Temples
There is a lot to say about Hindu culture and religion. For foreigners not familiar with the Hindu culture, when you’re interested: read about it, talk about it and experience it for yourself. We will only provide you with practical information on how to go to the best places, well prepared. If you as our guest prefer to go guided, we are happy to arrange that for you. Always make sure you’re dressed appropriate. So no short trousers or skirts and revealing shirts. And before you enter a temple always put off your shoes. The ‘main thing’ in visiting a Temple is doing darshan: looking and praying at the statue of Shiva / Shiva linga – after often a very long waiting time. Whether you join doing Darshan or not, we encourage you in any case to just sit down for a while in the Temple, on a nice place, so that you can enjoy everything happening around you and feel ‘the vibe’. Notice that Indians are masters in the art of waiting – and making it meaningful.
Kal Bhairav Temple
People think that when you go to Varanasi you should visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. That is true. But before you go to the main temple, you should first do Darshan at this very energetic old temple called Kal Bhairav, a 15 minutes walk from the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It’s a nice walk through those typical age old Varanasi lanes. Then your pilgrimage is said to be more impactful and proper.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
In 2021 the new complex of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple opened. With about 45.000 visitors a day this Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, has become one of the most visited temples in India. While waiting in line you can still see some parts of the old structure and the nearby Mosque that is disputed to be originally part of the complex as well. As a foreigner you need to sign up for entering this temple. Bring your passport and at least 600 rupees. And know that entering the Temple with your camera is not permitted. No problem, you can leave it safe and for free at the registration office.
Nepalese Temple
The Nepalese Temple, Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, also known as the Nepali Mandir, Kanthwala Mandir, and Mini Khajuraho, is one of Varanasi’s oldest and most well-known temples, located on Lalita Ghat.
Free entrance for Indians, foreigners pay a little to enter. But it’s worth it! The place is amazing. The vibe, the scenery. A must visit when you do Varanasi – and just next to the main Temple.
Devoted to Lord Shiva it holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. The temple was built in the 19th century A.D. by the King of Nepal and is a duplicate of the Pashupatinath Temple situated in Kathmandu. It is made of terracotta, stone, and wood.