Recognised as the spiritual centre of India, Varanasi is regarded as the origin of Hinduism and a refuge for sages over the ages. According to legend, this city was built by the gods themselves for human habitation, and as civilization developed, many temples were built on the ghats beside the holy Ganges River. Discovering all 2000 of the temples and religious buildings that dot Varanasi’s landscape is a laborious undertaking.  

Nevertheless, here are a carefully chosen few of Varanasi’s most recognised temples, revered for their spiritual essence, historical eminence, architectural beauty, distinctive customs, and more.  

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located next to Dashashwamedh Ghat. As one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, it is regarded as one of the oldest and most spiritually significant buildings in Varanasi. The temple is well-known for its magnificent golden spire, which is said to fulfil desires at sight. It has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout its history. Inside the temple areas, an old well is considered the finest source of water in Varanasi. Legend has it that a priest made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the main deity from Emperor Aurangzeb’s assault. 

Kaal Bhairav Mandir

Established in the 17th century, Kaal Bhairav Mandir is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the city. It is dedicated to worshipping Kaal Bhairav, an angry incarnation of Lord Shiva. Admired as the protector god of Varanasi, people often offer prayers to KaalBhairav when they arrive or exit the city. The frightening representation of the deity, complete with a garland of human skulls, represents its savage side. Temple oil is said to have medicinal advantages, especially for treating dog bites. 

Durga Kund Temple 

The deep red Durga KundMandir is dedicated to the goddess Durga and gets its name from the rectangular pond (or “kund”) that is next to it. The Queen of Bengal ordered it in the eighteenth century, and it is a magnificent example of Nagara architecture. The temple god is said to have appeared by choice. It is best to visit this old temple on Tuesdays and during Durga Puja and Dussehra.  

Maa Annapurna Mandir

Maa Annapurna Temple is dedicated to goddess Annapurna who is said to be an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and was constructed in the mid-18th century in Nagara architectural style by PeshwaBajirao of the Maratha dynasty. The Temple uniquely houses multiple main deities, and devotees offer grains and food items as sacrifices in order to seek blessings and to fulfil their wishes. The sanctum sanctorum features a brass idol for regular worship and an idol of gold, on Annakut, a day before Diwali.  

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Established by St. and poet Tulsidas in the 16th century, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God. This temple is located near the Assi River and is considered a sacred space that relieves visitors from sorrow, pain and suffering. This temple is renowned as the ‘monkey temple of Varanasi’ as it is home to numerous monkeys. The devotees offer BesanLaddu during special occasions to the deity. 

Kanthwala Temple

Also known as the Nepali Temple, this temple replicates Nepal’s Pashupatinath temple and was constructed in the 19th century by Rana Bahadur Shah. This temple features stone and wood constructions but Terracotta structures and it resembles the iconic sculptures of the Khajuraho group. What adds to its architectural beauty is its termite-resistant wood. 

Vishalakshi Mandir

Also known as the Manikarnika Shrine, this temple pays homage to Goddess Vishalakshi who is believed to be a form of Goddess Sati and is located near the cremation ground of Manikarnikaghat. According to the mythological tales, its origin is rooted in the intervention of Lord Vishnu in the cremation of Goddess Sati which resulted in the formation of 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. This temple holds immense spiritual significance and is famous as one of the region’s most potent temples. 

Bharat Mata Mandir 

With its unique concept, Bharat Mata Mandir is dedicated to Mother India and features a large marble map that depicts the undivided Indian landscape. The temple was constructed in 1939 by a freedom fighter named Babu Shiv Prasad and was inaugurated by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This temple serves as a patriotic symbol and festivals such as Republic Day and Independence Day are celebrated with great excitement at this temple. 

Sankata Devi temple 

This temple is dedicated to Sankata Devi who is said to be a form of Goddess Parvati and is considered by women folk for its power to alleviate sorrow, pain and suffering. The temple consists of statues that represent the nine planets and is associated with the Pandava brothers’ visit during their banishment. during the festivities of Navratri, the devotees flock here to seek blessings and solace. 

Lalita Gauri Mandir

Constructed by the Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal in the 19th century, Lalita Gauri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lalita Gauri, who is associated with wealth and prosperity. It lends its name to the adjacent cards as well and is situated near the Nepali Temple. 

Tulsi Manas Temple

The Tulsi Manas temple commemorates the spot where the St. and poet Tulsidas penned the sacred Ram CharitraManas back in the 16th century. This temple was constructed in the 20th century and it features white marble architecture, studded with words and carvings from the epic. This temple is facilitated with expansive gardens, that attract visitors who seek spiritual and literary enrichment. Overall, this temple serves as a cultural destination with a touch of spirituality. 

Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple 

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in  Darangar, renowned for its power to prevent untimely or unnatural deaths. The ancient well in the temple premises is believed to contain water that possesses miraculous healing properties, that draws devotees seeking divine intervention and protection. 

Shree Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple

Shree Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasts a naturally occurring deity that grows in length annually. The temple offers a unique spiritual experience as its rituals blend Malayali and Benarasi cultures. Tourists across the world gather here to witness the deity’s growth which symbolizes the divine presence and continuity amongst humanity. 

New Vishwanath temple

Also known as the Birla Mandir, this temple is situated within the premises of the Banaras Hindu University, and replicates the Kashi Vishwanath temple structure to preserve its original form. This temple was built by the Birla group with marble, and it features the world’s tallest temple towers and welcomes visitors of all faiths, nurturing inclusivity and religious harmony. 

Dundi Raj Ganesh Temple

Has been named suggests this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of Varanasi’s oldest Ganesh temples. This temple is famous for its association with Lord Shiva’s visit to Earth. Despite its discreet location near the KashiVishwanathMandir, the locals have it that the deity grants solace and relieves sorrow, pain and suffering, particularly during the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ratneshwar Mahadev temple

The Ratneshwar Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it boasts a unique location adjacent to ScindiaGhat. This ghat is partially submerged in the Ganges due to its weight. This temple holds immense significance as it is believed that the prayers are offered here for seeking male offspring and divine blessings. This temple is also believed to have been built at the birthplace of Lord Agni, who is the God of fire. 

Vyasa Temple

This temple is dedicated to Veda Vyasa, the sage who composed the Hindu epic Mahabharata, showcasing his banishment from Varanasi by Lord Shiva, due to his temper. The temple symbolizes Vyasa’s exile and serves as a place for reverence and contemplation. It is constructed on the eastern bank of river Ganga.  

Markandey Mahadev Temple 

Located in the Kaithi region of Varanasi, Markandey Mahadev temple is dedicated to the flame form of Lord Shiva known as KalasamharaMurti. This temple narrates the tale of Lord Shiva saving a boy from the God of death, Yama. Devotees visit the temple and seek blessings for a healthy life, especially during the festivities of Shivratri and Mahashivratri. 

Tridev Temple

The Tridev temple was built recently and honouring Salasa Hanuman, KhatuShyam and Rani Sati Dadi, and it stands out for its diverse main deities and modern marble architecture. The couple allows photography and meditation within its premises, attracting grants seeking spiritual enlightenment and comfort. 

Sarnath Temple

Located close to the intersection of the Varuna and Ganga rivers, some 10 km northeast of Varanasi, lies the historically and religiously significant Sarnath Temple. It marks the location where Kondanna’s enlightenment in the deer park gave rise to the Buddhist Sangha. It is well known that Gautama Buddha gave his initial Dharma teachings in Sarnath. A variety of sites can be explored at Sarnath, such as the Chinese and Thai Temple and Monastery, the Ashoka Pillar, the Dhamekh Stupa and Monastery Ruins, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, and the MulagandhaKutiVihar. 

Varahi Devi Temple

Dedicated to goddess Varahi, the Varahi Devi Temple in Varanasi depicts her wearing vibrant red garments. It is thought that Varahi was drawn to Varanasi because of its allure, and that is why she stayed there. The shrine is situated among little lanes close to the Man MandirGhat. As part of Lord Shiva’s spiritual mission, 64 pilgrims were sent to Earth, including Varahi. Beautifully transformed during the Navaratri festival, the shrine is mostly visited by ladies. 

Shree Batuk Bhairav Temple

With great religious significance, the Shri Batuk Bhairav Temple is well-known as a sacred place for Aghori and Tantrik worship. The main deity is Batuk Bhairav, who is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is considered particularly holy because it is home to a sacred Akhand deep that is said to have burned for generations. Its oil is said to have medicinal effects, adding to the shrine’s holiness.