Built originally in the 11th century and rebuilt multiple times, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The golden spire and sacred Shiva Lingam represent cosmic energy and liberation.
Must Experience: Daily Ganga Aarti and Rudrabhishek Puja.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred and famous temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. It enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for devotees across the world. It is believed that a single glimpse of the Kashi Jyotirlinga purifies the soul and leads one closer to moksha (liberation).
The temple has witnessed several reconstructions over the centuries. Originally destroyed and rebuilt multiple times between 1194 and 1777, the present structure was commissioned by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1777. The recent Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project has further enhanced the spiritual and architectural grandeur, seamlessly connecting the temple to the sacred Ganga Ghats.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma once performed the Dashashwamedh Yajna (the ten-horse sacrifice) at Dashashwamedh Ghat, located near the temple, to welcome Lord Shiva to Kashi. This divine connection makes the temple and its surroundings the most spiritually charged place in the world.
Best Time to Visit: October to March – when the weather is pleasant, and major Hindu festivals like Mahashivratri and Dev Deepawali are celebrated with great devotion.
According to legends, Lord Brahma performed ten horse sacrifices (Dashashwamedh Yagna) here to welcome Lord Shiva. Today, it’s famous for the evening Ganga Aarti, where lamps and chants light up the entire riverfront.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, the most vibrant and sacred ghat in Varanasi, is located close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the banks of the holy River Ganga. The name “Dashashwamedh” translates to “the ghat of ten horse sacrifices,” derived from the ancient legend that Lord Brahma performed ten Ashwamedha Yajnas here to welcome Lord Shiva. This makes the ghat one of the oldest and holiest sites in India, symbolizing divine creation, power, and eternal faith.
The ghat is world-famous for its magnificent Ganga Aarti, performed every evening with chanting, lamps, and rhythmic rituals that illuminate the night sky. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather daily to witness this spiritual spectacle, where priests perform synchronized rituals dedicated to Mother Ganga. The sight of golden diyas floating on the river creates a mesmerizing aura of peace and devotion.
Historically, Dashashwamedh Ghat has been mentioned in ancient scriptures and has served as the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual life for centuries. It has also played a central role in various religious festivals such as Dev Deepawali and Ganga Dussehra. From sunrise boat rides to evening prayers, this ghat embodies the soul of Kashi’s timeless spirituality.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati’s earring (Manikarnika) fell here, and Lord Shiva promised salvation to all who are cremated at this sacred spot. The fire of Manikarnika has been burning for thousands of years.
Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, is revered as the gateway to Moksha (liberation). According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Parvati’s earring (Manikarnika) fell here while Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were bathing in the holy River Ganga. This sacred site is said to be blessed by Lord Shiva himself, who whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of souls departing from this world, granting them liberation.
The eternal flame (Akhand Deep) burning here is believed to have been lit thousands of years ago and never extinguished, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Manikarnika Ghat has been a continuous cremation ground, where devotees believe that those cremated here attain instant salvation (Moksha).
A visit to Manikarnika Ghat offers a profound spiritual experience — a reminder of the impermanence of life and the promise of liberation in the sacred city of Kashi.
This is where the river Assi joins the Ganga. Devotees bathe here before visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The morning yoga sessions and sunrise boat rides make it a perfect spiritual experience.
Assi Ghat – Where the Ganga Meets Spiritual Peace
Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi Rivers, marks the southernmost end of the sacred ghats of Varanasi. It holds immense significance in Hindu mythology — it is believed that Goddess Durga threw her Assi (sword) into the river after slaying the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha, and the place where it fell became known as Assi Ghat.
This ghat is one of the most vibrant and spiritual places in Kashi, where pilgrims from across India come to take a holy dip before offering prayers to Lord Shiva at the nearby Assi Sangameshwar Temple. The atmosphere here is both serene and divine, especially during the Subah-e-Banaras ritual, where one can witness Ganga Aarti, morning yoga sessions, and devotional chants that fill the air with spirituality.
Historically, Assi Ghat has been mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Puranas and is closely associated with scholars, saints, and poets who found inspiration in its tranquil beauty. Today, it remains a perfect blend of tradition and modern Varanasi life, where spirituality meets everyday culture.
Just 10 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Archaeological Museum hold deep historical importance.
Sarnath, located just 10 km from Varanasi, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is the sacred place where Lord Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta – the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.” This historic event marked the birth of Buddhism and established Sarnath as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Historically known as Isipatana, Sarnath flourished under the rule of Emperor Ashoka, who visited the site and erected the famous Ashoka Pillar – a national emblem of India today. The site also houses the magnificent Dhamek Stupa, built in the 5th century, which stands as a timeless monument marking the spot where Buddha shared his teachings with his first five disciples.
Sarnath also features ancient monasteries, stupas, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to remarkable sculptures and artifacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. The serene surroundings and sacred aura make Sarnath a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual awakening and historical insight.
Built in the 18th century, the Durga Kund Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and represents divine feminine energy. The red façade and the pond beside it create a sacred atmosphere.
Durga Kund Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most revered shrines in Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (divine power). Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Queen, the temple is an outstanding example of North Indian (Nagara) style architecture, painted in striking red, symbolizing the strength and energy of the Goddess.
According to legend, the idol of Goddess Durga in this temple is not man-made but is believed to have appeared on its own (Swayambhu). Adjacent to the temple lies the sacred Durga Kund (pond), which remains filled with holy water from the River Ganga. It is said that Goddess Durga herself resides here to protect the city from evil forces and to bless her devotees with strength and courage.
During Navratri, thousands of pilgrims visit the Durga Kund Temple to offer prayers and witness the grand celebrations filled with devotion, music, and lights. The temple’s spiritual aura, combined with its mythological significance, makes it one of the top places to visit in Varanasi for both devotees and history lovers.
Constructed inside the Banaras Hindu University by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, this marble temple mirrors the original Kashi Vishwanath and promotes unity of knowledge and faith.
The New Vishwanath Temple, located within the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), is a modern architectural marvel and one of the tallest temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands as a symbol of devotion, purity, and unity, attracting devotees and tourists from across the world.
The temple was commissioned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of BHU, and built with the support of the Birla family in the mid-20th century. That’s why it is also popularly known as the Birla Temple of Varanasi. Inspired by the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the New Vishwanath Temple was constructed to provide a peaceful place of worship for students and visitors alike, away from the crowded old city.
The entire structure is made of white marble, symbolizing spiritual purity, and the seven temples within represent the seven essential elements of Hindu philosophy. The temple’s central shikhara (spire) rises over 250 feet, making it a striking landmark that reflects the modern face of devotion in Kashi.
Visitors can experience a serene and spiritual environment, offering prayers and admiring the inscriptions of Bhagavad Gita verses on the temple walls. The New Vishwanath Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, peace, and divine inspiration.
