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’ 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 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.
Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir
Shree Anand Bhairav Temple
A Hindu Temple, dedicated to Anand Bhairav, the guardian of the city, near Ram Ghat. There are in total 64 Bhairavas, eight of whom are of special significance, representing eight different aspects of Lord Shiva (sky, air, fire, water and earth) as well as sun, moon and atma (soul). They are sitting at eight points in the holy city.
Chausath Yogini Temple
This very old temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, houses idols of the 64 yoginis (incarnations of Goddess Durga). It has a very powerful energy, and is daily thronged with pilgrims. Situated close to Rana Mahal (less than 100m). It’s also called Maa Chausatti Devi.
Jagannath Temple
Located near Assi Ghat this replica of the Jagannath Dham in Puri of Odisha was constructed in 1802. The main deities residing in the Temple represent Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balaram and his sister Subhadra. Since 1806, yearly a Rath Yatra, a public procession with the deities, is organized just as in the original Puri Temple.
Kanchi Kamakoteeshwar Mandir
Here on Hanuman Ghat you can experience a South Indian Temple style of architecture, full with intricate carvings, ornated pillars and vibrant paintings that narrate stories from Hindu mythology. This temple was established and is governed by Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham, and is an extension of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Also explore:
Some of our handpicked tips on what to enjoy in Varanasi. Tips from locals, tips from experts, tips from people that simply love Varanasi. You can easily go out on your own but when you prefer to go out with a guide feel free to ask us. We’re happy to facilitate (for our guests). Especially when you don’t speak the local language or Hindi and are not used to the art of bargaining it can be very helpful to have someone with you.