrialist family of India, the Birlas, constructed it. The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple. The temple is built in white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University. The most important characteristic of the new Vishwanath temple is that it is open to people from all castes and religions. The huge campus of New Vishwanath Temple is a delight to the eyes of visitor. The interior has a Siva lingam and verses from Hindu scriptures are inscribed on the walls. ...Read more>>

Sankat Mochan Temple

It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. “Sankat Mochan Temple” was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa, which is the greatest version of lord Ram story written in Avadhi ("Most of the people having confusion that Ramacharitamanasa is a avadhi version of Valmiki Ramayana but Ramacharitamanasa is different from Sanskrit Ramayana written by rishi Valmiki as Baba Tulsidas Ji already told in Ramacharitamanasa that "Nana bhanti Ram avatara, Ramayan sat koti apara" means in each Kalp lord Ram takes Avatar & plays different-2 lilas (Act) so we have different stories of same lord Ram").Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain the special favor of Lord Hanuman. Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of...Read more>>

Durga Mandir

“DURGA MANDIR” also known as “Durga Kund Mandir”, DURGA MANDIR and also monkey temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. DURGA MANDIR was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple.In adhyaya (chapter) 23 of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana, this temple's origin is explained. As per the text, Kashi Naresh (king of Varanasi) called for a Swayamvar for his daughter Sashikala's marriage. The King later learnt that the princess was in love wit...Read more>>

Tulsi Manas Mandir

“Tulsi Manas Mandir” is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism since the ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was originally written at this place by Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century (c.1532–1623). One of the famous Hindu epics, Ramayan was originally written in Sanskrit language by Sanskrit poet Valmiki between 500 and 100 BC. Being in Sanskrit language, this epic was not accessible to and understood by masses. In the 16th century, Goswami Tulsidas wrote the Ramayan in Awadhi dialect of Hindi language and the Awadhi version was called Ramcharitmanas (meaning Lake of the deeds of Rama).In 1964, the Birla family constructed a temple at the same place where Goswami Tulsidas wrote Ramc...Read more>>

Markandey Mahadev Temple

Markandey Mahadev temple is located at kaithi, Varanasi. Once, there were a couple named, Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati. They were devotees of Lord Shiva and have no child. They decided to do a ‘Tap’ and one day Lord Shiva became happy on that couple and came out before them. Lord Shiva asked them, do you want to have common son having a long life or an extraordinary son having a short life. The couple had requestd to Lord Shiva for the latter one. After sometime Marudvati had delivered a baby boy and named him “Markandey” (means son of the Mrikandu). He was extraordinary and God gifted child and became very intelligent being early in his childhood. He was always dedicated to the Lord Shiva and master of the Mahamritunjaya Mantra. When he had completed his 16, Yama (Lord of death) came on the earth to take him...Read more>>

Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and situated on the way from Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple. There is an ancient well which has much religious importance and it is believed that its water is curable to several diseases. The temple opens early in the morning at 4.00 am and closed late night at 12.00 pm. Arti timings are at 5.30 am, 6.30 pm and 11.30 pm. Exact location of the temple is: K52/39 (adjacent to the Kalbhairav temple), Daranagar Visheshwarganj, Varanasi. History of MRITYUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE: Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple in Varanasi is the very famous and glorious temple. This temple is the holy place of worship and belongs to the Lord Mahadev (Known as Lord Shiva by pilgrims). The history of this temple is all behind an ancient well and “The Shivling”. The meaning of the word Mrityunjay Mahadev is &ld...Read more>>

Sarangnath Temple

The temple is located on the Saarangnath Road in Saarangnath locality of Saarnath. This temple is believed to be an ancient one belonging to Shaivite Sect. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Stairs lead to the main entrance of the temple. There is a statue of Nandi near the entrance. The temple houses twin Shiva lingam in its sanctum and both the Shiva lingams are worshipped together here. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees during Shravan month (July-August) and on Shivaratri. This temple name is related to Saarang Muni (saint) who is brother of God Shiva's wife Parvathi. As per legend, during short stay of Shiva and Parvathi in Kasi, Saarang Muni visited this place to meet them. He liked this place very much that he decided to stay here at Saarnath. Lord Shiva promised him that he will visit his place in Shrav...Read more>>

Bharat Mata Temple

The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. ...Read more>>

Nepali Temple

The story of the NEPALI TEMPLE is interesting and takes us back to the time of 19th century. As the name suggests, NEPALI TEMPLE is built in Nepali style of architecture. Interesting thing is, NEPALI TEMPLE is one of the oldest Shiva Temples in Varanasi. Yes, Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this unique shrine. Once Rana Bahadur Shah, the King of Nepal took refuge in Varanasi. It was he who decided to build a Shiva Temple here which resembles the Pashupathinatha Temple in Kathmandu. Though the construction of this temple began during his exile, it took almost 30 years to get completed. The King Rana Bahadur Shah went back to Nepal during the construction stages and he was stabbed to death immediately after his return. Later, his son Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Dev completed the temple after 20 years. Nepali Mandir is made out of ...Read more>>

Batuk Bhairav Temple

Batuk Bhairav temple in Varanasi is popular tourist attraction and visited by thousands of devotees to spend sometime here. If tourists are interested in Varanasi temples and historical monuments then he/she should must visit this temple. ...Read more>>

Gauri Kedareshwar Temple

One of the busiest ghats on the Ganga, the Kedar Ghat can be identified by its red and white steps from a distance. Thousands come here each year to pay homage to the Gauri Kedareshwar temple. This can be reached via boat or through the narrow lanes of Bengali Tola. The temple is famous for a replica of the Kedarnath lingam of the Himalayan temple. The irregular humped shaped lingam in stone is encased within a copper railing. People only enter the temple after taking a bath in the Gauri Kund (pond) adjoining the river. ...Read more>>

Tridev Temple

Tridev temple is situated near Tulsi Manas Temple and it is dedicated to Salasar Hanuman, Rani Sati Dadi and Khatu Shyam all these deities have their own distinct temples at Salasar, Jhunjhunu and Khatu cities respectively in Rajasthan. The temple flooring and ceiling is made up of marble and modern architecture can be seen here. Decorative designs can be seen on the walls, floors and ceilings of this temple. The temple is worth watching in nights with full lights on. It feels like some festival is going on. Now have a sight of the three deities. ...Read more>>

Kardameshwara Mahadev Temple

Kardameshwar Mahadeva Temple is located at the outer-skirt of the city about 5–6 km from Banaras Hindu University Main Gate. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful pond. Kardameshwar Mahadeva Temple is situated in Kandwa. Kandwa is a census town in Varanasi district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Shiva's first steps in Varanasi were in Kandwa. ...Read more>>

Annapurna Devi Temple

Kashi is the most auspicious and precious place on the earth and also it is one of the oldest cities. It is perpetually and continuously in existence on the earth with many kinds of living beings from the origin it self. People especially visit Kashi from all over India and abroad to have darsan of lord Viswanadha and goddess Annapurna Devi. ANNAPURNA DEVI: ANNAPURNA DEVI - Annapurna Devi referred to as Bhavani Devi by people. KASHI KHAND: kashi khand States that devotees should circulate bhavani [Annapurna] 108 times in Chaitra month,shukla paksha Ashtami. By doing this the devotees would derive the benefit of Circumambulating all the mountains,seas,divine ashrams, all Is lands and the entire world. Devotees should circumambulate this deity eight times daily and Worship Annapurna. If devotees face any sort of hardship in kash...Read more>>

Kaal Ratri Temple

When the evil demon Durgasur was to be killed, Kalratri was sent by Goddess as her special emissary. Kalratri created havoc by her exhalation which resulted in huge fire balls destroying the demon’s army. (Details given under Durga Devi). After slaying the demon and taking the form of Durga Devi, Kashi Khand states that Durga Devi guards Kashi in form of various Shaktis/Devis at various places in Kashi. Kalratri is one of them. Maa Durga’s seventh form is Kalratri. Her body is pitch black just like darkness. Her hair is in disorder. She has garland around her neck which shines like lightning. She has 3 eyes which are round like the universe and give out lightning rays continuously. She exhales fire flames continuously through her nose. Her vehicle is a donkey. Her upper right hand grants blessings...Read more>>

Vishalakshi Temple

Vishalakshi Temple is dedicated to the Vishalakshi Maa (means wide eyed Devi) or the Goddess Parvati, the consort of the Lord Shiva. Vishalakshi Temple is also known as the Vishalakshi Gauri Temple. It is a most famous Hindu temple located at the Meer Ghat on the bank of the holy River Gange in the Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Vishalakshi Temple is considered as a Shakti Pitha, the most holy temples devoted to the Hindu Divine Mother, Adi Shakti. History of the VISHALAKSHI TEMPLE: It is considered that the earrings or eyes of the Mata Sati have fallen in the Varanasi at this sacred spot. Kajali Tij, the most important Hindu festival for the Indian women, is celebrated at the Vishalakshi Temple very happily. This festival is held at the third day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August) during fortnight. Sati was the daugh...Read more>>

Alamgir Mosque & Trailinga Swamiâ€™s Ashram

The Holy Places in Varanasi comprises of not just temples but some mosques as well and of them one of the most important and beautiful ones is the Alamgir Mosque. It also has the distinction of being Varanasi’s largest river side structure. History of the Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi It is believed that at the spot where the Alamgir Mosque now stands there once stood a Vishnu Temple. Built by a Maratha chieftain Beni Madhav Rao Scindhia in the 17th century this was one of the city’s biggest temples extending from Panchganga Ghat to Ram Ghat. Unfortunately however within a few decades after it was built, it was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and in its place came up the Alamgir Mosque. The mosque which was built in its stead is also no doubt a very impressive structure. It happens to be referred to by the name of B...Read more>>

Bindu Madhav Temple

On January 22nd we will celebrate the Maha Samadhi of Trailinga Swami, a great yogi and an important figure in the Devi Mandir tradition. To honor the birth of such a great soul into the world, we will be publishing a series of Trailinga Swami stories, told by Shree Maa in Bengali and translated into English by our beloved Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Trailinga Swami, also spelled as Trailanga Swami, was an Indian Saint from Banares who was recognized as an Avadhuta, a great Saint, by Ramakrishna, Yogananda, and other Saints of his time. Trailinga Swami underwent tremendous sadhana for over 250 years and attained to the greatest heights of spiritual knowledge. Even during his life many people met him and realized him to be an incarnation of Shiva. Both Shree Maa and Swamiji have the greatest respect for Trailinga Swami. Maa keeps ...Read more>>

Shool Tankeshwar Temple

According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there were 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. Near Prayag Teerth one can find Shool Tankeshwar Ling. A devotee who takes bath religiously in Prayag Teerth and worships Shool Tankeshwar, will attain the benefits equivalent to hundred times the benefits which would have accrued to him, had he taken bath in Prayag (Sangam – Allahabad). Besides, the devotees will find all r...Read more>>

Rameshwar Temple

It is believed that a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without a visit to Rameshwaram. Visit to this holy pilgrim centre will lead to Moksha / Salvation. Rameshwaram is located approximately 180 kms from Madurai and 3 hours drive. The temple is surrounded by roads on all four sides. The roads are called North car street and south car street and no vehicles are allowed on these car streets. Dharmashalas/Chatrams are available near the temple at very nominal rates. The temple is very majestic and it is an architectural marvel. The presiding deity is Linga of Ramanath. According to legend, Lord Rama after killing Ravana, to expiate the dosha worshipped Shiva. There are 22 sacred tirtha wells surrounding the temple. It is customary to have Spatika Linga Darshana first. Darshana timing is morning 5 to 6 am. The snana ghat in front o...Read more>>

Dhundi Vinayak

After Vinayak paved the way for his father, Lord Shiva made a grand entry into Kashi. Lord Shiva praised Vinayak for his deeds. The latter was called Dhundhi Vinayak. All devotees who come to worship Lord Shiva in Visweshwar temple will necessarily have to come across Dhundhi Vinayak as it is the entry point and they will worship him first. A person who worships Dhundhi Vinayak daily in the morning will find all his obstacles removed. A person who merely takes the name of Dhundhi Vinayak with full devotion will be blessed with all kinds of happiness. Devotees should worship Dhundhi Vinayak on all Tuesdays. More importance is attached to Tuesdays coinciding with Chaturthi (fourth day after Amavasya or Poornima). A person who performs pooja of Dhundhi Vinayak in the month of Magha, Chaturthi after Amavasya will be blessed by God. ...Read more>>

Kaal Bhairav Temple

à¤µà¤¾à¤°à¤¾à¤£à¤¸à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤‚ à¤à¥ˆà¤°à¤µ: à¤¦à¥‡à¤µ: à¤¸à¤‚à¤¸à¤¾à¤° à¤à¤¯à¤¨à¤¾à¤¶à¤¨à¤®à¥à¥¤ à¤…à¤¨à¥‡à¤• à¤œà¤¨à¥à¤® à¤•à¥ƒà¤¤ à¤ªà¤¾à¤ªà¤‚ à¤¦à¤°à¥à¤¶à¤¨à¥‡à¤¨ à¤µà¤¿à¤¨à¤¶à¥à¤¯à¤¤à¤¿à¥¤à¥¤ Bhairav Dev of Varanasi make individuals fearless of the fear of the world, and the sins committed during various births, get washed away just by pilgrimage. Due to their pilgrim-worship, disease and sins are eradicated. Sorrows and problems are removed; people get peace and prosperity and achieve happiness and eternal satisfaction. Kaal Bhairav: It is known as the most ancient temple of Varanasi located near the VishesharGanj. ...Read more>>

Kaudi Mata Temple

A visit to Kashi is incomplete without a visit to the Chozhi Mata Temple. This temple is known by various names such as Chozhi or Cowrie Mata, and Gauri Mata temple, and the name owes its origin to the cowries or shells which are thrown to the goddess as offering. The goddess her is considered to be a sister of Shiva. According to legend, Shiva sister had her temple within the ancient temple complex. However, when she saw thousands of common people touch and hug her brother while praying, she became jealous and tried to stop this practice. At this, Shiva became angry. “He was at Kashi so that the common people could pray to him the way they liked” He said, and as punishment, banished her, and sent her out of the temple. She repented and prayed to Shiva for mercy, and finally he relented. He could not take back the curse, bu...Read more>>

Sakshi Vinayaka Temple

Close to Annapurna Temple is the temple Sakshi Vinayaka or the "witness-bearing Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka”. Though the idol of Lord Ganesh on the plinth is grand but strictly in architectural terms, it cannot be termed as temple. On the road between these two temples is a red glaring figure of Lord Ganesh, with silver hands, trunk, feet, ears, and poll, squatting down on the floor, which is raised a little above the pathway. Pilgrims, on completing the journey of the Panchkosi road (Panchkosi Parikarama), must pay a visit to this shrine, in order that the fact of their pilgrimage may be verified. Panchkosi Parikrama is the 10 miles circumambulation of the temples in Kashi. Should they neglect to do this, all their pilgrimage would be without merit or profit. The temple is in a square and was erected by a Maratha Peshwa in 18th c...Read more>>

Chintamani Ganapati Temple

The Chintamani Ganapathy temple is very near the Kedareshwar temple, and is another important temple of lord Ganesh. ...Read more>>

Bada Ganesh Temple

BADA GANESH TEMPLE, in Varanasi. very famous temple of Lord Ganesha and one of the oldest temple with its import architecture. ...Read more>>

Durg Vinayak

à¤µà¤•à¥à¤°à¤¤à¥à¤£à¥à¤¡ à¤®à¤¹à¤¾à¤•à¤¾à¤¯ à¤¸à¥‚à¤°à¥à¤¯à¤•à¥‹à¤Ÿà¤¿ à¤¸à¤®à¤ªà¥à¤°à¤ à¥¤ à¤¨à¤¿à¤°à¥à¤µà¤¿à¤˜à¥à¤¨à¤®à¥ à¤•à¥à¤°à¥ à¤®à¥‡ à¤¦à¥‡à¤µ à¤¸à¤°à¥à¤µ à¤•à¤¾à¤°à¥à¤¯à¥‡à¤·à¥ à¤¸à¤°à¥à¤µà¤¦à¤¾à¥¥ I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform. à¤…à¤—à¤œà¤¾à¤¨à¤¨ à¤ªà¤¦à¥à¤®à¤¾à¤°à¥à¤•à¤‚ à¤—à¤œà¤¾à¤¨à¤¨à¤‚ à¤…à¤¹à¤°à¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¶à¤®à¥ à¥¤ à¤…à�...Read more>>