You’re Definitely Missing Out on Something If You Haven’t Visited These 10 Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi, or Kashi, or Banaras/Benaras, is the city that is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself. Well-known as the home of Lord Shiva, it is one of the world’s oldest living cities and a sacred hub for Shivbhaktas. In recent years, with a grand redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, this city of Shiv and Shakti has gained more attention as a ‘must-visit destination for spiritual travel in India’.

Steeped in the culture of Hinduism, history, and devotion, Varanasi offers a divine atmosphere where temple bells echo alongside the chants of the Ganga Aarti. Every street and ghat here seems to whisper stories of faith and eternity. From the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple to lesser-known but equally enchanting shrines, the city is a treasure trove of ancient Varanasi heritage.

In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the top 10 temples of Kashi. Read on.

Top 10 temples that you should visit in Varanasi for a glimpse of Satyuga

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

3. Durga Temple

4. Tulsi Manas Temple

5. Swarved Mahamandir

6. Annapurna Temple

7. Bharat Mata Mandir

8. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

9. Kaal Bhairav Temple

10. Sarnath Temple

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred and ancient spots of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that worship Lord Shiva. Throughout its history, the temple has undergone multiple demolitions and was finally constructed by Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1760. This temple is well-known for its huge gold spire in the temple tower, in addition to its spiritual significance and other beauty. There is a belief that if you view the golden spire, your wish will come true. The temple is visited most frequently during the months of Shravan, Diwali, Mahashivratri, and Dev Diwali.

• Key highlights: Golden spire, Mangala aarti and bhog arpan, and historic Kashi corridor sightseeing
• Location: Vishwanath Gali, near Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Pro‑tip: Dress modestly, avoid leather items, carry a water bottle (standing in the queue for a long time may exhaust you)

*(Special processions and pooja expenses are personal and should be paid up-front).

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

This temple was built in the 16th century by the saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas and is considered a holy place, housing a deity that helps relieve visitors from sorrow. The name Sankat Mochan means reliever of pain and sorrows. You can find numerous monkeys in this temple, and thus, it is called the monkey temple of Varanasi. The deity is always decorated with marigold flowers and served with besan ladoo (a delicacy). Feeding the monkeys in the temple is considered an auspicious act among visitors.

• Key highlights: Famous for Hanuman Chalisa recitations, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, and vibrant devotional energy
• Location: Durgakund Road, near Assi Ghat/BHU
• Pro‑tip: No Entry fee; take prasad (laddus), tie threads for wishes

3. Durga Temple

The deep-red multi-tier structure was built by Rani Bhabani, the Queen of Bengal, in the 18th century. The name of the temple comes from the rectangular kund (pond) near the temple. This temple is one of the oldest standing examples of Nagara architecture. Legends say the goddess appeared spontaneously as the protector of Kashi.

• Key highlights: Iconic red temple by Durga Kund, stunning Nagara architecture, and peaceful surroundings
• Location: Durga Kund, Bhelupur, near BHU and Tulsi Manas
• Pro‑tip: Photography may be restricted inside the sanctum

4. Tulsi Manas Temple

In 1964, the temple Tulsi Manas was built to represent the beauty of the work done by Tulsidas and was constructed at the same spot where the poet Tulsidas wrote his famous Ramcharitmanas in the 16th century, with white marble. The inner walls of the temple hold many poems and carvings from the epic. Today, this temple stands as a cultural destination rather than a religious site.

• Key highlights: Engraved Ramcharitmanas walls, a serene museum of manuscripts, and a devotional vibe
• Location: Durga Kund Road, 250 m south of Durga Temple
• Pro‑tip: Quiet reading space inside; cultural worship

5. Swarved Mahamandir

Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi, the grand spiritual temple dedicated to Sant Shri Sadguru Sadafaldeo Ji Maharaj, the author of the spiritual scripture Swarved, is one of the biggest meditation centres in the world. Spanning across multiple acres of land, and is constructed with 125 pillars that represent wisdom and tranquillity, as well as 11 tall domes. The temple attracts followers and seekers from around the world by promoting inner awakening through meditation and self-realization.

• Key highlights: One of the world’s largest meditation centres with 11 domes, 125 pillars, and a capacity of holding thousands of devotees
• Location: Umrah district, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Pro‑tip: Visit early morning for meditation in the serene atmosphere to avoid the crowd

6. Annapurna Temple

Annapurna Temple/Maa Annapurna Mandir, where the deity is known as the mother who serves food and nourishment to every living soul in the body. It was constructed by Peshwa Baji Rao of the Maratha region in 1729 in the Nagara style. Locals donate grains and food items to the temple as a form of devotion and donation. It is one of the very few temples in the world with more than one prime deity. The deity made with brass is seen every day in the sanctum sanctorum, whereas the gold idol is used only on Annakut, a day before Diwali.

• Key highlights: Unique goddess of nourishment temple, gold idol glimpse on Annakut day
• Location: Vishwanath Gali near Kashi Vishwanath
• Pro‑tip: Visit after Kashi Vishwanath prasad, often sold by tourist attractions

7. Bharat Mata Mandir

This is the only religious structure in the world that is dedicated to a country. Mother India is the centre of devotion at Bharat Mata Mandir, where a huge marble map showing the landscape of undivided India with sharp characteristics. Freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad got this temple constructed in 1939, followed by the inauguration by Mahatma Gandhi.

• Key highlights: No idol worship, just a symbolic map; promotes unity across faiths
• Location: Kashi Vidyapith Campus
• Pro‑tip: Great spot for a cultural tour, the Banaras temple list goes beyond gods

8. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

The term ‘Mrityunjay’ means forever. The creator of all things is believed to have the power to stop any unexpected or unnatural death of his followers. Devotees come to this temple to pray for protection against mishaps, accidents, and other calamities. Within the temple's grounds lies an antique well. It is said that the well's water has miraculous healing properties.

• Key highlights: Temple of conquering death, medicinal well, quiet spiritual ambience.
• Location: On route from Darbhanga to Kaal Bhairav temple (Chaukhandi area).
• Pro‑tip: Drink well-water after puja for blessings.

9. Kaal Bhairav Temple

Kaal Bhairav is another incarnation of Lord Shiva in his most aggressive form. Built in the 17th century, this Shiva temple is among the city's oldest. This temple is regarded as the city's guardian temple; folklore holds that anyone wishing to enter or depart Varanasi must obtain Baba Kalbhairav’s permission. The deity is depicted in the most horrific manner possible, with a garland made of human skulls around his neck and an angry expression on his face. It is said that the oil taken from this temple can heal a variety of illnesses, particularly dog bites.

• Key highlights: Local belief that one must seek his permission before entering or leaving Kashi; intense energy.
• Location: Visheshwarganj Road, near the post office.
• Pro‑tip: Offer liquor; photography generally not allowed.

10. Sarnath Temple

Sarnath is very important to Buddhists as well as Hindus, as it is the place where Lord Buddha first lectured about enlightenment. It is essential to the historic Varanasi cultural trip, although it is beyond the city limits, being a hallowed pilgrimage site that represents both historical legacy and spiritual development.

• Key highlights: Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar paintings, vibrant Buddhist rituals
• Location: 10 km north of Varanasi
• Pro‑tip: Visit the museum after the temple; modest dressing is required

Read More: Kashi Vishwanath Temple- A Symbol of Spirituality, Sankat Mochan Mandir - The Monkey Temple of Varanasi

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