India is home to various cities and towns with a deep history and rich cultural heritage, Varanasi being one of them. “Temples in Varanasi” are the ones that come to mind when discussing culture, heritage, and history, especially for Hindus. Many consider Varanasi to be India’s most diverse and oldest city, with an abundant influx of people, including locals and tourists and devotees.

From ghats and foods to Banarasi sarees, Varanasi is where you must visit to taste the real India. However, the main thing you shouldn’t miss is the temples in Varanasi which have a holy, unique aura about them. Go through must visit temples in Varanasi list, so you don’t miss any temple. Read on!

Top 20 Temples In Varanasi You Must Visit:

Here is the list of the 20 best temples in Varanasi that will help you awaken spiritually and enchant you. Hence, go through the list of temples from the article and add them per your interests.

1. Kashi Viswanath Temple:

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Kashi Vishwanath temple is Varanasi’s most famous temple, where you can experience spirituality first-hand. It is among the twelve holiest jyotirlingas and is settled on the western banks of the river Ganga. The Puranas mention this ancient Varanasi shiva temple, the oldest Shiva temple in India and the main deity of this shrine is a linga setup on a silver altar beautifully. The temple has been destroyed and reconstructed many times through the years, making the temple all the more special. This temple has a gold spire on top of a gold dome, which is also called as the Golden temple. Many devotees believe that Lord Shiva fulfils the wishes of people who make wishes after seeing this dome.

  • Address: Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi.
  • Timings: 2:30 AM to 11 PM every day.
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear is a must.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours on regular days and more time on Mondays.
  • How to Reach:
    • The main temple is 6 km from the Varanasi Junction and 2 km from the Varanasi City station.
    • You can take a taxi or a cycle/autorickshaw to reach the Lahori Tola locality. Look out for the entry gate of Kashi Vishwanath temple once you get there.
  • Temple Website: https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org

2. Vishalakshi Temple

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One of Varanasi’s most famous Hindu temples is the Vishalakshi temple, whose significance is dedicated to the Divine Mother and is one of the Shakti Peeth. “Vishal akshi” means the one with enormous eyes, and the goddess Vishalakshi is worshipped in this temple. As per the legends, the spot where the Visalakshi temple is located is where the Goddess Sati’s earrings fell. Therefore, this temple indeed demands a visit and is located near the sacred cremation ground of Manikarnika.

  • Address: Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, Kashi Lahori Tola, Mir Ghat, Varanasi, U.P.
  • Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM every day.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferable.
  • Approx Visit Duration:30 minutes to one hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • You can opt for taxi to reach Kashi Visalakshi Temple from Varanasi Railway Station.
    • This temple is just 1 km away from Kashi Vishwanatha Temple.

3. Sankat Mochan Mandir Varanasi:

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One of the must-visit temples in Varanasi is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which was constructed in the initial years of the 16th century. Goswami Tulsidas, a famous poet, built this temple, and it stands on the River Assi’s banks. Many believe that all the prayers of devotees are answered after visiting this temple and praying with sincerity. Lord Hanuman takes care of all the devotee’s tensions. Furthermore, monkeys playing all around this temple complex make the temple more popular and entertaining.

  • Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM; 3 PM to 12 AM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: One hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • The Varanasi railway station is 11 km from the temple, and you can hire a car or an auto rickshaw to reach it.
    • It is easy to reach the temple anywhere from Varanasi in an auto.

4. Kaal Bhairav Mandir Varanasi:

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The Kaal Bhairav in Varanasi has an aggressive form of glorified Lord Shiva, which is dated back to the mid-17th century, making it one of the oldest temples in the city. Kaal Bhairava is regarded as the guardian angel of Varanasi, and many people believe that he looks after the town. They also thought that for a safe stay in Varanasi, all travellers visit the Kaal Bhairav temple and take permission. The deity’s depiction in this temple is that of a man with a garland of human skulls.

  • Address: Pandeypur Rd, Golghar, Naibasti, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
  • Timings: 5 AM to 1:30 PM; 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 5 km away from the Varanasi junction. You can hire a cab or auto or walk to the temple premises.

5. Kashi Karvat (Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir):

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Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir is called the Leaning temple of Varanasi, Kashi Karvat, or Matri-rin Mahadev. It is located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is Varanasi’s most photographed temple. This temple leans significantly towards the backside. Whereas leaving out a few of the summer months, this temple’s garbhagriha (the place where the main idol is kept) is below the water generally most of the year.

  • Address: Ratneshwar Mahadev, Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
  • Timings: Open 24 hours.
  • Dress Code: There is no dress code.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes to one hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • This temple is at a walking distance from Kashi Vishwanatha Temple. Or you can reach Manikarnika Ghat from Varanasi Railway Station by taxi.

6. Durga Mandir Varanasi:

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Built-in honour of Goddess Durga, the Durga Kund Mandir is next to a Kund (rectangular pond), hence the name. It is one of the famous temples in Varanasi and is also known as the Durga temple or the Monkey temple. You can also find North India’s popular Nagara style of architecture in this shrine. This temple has a lot of significance among devotees and features a multi-tiered spire. A Bengali queen did the construction this spire in the 18th century. They also believed that the Durga idol in this temple is formed by itself and not a man-made structure making it all the more special.

  • Address: Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timings: 5 AM to 11 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 13 km from Cantt Varanasi and 2 km from BHU. You can reach the temple using a taxi, auto, or rickshaw.

7. Tulasi Manas Mandir Varanasi:

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The Tulsi Manas Mandir is one of the important temples in Varanasi, located close to Varanasi’s Durga temple at Durgakund. It is also called Tulsi Birla Manas Mandir and looks attractive since it is made of white marble. The temple was built in 1964 by the Howrah Surekha family and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The walls of this temple are covered with images of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman beautifully.

  • Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Near Jalans Super Market, Varanasi.
  • Timings: 5:30 AM to 12 PM; 3:30 PM to 9 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The Varanasi railway station is 7 km away, and BHU Varanasi is 2 km from the temple. So you can hire an auto to reach the temple or even go for a walk.

8. Sarnath Temple Varanasi:

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Sarnath temple is the historical temple near Varanasi, located 10 km Northeast of Varanasi near the confluence of the Varuna and Ganga rivers. This Sarnath has many popular tourist spots you must visit. The Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna in deer Park in Sarnath. It is also where Gautama Buddha first taught Dharma. You can visit many places in Sarnath, including Dhamekh Stupa and Monastery Ruins, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Archaeological Museum, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Chinese and Thai Temple and Monastery.

  • Address: Sarnath Temple Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 4 AM to 11:30 AM; 1:30 PM to 8 PM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional.
  • Approx Visit Duration: One to two days.
  • How to Reach:
    • The nearest airport to Sarnath temple is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport which is 25 km away.
    • Sarnath is 10 km from Varanasi, you can opt for taxi to reach there.

9. Markandey Mahadev Varanasi:

Another important temple visit near Varanasi is the Markandey Mahadeva Temple chief deity is Kalasamhara Murti, the flame form of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Once Lord Yama came to earth to take away a boy’s life, Lord Shiva fought with Yama to save the boy’s life even though his lifetime on earth was over. The boy’s name was Markandeya, hence the temple’s name. Therefore, many devotees believe that you will have a healthier life after praying to this temple’s shivalinga.

  • Address: Kaithi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 4 AM to 11 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes to one hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • Markandeya Mahadeva Temple is located at Kaithi, 30 km from Varanasi. You can reach by taxi.

10. Kashi Annapurna Temple Varanasi:

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Another critical and beautiful temple to visit in Varanasi is Maa Annapurna Temple. The incarnation of the famous Hindu Goddess Parvati Annapurna Devi is the deity in this temple who is considered a food provider. This temple was constructed in the Nagara style architecture, and Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao built it in 1729 AD. Devotees wish lifelong happiness and prosperity by donating grains and food to this temple. This temple has two idols; one is made of brass, while the other is made of gold. Though you will be able to see the brass idol anytime, you can see the gold Murthi only on the day before Diwali, making it more special.

  • Address: Annapurna Math Mandir, Vishwanath Galli, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 4 AM to 10:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 5 km away from the Varanasi junction. You can either reach the temple by hiring an auto.
    • This temple is adjacent to Vishwanatha temple, which you can reach by walking.

Read: Most Visiting Places in Varanasi

11. Mahamrityunjay Mandir Varanasi:

Although Kashi Vishwanath temple comes to mind when you think of Varanasi, several other historical temples in Varanasi have spiritual significance. One of those temples is the Mahamrityunjaya Mahadeva Temple. Mrityunjaya means the one who can conquer death, and this temple is dedicated to the Mrityunjaya form of Lord Shiva and is also known as Mrityinjayeshwar. This temple has an influx of devotees from all over the country. People wish for good health and long life when they worship Lord Mrityunjaya.

  • Address: Adjacent to the Kalbhairav temple, Daranagar, Visheshwarganj, Varanasi.
  • Timings: 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes to one hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 5 km away from the Varanasi junction. Several local vehicles, like autos or taxis, will help you reach the temple.

12. Birla Temple Varanasi (New Vishwanath Temple):

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Located in the BHU campus in Varanasi, Birla temple is one of the famous temples you must visit in Varanasi, built by the Birla group of industries. This temple was planned as part of the BHU campus by the founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya. The construction of the Birla temple was completed in 1965 and is made up of marble. This Birla temple is also called the New Vishwanath temple. It is an exact copy of the original Vishwanath temple devoted to Lord Shiva.

  • Address: Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timings: 4 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 9 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear is preferable.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • Birla temple is about 7 km from Cantt, Railway station and located in the BHU premises. You can hire local cabs or autos to reach the temple.

13. Varahi Devi Varanasi:

The Varahi Devi temple in Varanasi has the goddess Varahi adorned in bright red. The temple is hidden along the narrow alleys from the Man Mandir Ghat. Many believe that Varanasi’s charm so enthralled Varahi that she decided to stay here. However, she was one of the 64 pilgrims who came to earth on a spiritual mission by Lord Shiva. Predominantly worshipped by women, this temple gets a new look during the Navarathri festival with vibrant colours.

  • Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, near Man-Mandir Ghat, Dashaswmedh Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 7 AM to 9:30 AM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • Varahi Devi temple is 700 meters away from the Kashi Vishwanath temple. You can take a walk or hire an auto to reach the temple.

14. Tridev Mandir Varanasi:

The Tridev Mandir in Varanasi is one of the few temples with more than one chief deity, hence the name. The chief deity of the Tridev Mandir, Varanasi, is Salasa Hanuman, Khati Shyam, and Rani Sati Dadi. Located closer to Tulsi Manas Temple, tridev Mandir is a famous temple for pilgrims in Varanasi. This temple has modern-styled carvings and marble ceiling decorations, making it a small yet beautiful temple popular among devotees. Another speciality of this temple is that it is one of a few temples where photography is allowed. It is the newest temple built in Varanasi.

  • Address: Lanka Rd, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony, Naria, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM; 5 PM to 10 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 7.4 km from Varanasi, and you can reach it by hiring local autos or taxis.

15. Shri Batuk Bhairav Temple:

Shri Batuk Bhairav Mandir is considered immensely religious and a famous place where Tantrik and Aghoris worship. The chief deity of this temple is Batuk Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. There is a sacred Akhand deep, believed to be burning for ages, an exciting feature of this temple. Moreover, the lamp’s oil is said to have healing powers, making the temple more special.

  • Address: Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 5:30 AM to 12 PM; 4 PM to 12 AM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional.
  • Approx Visit Duration: One hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is 2.4 km away from Viswanath Temple Varanasi. You can hire an auto or a rickshaw to reach the temple.

16. Sankata Devi Mandir:

Sankata Devi mandir is a famous temple to visit in Varanasi whose chief deity is SankataDevi, a form of Goddess Parvathi. This temple is renowned among womenfolk, and the deity rides a fierce lion with four arms. In addition, there are also statues of the Solar system’s planets in this temple. Many devotees believe that this deity relieves sorrows and pain from their lives. There is also a legend that the Pandava brothers visited this temple during their exile.

  • Address: ShitalaGali, Garwasitola, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 4 AM to 10 PM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The Varanasi Cantt railway station is about 6 km from the Sankata Devi temple, and the Banaras Hindu University is 3 KM away. You can hire a local auto or a rickshaw to reach the temple.

17. Lalita Gauri Temple:

The Lalita Gauri temple is one of the famous and historic temples in Varanasi, whose chief deity is Lalita Gauri. This temple was built in the 19th century by Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal and is located near the Nepali temple. The abundance of wealth and prosperity is often associated with this goddess.

  • Address: Ghats of Varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: Open 24 hours.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional attire.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
  • How to Reach:
    • The temple is in the Lalitha ghat, and you can either walk or hire a rickshaw to reach the temple.

18. Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir:

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Also called Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir and Tilbhandeshwar Mandir are not only the most famous temples in Varanasi but also one of the oldest temples in Varanasi. This temple is believed to be built in the 18th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has religious importance in Hinduism. Many believe the shivling in this temple increases by the size of a til every year and emerged by itself 2500 years ago.

  • Address: Sri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadeva Temple, Malti Bagh, Tilbhandeshwer, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: 4:30 AM to 9 PM.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire.
  • How to Reach:
    • The Varanasi Cantt Railway station is approximately 5 km from the Tilbhandeshwar temple. You can hire an auto, taxi or rickshaw to reach the temple from any part of Varanasi.

Read: Most Ancient Temples in India

19. Nepali Mandir:

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Based in Varanasi, this Nepali Mandir is unique because it replicates the renowned Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu and is also called the Kantawala temple. Constructed in the 19th century by Rana Bahadur, they dedicated the Shah, an exiled King of Nepal, to Lord Shiva. This temple showcases the Nepali style of architecture, which is built of stone, wood, and terracotta. The temple pagodas made out of wood are marvellous and magically beautiful.

  • Address: Near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Timings: Open 24 hours.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred.
  • Approx Visit Duration: 30 minutes to an hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • The Nepali temple is 4 minute walk away from the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

20. Vindhyachal Mata Mandir:

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Top temples to visit neat Varanasi is the presiding deity of Vindhyachal Dham, Mirzapur is Maa Vindhyavasini, who is the manifestation of Maa Durga. Many devotees seek the blessings of Maa Vindhyavasini by visiting the Vindhyachal Mandir with immense faith. As described in Durga Saptashati, Maa Vindhyavasini is the slayer of the demon Mahishasur. Vindhyachal city is located between Kashi and Prayag, gaining even more spiritual importance.

  • Address: Maa Vindhyavasini Mandir, Vindhyachal Dham, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM; 1:30 PM to 7:15 PM; 8:15 PM to 9:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Preferably traditional wear.
  • Approx Visit Duration: One hour.
  • How to Reach:
    • You can reach Vindhyachal from Varanasi as there are several trains, buses, and private taxi services. In addition, you can hire a local auto to get to the temple once you reach Vindhyachal.
    • 15231 Bju Gondia is the fastest train from Varanasi to Vindhyachal, which takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Did you know there are hardly any lanes in Varanasi that don’t have a temple? Yes! Varanasi is known for its enchanting and mesmerizing temples, along with ghats, which tell a beautiful story of the place. The beautiful city invites everyone with open arms with its spirituality. So, go through the list of all the temples in Varanasi and add them to your itinerary. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!

FAQ:

What are the different forms of Surya that are worshipped in Varanasi?

Numerous Surya-related temples in Varanasi worship twelve forms of Surya. The 12 forms are:

  1. Arun Aditya.
  2. Drupad Aditya.
  3. Ganga Aditya.
  4. Keshava Aditya.
  5. Kakholkh Aditya.
  6. Mayukh Aditya.
  7. Lolark Aditya.
  8. Sambha Aditya.
  9. Uttarak Aditya.
  10. Vriddh Aditya.
  11. Vimal Aditya.
  12. Yama Aditya.

2. What are the famous shopping spots in Varanasi?

Banaras sarees are an essential part of any bride’s trousseau and are famous worldwide. Here is the list of some of the popular spots for shopping in Varanasi:

  • Gyan Vapi.
  • Chowk.
  • Vishwanath Gali.
  • DashwamedhGali.
  • Thatheri Bazar.

3. Are tourists safe in Varanasi?

Yes! Varanasi is a safe city filled with people who have a simple lifestyle and are very warm. It is also considered safe to roam around day and night. However, make sure to keep an eye on your valuables.

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