Temples of Varanasi

The holy city of Varanasi is regarded as the city of temples. There are many temples in this part of the country. India has many towns, and each city is known for its distinct characteristics and attributes. Varanasi is observed as the place of Hindu God Shiva. The people of the city are viewed as the children of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is also popularly known as Mahadev.

If one goes to Varanasi, one must visit the following famous temples of the city.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

We consider Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple as one of the most important temples of the city. The temple is the oldest one and is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Lord Shiva is the most powerful of all the gods in the Hindu religion. Therefore, if one visits this temple and sincerely prays to Lord Shiva, their wishes are fulfilled. The temple welcomes all despite the caste or where the person is from. The temple is located near the banks of the river Ganga.

Lord Shiva himself left his mark in this temple. There are 12 places in India, including Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where Lord Shiva left his mark.

Address: Vishwanath Gali, Godowlia, Varanasi.
Distance from Cantt: Approx 8 KM.
Timings: 04:30 am to 11:00 pm (Open All Days)
Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivratri and every night after 10:00 pm.

Sankata Devi Temple

Sankata Devi Temple is another famous temple in the city. It is close to Sindhia Ghat. The temple has a four-armed idol of the deity. People worship God with earnestness and good faith. There is a giant lion statue in the temple as well. The lion statue is the vehicle of Sankata Devi. One can also see the figures of nine planets in the temple. On either side of the Goddess Sankata Devi, there are the idols of two other gods. These Gods are Hanuman and Kaal Bhairav. As per Hindu mythology, the Pandavas worshipped Sankata Devi in this temple during their exile. After the ceremony, the Pandavas continued their journey.

Address: CK 21/20, Shitala Gali, Garwasitola, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi.
Distance from Cantt: Approx 6 KM.
Timings: 04:30 am to 01:00 pm and 05 pm to 10:00 pm (Open All Days)
Best Time to Visit: Navratri

Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple

Baba Kaal Bhairav serves as the aggressive, warlike, and confrontational form of Hindu God Shiva. The devotees visit this temple to worship Baba Kaal Bhairav. The temple is considered one of the oldest and famous temples in India. According to the ancient sages, Kaal Bhairav is the protector and the guardian angel of Varanasi city. Every person who wants to leave the city for any reason is supposed to consent to Baba Kaal Bhairav. Moreover, Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the God of magical creatures like ghosts, vampires, and others.

Address: Near Town Hall, Maidagin Crossing, Varanasi.
Distance from Cantt: Approx 7 KM.
Timings: 05:00 am to 01:30 pm and 04:30 pm to 09:30 pm (Open All Days)
Best Time to Visit: Tuesday

Maa Annapurna Devi Temple

The trip to Varanasi is considered incomplete without visiting Maa Annapurna Devi Temple. Maa Annapurna is regarded as the form of Goddess Parvati. People visit this temple to take the blessings of the Goddess. Maa Annapurna treats everyone equally, just like her son or her daughter. The devotees worship maa as the generous provider of food and nutrition. There are two idols of Maa Annapurna in the temple. One is made up of brass and another of gold. The brass idol can be viewed and worshipped by the devotees anytime during the year. But the gold idol is available to honor only on a few occasions. One of the occasions is a day before Diwali, which is also referred to as Annakut day. On this day, the devotees are permitted to see and worship the gold idol of Maa Annapurna and seek her blessings.

Address: Vishwanath Gali, Godowlia, Varanasi.
Distance from Cantt: Approx 8 KM.
Timings: 04:00 am to 10:00 pm (Open All Days)
Best Time to Visit: One Day Before Diwali (Annakut Day)

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the temples of Varanasi, where devotees come in huge numbers. The temple was established by the esteemed poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16 century. Lord Hanuman is viewed as the God who can overcome any obstacle in Kaliyuga. Whatever the difficulty or hurdle it may be, Lord Hanuman always stands beside his devotees and protects them. Therefore, one may visit this temple to seek the blessings and protection of Lord Hanuman.

Address: Near Saket Nagar Colony, Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund, Varanasi.
Distance from Cantt: Approx 7 KM.
Timings: 05:00 am to 10:00 pm (Open All Days)
Best Time to Visit: Tuesday and Saturday