Lord Shiva Temples in Varanasi

by Namaste India Trip Tour & Travel Agent

Varanasi is known as the spiritual capital of India and is the hub of all religious activities. Popular for being lined with colorful and teeming Ghats along with the holy River Ganga winding through the state Varanasi has always been the site of innumerable ancient temples and places of worship. This is also the place where the popular evening Ganga Aarti takes place with great enthusiasm and vigor. Varanasi tour packages will take you across the streets of Varanasi which are filled with the continuous, rhythmic, and peaceful chanting of the hymns and prayers giving the overall place an immense feeling of deep spirituality and devotion to the Lord. Being home to a plethora of temples dedicated to various deities, most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Here are some of the most majestic, popular, and holy temples which are dedicated to Lord Shiva:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

This is one of the most popular Lord Shiva shrines in the world which stands majestically on the banks of River Ganga. This is also one of the holiest Jyotirlingas in the world and is visited by a number of pilgrims on a daily basis. The temple has also found its mention in the holy Puranas making it all the more significant to Hindus. This site has been visited by several notable saints, philosophers, and seers like Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Guru Nanak, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and so many more. Devout Hindus make it a point to visit this holy shrine at least once in their lifetime since this temple is believed to be placed on the route to Moksha.

Temple Timings: 3 am to 11 pm

2. Kaal Bhairav Mandir

Located in Bharonath, Kaal Bhairav is one of the oldest standing Lord Shiva temples in Varanasi that holds immense historical, cultural, and religious significance, especially among the local population. This temple is dedicated to one of the fiercest forms of lord Shiva i.e. Kaal Bhairav. The presiding deity which is present in the inner sanctum of the main temple shrine is in the form of a silver-faced idol and is seated on his vehicle along with his dog while clasping a trident. It is believed that the current temple structure was built during the 17th century AD and it is a common belief that Kaal Bhairav protects his devotees from their problems.

Temple Timings: Open throughout the week; 5 am to 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 10 pm

3. Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir

Located close to some of the most famous Ghats of Varanasi, this holy and sacred temple is also one of the most famous temple destinations in Varanasi. The temple holds immense holy and cultural significance since the shrine present within the temple sanctum is believed to be thousands of years old. The current building was constructed in the 18th century AD and houses a sacred Shivling. It is also believed that the temple keeps all its devotees away from any sort of unnatural death and is also a part of the Kashi Allahabad Gaya Tour.

Temple Timings: 4 am to 12 pm

4. Shri Vishwanath Mandir (Birla Temple)

This is one of the biggest and the most popular Shiva temples in Varanasi and is situated within the campus of BHU. This temple is famous for housing the tallest temple tower in the world. The foundation of this temple was laid by the Birla family in March 1931 and was finally completed in the year 1966. The temple has different floors dedicated to different deities and the main feature which makes this temple unique is the fact that the Hindu sacred scriptures are carved in and carefully inscribed all along the walls of the temple.

Temple Timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm