Varanasi is considered the oldest city in the country. Known as Kashi or Benaras, this is one of the holiest cities in India. Known as the city of temples, Varanasi is a major pilgrimage center for Hindu devotees. One would find many places to visit in Varanasi during their trip. Once you are here, you will find temples at almost every turn. However, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular of them all. Varanasi is not only known for its temples but also for its ghats. There are innumerable ghats that you can visit during your Varanasi tour. Most people book Varanasi pilgrimage tours without researching about its places. Due to their ignorance, they are unaware of the places that have spiritual significance. If you are visiting Varanasi for the first time, you can visit the following places in this city:
Located on the banks of the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the crowning glory of Varanasi. It is also a symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the most visited temples in the country. The main God of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as ‘the ruler of the universe’. One of the striking features of this temple is the use of 800 kg of gold on its tower. Pilgrims who visit this place are not allowed to bring mobile phones, cameras, or electronic devices with them.
They must deposit these items in the lockers outside the temple. The temple complex houses a step well named Jnana Vapi, where only Hindus can enter. Kashi Vishwanath has been an important sacred site for Hindus. It is also mentioned in many sacred scriptures of Hindus. The intricate carvings done on the temple will leave you amazed. Other small temples you can find in the temple complex include Vishnu Virupaksh Gauri, Kaalbhairav, Avimukteshwara, Kaalbhairav, etc. Men and women must wear Dhoti-Kurti and Saree, respectively. Those who plan to enter the temple sanctum must wear these clothes before entering. This temple is located 5 km away from the Varanasi railway station. Thus, you can easily reach here either by catching an auto rickshaw or a taxi.
This ghat is located at the confluence of the River Ganga and Assi and is popular for the Shiva Lingam. This is one of the important ghats in Varanasi, which is also mentioned in the Puranas and other legends. The ghat is one of the most important places to visit in Varanasi and attracts the tourists from different parts of the country. They come in large numbers to enjoy the amazing view of sunset as well as sunrise. This is the most popular place for young people to spend their time in the evening. Aarti is also performed here in the morning, which is a visual treat for the pilgrims. Tourists who come to this place can enjoy a boat ride from Assi Ghat to Dashaswamedh Ghat in the evening. Due to the proximity of the Ghat to Banaras Hindu University, it is visited by a large number of students.
Located on the River Ganga, Dashashwamedh Ghat is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. It holds great value among the pilgrims. Known for its daily Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat attracts a lot of pilgrims from around the country. There are many pilgrimage activities and spiritual rituals that are performed here. During the Ganga Aarti, innumerable people conduct the rituals here by using hymns and brass lamps. This creates a divine atmosphere in the temple. This is a great experience for the pilgrims. This Ghat is an important pilgrimage site where the devotees take holy dips to cleanse themselves. The steps that lead to the Ghat are decorated with several shrines, which create a beautiful atmosphere at the Ghat. Visitors enjoy the boat ride on the river Ganga, which is a unique way to explore the Ghat and the city. Dashashwamedh Ghat is close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Thus, the devotees can take a holy dip at the ghat before visiting the temple.
This is another worth-seeing spiritual site in Varanasi, which you can explore while you are here. Sarnath is a spiritual town where you can explore museums, Buddhist stupas, and beautiful temples. The town is flocked by numerous devotees who come here from different parts of the country. This spiritual site is a perfect spot for people of all religions, such as Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. If you are a follower of Lord Buddha, you will find a lot of temples and architectural marvels here. It is believed that this is the exact place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath has been a great attraction for tourists for a long time and is widely known for its mysticism.
Some of the places you can explore here include the Ashoka Pillar, the Dharma Stupa, and other important spiritual sites. This is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site that is visited by innumerable Buddhist followers across the world. If you are looking to explore this city, you must book a pilgrimage package through a tour operator. The ideal time to visit this town is from October to March. People throng here on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth, salvation, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha. On this day, the pilgrims lit lamps at the Bodhi Tree and other important sites. The devotees put the statue of Lord Buddha in the basin with flowers and water. This symbolizes the divinity of Lord Buddha.
This is also one of the popular places to visit in Varanasi. Located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University, this is a modern spiritual site that attracts visitors from all over the country. The River Ganga flows by its side, which adds to the mysticism of this place. The tranquility of the temple attracts pilgrims from all over the country who get immense pleasure after visiting this site. They forget the stress and sorrows of their life after visiting this site.
The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara, is believed to have immense power. A single glance at it can cleanse your soul and lead you to the path of wisdom and devotion. This beautiful temple houses nine other temples that are worth exploring. The path that leads towards the New Vishwanath temple is adorned with dense trees. Once you are here, you will be awe-struck to see the ancient architecture of the temple. The whole temple is designed beautifully with balconies, spires, and sculptures of many animals, such as lions, crocodiles, bulls, etc. The hall of the temple is huge and spectacular. The tall pillars in the hall welcome the devotees. This beautiful temple is 77 meters tall and is constructed using lambent marble. Its tower is the tallest in the whole world and a great sight to behold. The illustrations of the Bhagwat Gita and other holy scriptures are engraved beautifully on the temple walls.
Constructed in the 1900s, the Sankat Mochan Temple is among the popular places to visit in Varanasi. Those who are on a Varanasi pilgrimage tour must visit this place during their trip. The temple was built by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and is one of the worth-seeing spiritual sites in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman, Sankat Mochan Temple is highly popular among the local people. Pilgrims who visit the temple seek the blessings of these deities. If you are visiting this temple, beware of monkeys who roam here and there in the temple premises. Sometimes they steal the Prasad of devotees. Sankat Mochan Temple is visited by innumerable visitors from all over the country. Many people read Sundarkand and the Hanuman Chalisa in the temple. Sankat Mochan Temple has an excellent design that combines traditional and modern styles. One of the striking features of this temple is the idol of Lord Hanuman.
Dedicated to Lord Rama, Tulsi Manas Temple is named after the great poet Tulsi Das. It is the perfect example of the Shikhara style of architecture. The inscriptions from Ram Charit Manas are carved on the walls of the temple. A variety of events associated with the Ramayana are also displayed on the upper storey of the temple. You must visit the temple in the monsoon season, i.e., in July and August. During this time, puppets associated with Ramayana are displayed here. This is a great experience for those who are on a Varanasi tour with their families.
Nestled in Varanasi, Durga Temple is one of the popular Hindu temples to visit in Varanasi. The temple was constructed in the 18th century and is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It has a great spiritual significance and is popular for its intricate architecture. Devotees from different parts of the country visit the temple and seek the blessings of the deity. The temple looks beautiful during the Navratri festivals. It is one of the most visited temples of Varanasi.
There is a legend attached to the temple. According to it, Goddess Durga got victory over the demon Mahishasura here. The legend says that the battle was fought on this very spot. Apart from the idols of Goddess Durga, you will also find other idols here, such as Goddess Saraswati, Kali, and Lakshmi. The temple features the Nagara style architecture. One of the striking features of the temple is its towering spire.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nepali Temple is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi. It was built by the King of Nepal in the early 19th century. It is a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. The temple is made up of terracotta, wood carvings, and stone. People in large numbers visit this temple from all corners of the country. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is highly revered by Hindu devotees. It took almost 30 years to complete the temple. It was constructed in Nepali style, and its wood is termite-resistant. Nepali Temple has sculptures that are identical to the ones built in the Khajuraho group of monuments.
Located in Varanasi, Batuk Bhairav Mandir is an ancient temple that not only attracts Hindu devotees, but also Tantriks and Aghoris. One of the main highlights of the temple is the sacred Akhand Deep, a burning lamp that is believed to possess divine energies and healing powers. Once you enter the temple, you will find a tranquil environment here. The gates of the temple open in the early morning and let visitors perform rituals here. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Varanasi.
Dedicated to the child form of Lord Bhairav, the temple’s architecture showcases symbolic representations and intricate details. You will find many dogs surrounding the temple who are believed to be the companions of Bhairav. This adds to the mysticism of this place. People believe that offering prayers in the temple removes the obstacles in their lives. You can also visit Kamakhya Devi Mandir, which is another site worth exploring near Batuk Bhairav Temple. Exploring both these temples will connect you with the divine power. Hence, whether you want to get inner peace as well as guidance, Batuk Bhairav Mandir offers a great experience to the devotees who come here to seek divine guidance and inner peace.
This is one of the unique temples that is dedicated to our country. The temple was constructed by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. You will not find any deity here but the relief map of our country. This map is carved in marble and is a symbol of the unity and diversity of our nation. This temple was constructed in the year 1936 and was inaugurated by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The temple is open to all people and lets them feel a connection with their country.
Varanasi has no dearth of the best places that tourists can explore during their Varanasi tour. From Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Bharat Mata Temple, you will get to see many sacred sites during your trip to Varanasi. Hence, if you want to explore the above sacred sites in Varanasi, choose the best pilgrimage packages in India through a reputed tour operator.