main famous temples to visit in Varanasi
Varanasi , Benares , Kashi or Banaras siuated on the bank of river Ganges and one of the sacred city for Hindus whis is older than history and trdation and one of the oldest living city on the palents since ancinet time and how old the city is not known .
Varanasi is the city of Ghats and temples and it is said that building a temple in ancient city is good karma and this is the city of Lord Shiva where he resides the most and this city host thousnad f temples .
Here are the list of the temples that one must visit during the Varaansi visit
1 Kashi Vishwnath temple
Situated on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning ‘the ruler of the universe’. The temple has 800 kg of gold plating on its tower. next to the temple there is Gyanwapi well where original temple was.
there is special darshan available for Kashivishnath temple which you can avail for visiting Kashiviwnath temple .
2 Vishalkashi temple
The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is a
The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi (Viśālākshī, Sanskrit: विशालाक्षी, “she who has large eyes”),(an aspect of the goddess Parvati/Gauri) at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is generally regarded as a Shakti Pitha, the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother.
The earrings of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi. The temple is situated by the famous cremation grounds of Manikarnika. Vishalakshi Temple is known for its temple festival on Kajali Tij, held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August).There are 4 incarnations of Adi parashakti ( Kamakshi in kanchi is worshipped. Vishalakshi in North in kashi Renukakshi (Padmakshi) in West alibag or shreebag, Meenakshi in South and Bahulakshi in East.
3 Kal Bhairva temple
Kaal Bhairav Mandir is one of the oldest temple in Varanasi, India. Situated in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj this temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism; especially amongst the locals. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava (Kaal Bhairav), a fierce form of Shiva and wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. The word “Kaal” means both “death” and “time”. Kaal Bhairav also means the one who removes the fear of both death and time. It is believed that even death is afraid of Kaal Bhairav.
Housed in the inner sanctum of the temple is a silver faced idol of Kal Bhairav who is seated on his vahana (vehicle), a dog and is holding a trident. Only the face of the icon decorated (with garlands) is visible to the visitors through the doorway. Rest of the icon is covered with a piece of cloth. On the rear door of the temple, there is an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another aspect of Bhairava.
4 Durga Temple
Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani- Rani Bhabani of Natore. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple. Drone shot of a Durga Mandir in Varanasi, 2022
In adhyaya (chapter) 23 of the Devi Bhagwat Puran , this temple’s origin is explained. As per the text, Kashi Naresh (king of Varanasi) called for a Swayamvar for his daughter Sashikala’s marriage. The King later learnt that the princess was in love with Vanvasi prince Sudarshan. So Kashi Naresh got his daughter secretly married to the prince. When the other Kings (who were invited for Swayamvar) got to know about the marriage, they got angry and went on war with Kashi Naresh. Sudarshan then offered prayers to Durga, who came on a lion and fought the war for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh pleaded to Durga to protect Varanasi and with that belief, this temple was constructed
5 Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple in Varanasi and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman . The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. The deity was named “Sankat Mochan” meaning the “reliever from troubles”.
In the temple, offerings to Lord Hanuman (called Prasad) are sold like the special sweet “besan ke laddo , which the devotees relish; the idol is also decked with a pleasant marigold flower garland as well. This temple has the unique distinction of having Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Rama , whom he worshipped with steadfast and selfless devotion.
