Temples of Varanasi for a Sacred Pilgrimage

One of the oldest temples in the city, Nepali Temple is a 19th century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was established by the King of Nepal and is a spitting image of the Pashupatinath Temple located in Kathmandu. The traditional architecture of the structure made of stone, terracotta and wood carvings attracts visitors in large numbers.

Address: near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Hours:Open 24 hours
Architectural style: Pagoda

Famous for being a place of worship for Aghoris and Tantriks, Batuk Bhairav Mandir is considered to be of immense religious importance. The temple is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. An interesting feature of the temple is the sacred Akhand Deep which is believed to be burning for ages. The oil from this lamp is said to have healing powers.

Address: Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Hours: 6 am–1 pm, 4–11:30 pm

Situated on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning 'the ruler of the universe'. The city of Varanasi, the cultural capital of India, is thus known as the city of Lord Shiva. The temple has 800 kg of gold plating on its tower.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Hours: 6 am–6 pm

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated by the River Assi and was built in the 1900s by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman. Varanasi is always related to Sankat Mochan Temple and is an essential part of this holy city. Every person visiting Varanasi visits this temple and pay their respects to Hanuman. The laddoo offered at this temple is essentially famous among the locals.

Address: 7XJX+VVQ, Saket Nagar Colony, Sankata Mochan Leprosy, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Hours: 5 am–12 pm, 4–9 pm

The New Vishwanath Temple is every pious man's go-to destination to feel overwhelmed by the presence and power of the great Lord Shiva. Not only is it located in the heart of the cultural capital of India - Varanasi, but its divinity is multiplied by the holy river Ganga that flows by its side. Banaras Hindu University is hence home to one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city of Varanasi, the grand New Vishwanath Temple.

Address: 7X8Q+95X, New Vt Temple Bhu, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Hours:  5 am–7 pm

Constructed in 1964, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is named after the saint poet Tulsi Das. It displays the Shikhara style of architecture and exhibits various inscriptions from the Ram Charit Manas on the walls of the temple. Various episodes of Ramayana have also been depicted on the upper storey of the temple in the form of carvings.

Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, near Jalan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Hours: 9 am–5 pm

The ancient temple of Ratneshwar Mahadev is located on the Manikarnika Ghat in the holy city of Varanasi. The Ratneshwar Mahadev temple is said to be the most photographed temple in the city and is home to the widely worshipped Lord Shiva. For most of the year, the main part of the temple also known as the Garbhagriha is covered in the holy water of the river Ganga. The Ratneshwar temple is one of the only temples leaning slightly, around 9 degrees. 

Address: Ratneshwar Mahadev, Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Hours: Open 24 hours

Owing to its name, the Tridev temple or Three-God Temple is famous for having Sarasar Hanuman Bhagwan, Dadi Rani Sati Devi and Khatu Ji Maharaj as the prime deities of the temple. The temple is lit-up during the evenings and has proven to be a spectacular sight for the tourists and devotees. The architecture is well defined, with carvings on floors, ceiling and walls; most of the temple being made from marble. 

Address: 7XPX+FW7, Lanka Rd, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony, Naria, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Hours: 6 am–12 pm, 5–10 pm

The ancient temple of Ratneshwar Mahadev is located on the Manikarnika Ghat in the holy city of Varanasi. The Ratneshwar Mahadev temple is said to be the most photographed temple in the city and is home to the widely worshipped Lord Shiva. For most of the year, the main part of the temple also known as the Garbhagriha is covered in the holy water of the river Ganga. The Ratneshwar temple is one of the only temples with a lean of 9 degrees. 

Address: Ratneshwar Mahadev, Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Hours: Open 24 hours