Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanath. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual.
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is one of the city’s most ancient and revered shrines, dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Known as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, Kaal Bhairav is believed to be the protector of the city. Tradition says that no one can reside in or enter Varanasi without his permission, and devotees often seek his blessings before beginning their spiritual journey in Kashi.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most revered temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, devotion, and remover of obstacles. The name Sankat Mochan itself means “reliever of troubles,” and devotees believe that sincere prayers here free them from hardships and bring peace and prosperity.
The Durga Mata Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir, is one of the most ancient and revered temples of Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of power and protection. The temple is believed to have been established in the 18th century and has since been a center of devotion for thousands of devotees who seek the goddess’s blessings for courage, strength, and the removal of obstacles.
This temple is situated inside the Banaras Hindu University Campus and is claimed to be the tallest temple is the world with height of 77 meters. The temple was built in 1966. It took 35 years to build the temple. It is mainly built with marble.
Gurudham Temple is very unique in its own. It is ~200 years old temple, built in 1814 by Raja Jai Narain Ghoshal of Khidderpore (Bengal). The temple is octagonal in shape with eight gates. Each of these gates have inscriptions about measurement of cubicles, verandah, dome, number of stairs and height. This is believed to be the temple of meditation with small canopies built on each side of the temple. This is also an archaeological site preserved by UP Government.