Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of India’s most important spiritual destinations. Located on the banks of the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, the city is famous for its ancient temples, sacred ghats, religious traditions and vibrant cultural heritage.

For centuries, pilgrims have travelled to Varanasi to offer prayers, seek blessings and experience its spiritual atmosphere. From the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the popular Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the city is home to many sacred places with their own histories and traditions.

If you are planning a religious visit or exploring the city’s heritage, here are some of the most famous temples in Varanasi worth including in your itinerary.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi and an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it especially significant in Hindu tradition.

Located in the old city near the River Ganga, the temple attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad. Devotees visit to offer prayers, participate in religious rituals and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

The temple complex has undergone changes over the centuries and is now part of the wider Kashi Vishwanath Dham development, which has improved access between the temple area and the riverfront.

The temple can become extremely crowded during Mahashivratri, Shravan and other important religious occasions. Check the latest darshan timings, entry requirements and security guidelines before visiting.

Location: Near Godowlia, Varanasi.

Best for: Shiva worship, pilgrimage and experiencing Varanasi’s spiritual heritage.

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the best-known Hanuman temples in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it attracts devotees who come to pray for strength, courage and relief from difficulties.

The temple is traditionally associated with the poet-saint Tulsidas. It is especially busy on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered important days for Hanuman worship by many devotees.

The atmosphere is filled with devotional activity, particularly during Hanuman Jayanti and other religious celebrations. Visitors should follow the temple’s rules and remain mindful of the crowds.

The temple is also a convenient stop for travellers exploring the southern part of the city.

Location: Sankat Mochan area, near Banaras Hindu University.

Best for: Hanuman worship, devotional visits and religious festivals.

3. Durga Temple

Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, is a famous religious landmark in Varanasi. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple is recognised for its red-coloured exterior and distinctive architectural style.

The temple is particularly popular during Navratri, when devotees visit to worship the goddess and take part in special religious activities.

Its traditional design and long-standing place in the city’s religious life make it an interesting stop for visitors exploring Varanasi’s temples.

Monkeys are commonly seen around the temple, so keep food and loose belongings secure and avoid feeding them.

Location: Durga Kund area, Varanasi.

Best for: Goddess Durga worship, architecture and Navratri celebrations.

4. Tulsi Manas Temple

Tulsi Manas Temple is an important religious attraction dedicated to Lord Rama. It is associated with Tulsidas, the poet-saint traditionally credited with composing the Ramcharitmanas, a revered retelling of the Ramayana in the Awadhi language.

The temple is known for verses from the Ramcharitmanas displayed on its walls. These inscriptions make it particularly interesting for visitors who want to learn more about Hindu literature and devotional traditions.

The surroundings are generally more spacious than some of the narrow lanes around the old city’s busiest temples, making this a pleasant stop during a sightseeing trip.

Location: Near Durga Kund, Varanasi.

Best for: Lord Rama worship, religious literature and cultural heritage.

5. New Vishwanath Temple

The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, is located within the Banaras Hindu University campus. Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, it was inspired by the traditional Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The temple is known for its tall structure, spacious surroundings and relatively peaceful atmosphere. Its location within the university campus makes it easy to combine a temple visit with a walk around the grounds.

Compared with the crowded lanes of the old city, the setting offers a different experience for visitors interested in religious architecture.

Location: Banaras Hindu University campus, Varanasi.

Best for: Temple visits, architecture and a quieter spiritual experience.

6. Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple is a distinctive attraction in Varanasi because it is dedicated to the idea of India as the motherland rather than to a traditional Hindu deity.

The temple is famous for its large relief map of India carved in marble. It was inaugurated in 1936 and represents a different aspect of the country’s cultural and national heritage.

Visitors interested in history and architecture may find this temple especially interesting because of its unusual design and symbolism.

Location: Near Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi.

Best for: Indian heritage, history and a unique temple experience.

7. Annapurna Devi Temple

Annapurna Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, who is associated with food, nourishment and abundance. The temple holds an important place in Varanasi’s religious traditions.

Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it is a convenient stop for devotees visiting the old city’s main pilgrimage area.

Goddess Annapurna is traditionally worshipped as a provider of nourishment, and the temple’s association with food reflects the wider cultural importance of feeding and caring for others.

Visitors can include this temple in a walking route through the nearby religious sites and markets.

Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi.

Best for: Worship of Goddess Annapurna and exploring the old city’s sacred sites.

8. Kaal Bhairav Temple

Kaal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. In local religious tradition, Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the guardian deity of Kashi.

Many devotees visit the temple to offer prayers before or during their pilgrimage to other sacred places in Varanasi. It is an important part of the city’s religious identity and traditions.

The temple is situated in the older part of the city, where narrow lanes and busy local markets are common. Allow extra time for reaching the entrance, particularly during crowded periods.

Location: Visheshwarganj area, Varanasi.

Best for: Kaal Bhairav worship and experiencing local religious traditions.

9. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple is another important Shiva temple in Varanasi. The name is associated with Lord Shiva as the conqueror of death, and the temple is visited by devotees seeking blessings for health, protection and well-being.

The temple is part of Varanasi’s wider network of traditional Shiva shrines. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore a religious site beyond the most heavily visited tourist landmarks.

As with other temples in the old city, local customs and visiting arrangements should be respected.

Location: Daranagar area, Varanasi.

Best for: Shiva worship and exploring traditional temples.

10. Nepali Temple

The Nepali Temple, located near Lalita Ghat, is known for its distinctive Nepalese-style architecture and intricate wooden carvings.

Its pagoda-style design makes it stand out among the surrounding buildings near the Ganga. The temple reflects historical cultural connections between Nepal and Varanasi and offers an architectural contrast to the city’s more familiar temple structures.

Because it is close to the riverfront, the temple can be included in a walking route covering nearby ghats and historic lanes.

Location: Near Lalita Ghat, Varanasi.

Best for: Architecture, heritage and photography.

11. Batuk Bhairav Temple

Batuk Bhairav Temple is associated with Batuk Bhairav, a form of Lord Bhairav worshipped in Hindu tradition. The temple is visited by devotees who come to offer prayers and participate in local religious practices.

Although it may receive less attention from first-time tourists than Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it is another interesting stop for those who want to explore the city’s wider spiritual heritage.

Visitors should check local directions and current visiting arrangements before planning a special trip.

Location: Kamachha area, Varanasi.

Best for: Religious visits and discovering lesser-known sacred places.

12. Trilochan Mahadev Temple

Trilochan Mahadev Temple is an old Shiva shrine associated with the religious heritage of Kashi. The name Trilochan refers to Lord Shiva’s three eyes.

The temple is visited by devotees as part of the city’s longstanding tradition of Shiva worship. Its location in the older parts of Varanasi also gives visitors an opportunity to experience neighbourhood temples away from the busiest pilgrimage routes.

If you are interested in exploring beyond the main tourist attractions, this temple may be worth considering.

Location: Trilochan Ghat area, Varanasi.

Best for: Shiva worship and exploring historic neighbourhoods.

Best Time to Visit Temples in Varanasi

The cooler months from October to March are generally comfortable for exploring Varanasi’s temples and nearby attractions.

Some periods are particularly significant for religious visits:

• Mahashivratri: An important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, with major celebrations at Shiva temples.
• Shravan: A sacred month for many devotees of Lord Shiva, often accompanied by increased temple activity.
• Navratri: A major period of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga and other forms of the divine feminine.
• Hanuman Jayanti: An important occasion for devotees visiting Hanuman temples, including Sankat Mochan.

These occasions can bring large crowds, longer waiting times and changes to access arrangements. Check official temple information before travelling.

Tips for Visiting Temples in Varanasi

A little preparation can make your temple visits more comfortable.

• Check current opening hours and darshan arrangements before leaving.
• Dress respectfully and follow the customs of each temple.
• Follow security instructions, especially at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Ask about restrictions on mobile phones, cameras, bags and other belongings.
• Allow extra time during weekends, festivals and the Shravan period.
• Keep footwear in designated areas where required.
• Respect worshippers and avoid taking photographs where prohibited.
• Carry drinking water and wear comfortable footwear for walking between sites.

How to Plan a Temple Visit in Varanasi

If you are visiting Varanasi for the first time, grouping nearby temples together can help you save time.

Old city temples: Begin with Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Devi Temple, then explore Kaal Bhairav Temple if your schedule allows.

Southern Varanasi: Combine Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple. You can also visit the New Vishwanath Temple within the BHU campus.

Riverfront and heritage: Explore the Nepali Temple near Lalita Ghat alongside nearby ghats and historic lanes.

The best route depends on temple timings, crowd levels, transport and your darshan plans. You do not need to visit every temple in one day; taking your time can make the experience more enjoyable.

If you are planning a wider sightseeing trip, read our guide to the places to visit in Varanasi for more attractions, including famous ghats and historic sites.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi is home to some of India’s most significant religious sites, each offering a different glimpse into the city’s spiritual traditions and cultural history. From the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple and the distinctive Nepali Temple, there is plenty to discover.

Whether you are visiting for pilgrimage, architecture or cultural exploration, take time to understand the traditions of each place and respect local customs.

For more travel inspiration, local recommendations and destination guides across India, explore Local Divine.