Which is the most sacred temple in Varanasi?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Vishweshwara (Ruler of the Universe), is the most sacred temple in Varanasi and one of the twelve holy Jyotirlingas in India.

What are the rules and dress code for visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Traditional modest attire is recommended (dhoti/kurta for men, saree/salwar for women for Sparsh Darshan). Electronic devices, cameras, and leather items are not permitted inside the sanctum and must be deposited in official lockers outside.

How can I avoid long queues at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

You can book a Sugam Darshan ticket online in advance through the official temple portal (shrikashivishwanath.org) or visit during early morning hours (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) when queues are shortest.

Sacred Shrines

వారణాసి ఆలయాలు

Varanasi has over 2,000 temples — more than any other city on earth. Every lane, every ghat, every wall conceals a shrine.

2,000+

Temples

Jyotirlingas

108

Shakti Peethas nearby

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Jyotirlinga

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the most sacred Shiva temple in the world. Rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780.

🕉 Shiva📍 Vishwanath Gali⏰ 4 AM – 11 PM

💡Book free darshan pass online. VIP pass saves 2–3 hours in queue.

Sankat Mochan Temple

Major pilgrimage

One of the most beloved temples of Varanasi, known for its vibrant atmosphere and free prasad. Founded by Tulsidas.

🕉 Hanuman📍 Sankat Mochan⏰ 5 AM – 10 PM

💡Monkeys are sacred here — don't eat in front of them.

Durga Temple

Major

18th-century temple with vivid red exterior built by a Bengali queen. Famous for resident monkeys and temple tank.

🕉 Durga📍 Durgakund⏰ 6 AM – 12 PM, 4–9 PM

💡Morning puja (6–8 AM) is especially atmospheric with chanting.

Tulsi Manas Mandir

Cultural

White marble temple built in 1964 at the site where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Marble walls inscribed with the epic.

🕉 Ram📍 Durgakund⏰ 5:30 AM – 12 PM, 3:30–9 PM

💡Diorama of the entire Ramayana epic inside — allow 45 minutes.

Kal Bhairav Temple

Tantric

The official 'Kotwal' (police chief) of Kashi. Unique as the idol is offered whisky as prasad.

🕉 Bhairav (fierce form of Shiva)📍 Old City⏰ 5 AM – 10 PM

💡Bring a small bottle of whisky as offering — available outside the temple.

New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)

Modern pilgrimage

Tallest temple tower in India (77m), built by the Birla family. Modern marble temple open to all regardless of caste.

🕉 Shiva📍 BHU Campus⏰ 4 AM – 9 PM

💡Very peaceful campus setting, much less crowded than the old city temple.

Annapurna Temple

Major

One of the most important temples in the complex. Annapurna is the goddess who feeds the world and is worshipped for abundance.

🕉 Annapurna (goddess of food)📍 Near Kashi Vishwanath⏰ 6 AM – 12 PM, 4–9 PM

💡Non-Hindus may not enter during aarti — check current rules at entrance.

Bharat Mata Temple

Unique

Unique temple dedicated to Mother India with a marble relief map of undivided India as its idol. Inaugurated by Gandhi in 1936.

🕉 Mother India📍 Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith⏰ 7 AM – 6 PM

💡The only temple in the world with no deity — just a map of the nation.

Showing 8 major temples. Full database of 2,000+ temples with GPS coming in Phase 2.