Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is a place of immense spiritual significance and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The city is famous for its numerous temples that attract millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. In this article, we will explore the top 10 temples to visit in Varanasi, each with its unique history, architecture, and religious significance. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a history buff, Varanasi's temples offer a rich and unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous and significant Hindu temples located in the holy city of Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Vishwanath or "Lord of the Universe."

The original temple is believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago, although it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history due to invasions and natural disasters. The current structure was built in 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

The temple is located on the banks of the Ganges River, and it is considered one of the holiest sites for Hindu pilgrims. It is believed that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a dip in the Ganges River can wash away one's sins and bring liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kaal Bhairav Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the Dashashwamedh Ghat and is considered one of the most important temples in Varanasi.

The temple is named after Kaal Bhairav, who is believed to be the guardian deity of the city of Varanasi. It is believed that he can dispel all fears and protect his devotees from all evils. The deity is depicted as a fierce-looking warrior with a dog as his vehicle.

The temple is open to people of all castes and religions, and devotees from all over the country come to seek blessings from Lord Kaal Bhairav. The temple is especially crowded on Sundays and during the Hindu festival of Navratri.

Durga Kund Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Durga Kund Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the Durga Kund pond, which is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu for Goddess Durga.

The temple is a significant religious site for devotees of Goddess Durga, who is considered the embodiment of Shakti (power). The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen and is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi.

Maa Annapurna Mandir, Varanasi, India

Maa Annapurna Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is considered one of the important temples in the city.

Goddess Annapurna is considered the provider of food and nourishment, and the temple is dedicated to her worship. The temple was constructed in the early 1900s by a Marwari businessman, and it is believed that he was inspired by a dream in which Goddess Annapurna appeared to him.

The temple has a beautiful architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine houses the idol of Goddess Annapurna, who is depicted holding a bowl of rice in her hand. The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Kashi, India

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the Tulsi Manas Temple and is considered one of the most popular and important temples in Varanasi.

The temple was founded by the famous saint and poet, Sri Tulsidas, in the 16th century, and it is believed that Lord Hanuman appeared to him in a dream and asked him to establish a temple in his name. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is considered the symbol of devotion, strength, and loyalty.

The temple has a beautiful architecture with a large courtyard, and the main shrine houses the idol of Lord Hanuman. The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and other deities.

Vishalakshi Mandir, Banaras, India

Vishalakshi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is considered one of the important temples in the city.

The temple was built in the 18th century by the queen of Kashi, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, who is believed to have the power to grant wishes and fulfill the desires of her devotees.

The temple has a unique architecture with a dome-shaped structure and intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine houses the idol of Goddess Vishalakshi, who is depicted with three eyes and four arms, holding a trident, a rosary, and a water pot.

Bharat Mata Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique Hindu temple located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata, which means Mother India, and is a symbol of national unity and pride.

The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, and it was built by the nationalist leader Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. The temple is unique in that it does not contain any traditional deities, but instead has a large relief map of India carved in marble, which is the main object of worship.

The temple has eight floors, each of which is dedicated to a particular theme or concept related to India, such as spirituality, freedom struggle, unity, and culture. The topmost floor offers a panoramic view of the city of Varanasi.

The temple is popular among both tourists and locals, and it is especially crowded during the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, as well as during other national holidays. The temple is a symbol of national unity and diversity, and it represents the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India.

Sankata Devi Mandir, Kashi, India

Sankata Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sankata Devi, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the Assi Ghat and is considered one of the important temples in the city.

Goddess Sankata Devi is considered to be the goddess who removes all the obstacles and troubles in the lives of her devotees. The temple was established several centuries ago, and it is believed that the goddess appeared in the dreams of a devotee and asked him to establish a temple in her honor.

The temple has a beautiful architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine houses the idol of Goddess Sankata Devi, who is depicted holding a trident and a sword. The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and other deities.

Lalita Gauri Temple, Kashi, India

Lalita Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lalita Gauri, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is considered one of the important temples in the city.

Goddess Lalita Gauri is considered to be the goddess of fertility and is worshipped by married women for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The temple was built several centuries ago, and it is believed that the goddess appeared in the dreams of a devotee and asked him to establish a temple in her honor.

The temple has a beautiful architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine houses the idol of Goddess Lalita Gauri, who is depicted with two hands, holding a lotus and a garland of flowers. The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and other deities.

The temple is especially crowded during the Hindu festival of Navratri, and it is believed that offering prayers to the goddess during this time can bring blessings, fertility, and happiness to married couples. The temple is also a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists who come to seek the blessings of the divine mother.

Tulsi Manas Temple, Kashi

Tulsi Manas Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated near the famous Durga Temple and is considered one of the important temples in the city.

The temple is built at the spot where Tulsidas, the great saint and poet who wrote the Ramcharitmanas, composed the epic poem in the 16th century. The temple is constructed in the Nagara style of architecture and is decorated with beautiful murals and carvings depicting the life of Lord Rama.

The main shrine of the temple houses the idol of Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman. The walls of the temple are inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas, which tell the story of Lord Rama's life and his victory over evil.