Most Famous Hindu Temples to Visit in Varanasi
8 Most Famous Hindu Temples to Visit in Varanasi
Shri Vishwanath Mandir Kashi Vishwanath Temple Durga Temple Bharat Mata Temple Dashashwamedh Ghat Manikarnika Ghat Assi Ghat Manmandir GhatShri Vishwanath Mandir, Varanasi
This is a favored destination for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is placed in the heart of the Varanasi in famous Banaras Hindu University. Holy River Ganga flows by its side. The majestic New Vishwanath Temple offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere where devotees can offer obeisance to Lord Shiva. The positive aura of the precincts of the temple and darshan of Jyotirlinga is energizing. This beautifully constructed nine temples beckon people of all religions to realize the oneness of God and understand the ideology of Hinduism. The New Vishwanath Temple integrates every element of the Hindu cosmos namely the good, and the evil.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
This renowned shrine is placed on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the main pilgrimage temples for Hindu devotees. It is one of 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of the Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanath meaning "the ruler of the universe". The temple has nearly 800 kg of gold plating on its tower. Camera, or mobile phones, are not allowed inside the temple and have to be deposited in lockers outside. A Holy Well is present within the temple complex called Jnana Vapi well where only Hindus are allowed to enter.
Durga Temple, Varanasi
Popularly known as Durga Kund Mandir or Monkey temple, this is a beautiful shrine in Varanasi. Built-in the 18th century, the temple is dedicated to Maa Durga. The legend goes that the idol of Maa Durga manifested on its own and was not created by any artisan. The beautiful edifice is built in a typical North Indian style of architecture. It is painted in bright hues of red and has a multi-tiered spire. A large number of monkeys roam here, but do not disturb the devotees. A rectangular pond known as Durga Kund is made at the right side of the temple. Millions of devotees pay obeisance during Navratras. The temple remains open throughout the year for the devotees.
Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi
Bharat Mata Mandir is a distinctive shrine. The temple does not have any deity. It is dedicated to our country, Mother India. Nestled in the Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus it is a unique temple that houses a big relief map of India made to scale. It is carved out of white Makrana marble. The temple stands on five big pillars starting from the bottom, but converging at the top. The five pillars represent the five elements of nature namely water, sky, earth, wind, and fire. The temple was built in 1936 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
This is one of the most popular and vibrant ghats In Varanasi. It is a religious spot for the devotees and pilgrims and is visited by hordes of tourists as well. The colorful ghat is bustling with flower sellers, boat owners, sadhus, guides, and massage practitioners. The atmosphere is charged with gaiety and devotion. Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and Agni Pooja are performed at 7:00 PM every evening at this scenic Ghat as bells ring, prayer ceremonies are performed with big fire aarti stands by priests. This oldest Ghat is placed close to the famous Vishwanath Temple at Bangali Tola at the bank of the River Ganga. Tourist can witness the captivating beautifully lit riverfront view.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi
This is the unique ‘Burning Ghat’ in Varanasi that symbolizes both the process of creation and destruction. It is considered to be the most auspicious place for Hindus to be cremated. big piles of Firewood including Chandan wood are stacked here. It is awe-inspiring to witness the hectic activity as preparations are done for funerals. There is a tank in the precincts of this Ghat known as Manikarnika well. CharanPaduka of Lord Vishnu set in marble is placed between the Well and the Ghat. The walls of the Kund are painted with vivid colors as folk art, depicting the presiding goddess, Manikarnika Devi, beckons the pilgrims to bathe and worship here. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Assi Ghat, Varanasi
The scenic Assi Ghat is a very famous tourist attraction in Varanasi. It is positioned at the confluence of both River Ganga and River Asi. There is huge Shiva Lingham nestled under the peepall tree, which holds immense religious significance. Tourists gather in huge numbers to enjoy the enthralling sunset and sunrise view of River Ganga from here. Assi Ghat is the heart of this holy city and is a popular spot for witnessing the spectacular Aarti with bells ringing amidst chanting of shlokas in the morning. It is the southernmost Ghat located near Banaras Hindu University, where yoga enthusiasts also do yoga. During winters many migratory birds can be seen here.
Manmandir Ghat, Varanasi
Also known as Someshwara Ghat, this sprawling ghat exhibits immense appealing environs. Positioned towards the north of Dashashwamedh Ghat on the western banks of River Ganga, it has a splendid palace with decorative window carvings and stone balconies. The historical Ghat was built by Raja Man Singh of Amer in the 16th century. An observatory known as Jantar Mantar is placed at the roof of the palace and attracts lots of tourists. You can have a captivating view of River Ganga in the evening and early morning and its surroundings from here. The Man Mandir Ghat is dotted with many Hindu temples such as Sthuladanta Vinayak Temple, Rameshwara Temple, and Someshwara Temple.
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