Varanasi is called the city of temples. The holy Ganga flows through this city. It is a city of Lord Shiva which as a great spiritual significance. It has attracted global spiritual seekers for centuries. It holds rich history of Indian human civilisation. Varanasi has a lot to offer from Ghats, to temples sumptuous food and mix of traditional and modern style.
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a jyotirlingas in Varanasi. It is on the banks of ganga river in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was constructed by King Vikramaditya. It has gone through a series of demolition and reconstruction during the Mughal era. King of Punjab had rebuilt it in 1835 with thousand kg of gold.
The jyotirlinga is made of black stone. It is believed one reaches salvation once you visit the kasha Vishwanath temple and kal bhairava temple. There are five aarti which is done during the whole day which includes mangala aarti, bhog aarti, sandhya aarti, Shayan aarti and shrinagar aarti.
Kashi Viswanath project is going on which in Varanasi which main aim is to connect the temple with ghat, around 5 lakh square feet area will be refurbished along with sixty-three temples and pilgrims will see new museum and ancient civilisation of Varanasi. One can reach Varanasi by air, road and train.
2. Shree Annapurna Mandir
In the name Annapurna, Anna means food and purna means abundance. Food is indispensable for the survival hence in India food worship is very common. It was constructed by Peshwa Baji Rao. The deity is positioned in the heart of the temple. The deity is beautifully dressed on the throne.
On one side the deity is depicted with ladle and on another jewelled ball and is dressed ornaments and beautiful clothes. There are two idols one of brass and one gold. While brass idol can be seen every day, gold can be seen on Annakoot day.
3. ISKCON Temple
Varanasi-Iskcon temple is a spiritual destination International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Temple has the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of Iskcon. It resonates with the teachings of Vaishnavism. Janmashtami and Rath Yatra are celebrated in great aplomb.
The temple also has educational initiatives by imparting teachings of Lord Krishna. Visitors should join the daily aarti and experience the spiritual magnanimity. For future generations conservation efforts are taken towards maintaining sanctity and architecture. It provides a transformative journey to self-realisation.
4. Kashiraj Kali Mandir
Kashiraj Kali Mandir is a temple of goddess Kali. It is temple made by king of Kashi. It is situated on banks of Ganga. The architechture is a mix of modern and traditional styles. It has beautiful carvings and sculptures.
The main idol of goddess Kali is adorned with jewells. It also has small shrines of hindu god and goddesses. Goddess Kali is fierce hindu goddess and is known for destruction of evils.Navratri,Diwali ,holi and Dussehra are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
5. Tridev Mandir
It is a popular temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Tridev, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is situated where Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati merges. It is believed Brahma created universe here. It is a sacred place where hindus visit a lot.
It has three shrines Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. It has a shrine of goddess saraswati. The architecture is a mixture of North Indian and South Indian styles. It was made by Maratha ruler. The temple encompasses a museum where visitors can learn about history and significance.
6. Shri Kamakhya Devi Mandir
Kashi was ruled by religious ruler and Lord Shiva was in Mandarachal. He had an understanding with Lord Brahma that celestial beings should stay away from Kashi. Lord Brahma agreed that this would only happen if he would be an excellent ruler. The king accordingly did great governance.
Lord Shiva was upset so he sent sixty-four yoginis to create some disturbance. But the Yoginis were just bewildered by the surroundings of Kashi and felt as if they are in heaven. Ultimately, they settled in Kashi and Kamakhya devi was one of them. Hindus visit this temple religiously.
7. Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir is in Varanasi and is a temple of Lord Satyanarayan. Lord Satyanarayaan is an embodiment of truth. They devotees believe they can get happiness and prosperity. The main shrine is made of marble.
It also has various small shrines of hindu gods and goddesses. It also has a beautiful garden. It was built by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1964.The temple is a good place for meditation and it feels serene to be here. There is no entry fee in this temple and good to visit in winter months.
8. Sri Varahi Devi Temple
For Sri Varahi Devi Temple one has to walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi. Devi is called the city guard who safeguards the city. It is said she would protect the city at night and return in dawn. There are two windows from where darshan of devi can be done, one from face and one from feet.
From goddess sati dev tooth had fell down and from here Varahi was born. The goddess save the city from obstacles. Devotees come to visit here in mostly winter months.
9. Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple
The word bharav combines all three Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple. Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple was built by Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple. God Kaal Bhairav is also called the Kotwal of Kashi. Government official till now pay homahe here to ensure there safety. It is important to visit Kal bhairav temple so that the banaras yatra is complete.
10. Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is 450 years old situated at Manikarnika Ghat.The shivling is always submerged in water. It is mentioned in Puranas. One of the maids of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Ratnabai took credit if temple and gave her name. That is why queen cursed the temple that it will remain submerged in water all through. Hence devotees cannot see the
11. Shri Mani Mandir Varanasi
Shri Mani Mandir Varanasi was constructed in 1940.It was created as a court f Lord Rama.It was created keeping in mind the design of court of Lord Rama and idols of other gods is also there.The shivling spread across the 43 thousand square meter area.
The main aim was to protect Lord Rama heritage. Also there are 151 shivlings across the side of temples. It is made of granite and mix of traditional and modern.Masan holi and Ramnagar Ramleela.
12. Nepali Temple Mandir
Nepali Temple Madir is the replica of Kathmandu and known as Nepali temple.It is built in Nepalese architecture and located at Lalita Ghat .King of Nepal after being exiled had come to kasha and made a replica of Pashupatinath’s temple.
The temple is also called Mini Khajurao.It is a historical temple of Kashi due to amazing appearance and rsemblance to Pashupatinath’s temple.
13. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple is not of any god or goddesses but a unique manifestation of Bharat Mata. It has no god but a huge map of India made of marble. The marble was of Makrana. The temple is supported by pillars which signifies five elements Earth, Wind, Fire, Sky and Water. It is a unique tourist destination and people all over the world come to visit it on republic day and Independence Day.
14. Baijnath Mahadev Mandir Temple
Baijnath Mahadev Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and place of worship for centuries. It is made of swan wood and is a pillarless temple. It is different from other temples as it Lord Shiva and Parvati deity is there. The tale of Satyawan and Savitri also has unfolded here.
Mahashivratri and Gudhi Padwa are celebrated here. During this time devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra come here. People come to immerse in the spiritual journey of this place.
15. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple
Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple stands as a testament to devotion and faith in the Lord Shiva. It is on the route from Daranagar to the Kalbhairav Temple. The name of the temple translates to “The God who triumphs over death,”. Devotees come here to be shielded from unnatural death.
It has enigmatic well which has therapeutic offerings. The water is said to have cured many ailments. It is not just a place of worship but symbol of hope.
16. Shri Bada Ganesh Mandir
Shri Bada Ganesh Mandir is also known as Vakratund Vinayak. Large deity of Ganesha is there in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It is believed by mere glimpse of Ganesha halts all the problems of devotees. Ganesha fulfils wishes of pilgrims. Birth ceremony is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapad with great fervor.
17. Vindhyanchal Mata Mandir
Vindhyanchal Mata Mandir is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths of Vindhyavasini Devi. Festivals are celebrated in Navratri and Ashwin months. There are some interesting facts about this temple. Lord Rama had visited this period in time of exile. Vindhyanchal was inhabited by elephants, lion and other animals. It is the only place in the world which all three forms of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Lakshmi have specific temples.The famous war between Goddess Durga and Demon King Mahishasur took place here.
18. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is located in banks of Assi river. One of the best things about the mandir is that idol of Lord Hanuman is facing Lord Rama.It is also a place where Tulsidas wrote Ramayana.Tuesdays and Saturdays the crowd triples. Besan ka laddu is offered to Lord Hanuman and Lord is adorned by marigold flower garland.
19. Markandey mahadev temple
Markandey mahadev temple it is located in Kaithi village.It has great historical importance in Hinduism.It is one of the main deities of Purvanchal temple This temple is also called Mahamrityunjaya temple. It is almost equivalent to Dwadash Jyotirlinga and been said about in Shri Markandeya Purana.People come here to pray and overcome their issues.
20. Sarnath Temple
Sarnath Temple is an important Buddhist site in India. Lord buddha delivered his first sermon here. It is temple and has complex structures of buddhist structures and stupas. It is home to Dhamek Stupa. Stupa is a significant symbol of buddhism. It has been recognised by UNESCO World Heritage Site for preservation of culture. Sarnath temple attract spiritual seekers all over the world to meditate and reflect on teachings of buddha.
Conclusion
Varanasi has a rich heritage. Apart from holy temples there are other mesmerising destinations to go to. The city symbolises tradition and devotees are enthralled after coming here. It is testament to India’s heritage. One should definitely visit Varanasi temples if they want to see the Indian culture.
