India is home to people of various cultures, castes, and religions. Every city in India holds its significance, and history, and is culturally rich. However, the city that tops the list of the most favorite and visited city, then it has to be Varanasi. Some call it Banaras, Kashi, as well as Varanasi, this oldest city in the world can easily invoke a feeling of ecstasy in a pilgrim’s heart and mind.
No wonder, Varanasi has its own soul and is unique in its own way. This place has a timeless vibe and will make you feel delightful. And the best thing about it is that if you are on a journey of finding your inner-self or simply on a spiritual journey then visiting this Spiritual Capital of the country can link you to ancient and modern times.
Varanasi has around 23000 temples and is named the City of Temples. But it is not humanly possible to visit every shrine. So, to make your spiritual journey much easier, we have curated a list of the top 10 pilgrimage spots that you can visit to soak in the divine vibe properly.
- Kaal Bhairav Mandir
Kaal Bhairav is known to be the aggressive form of Siva. In this holy temple, Lord Shiva is enshrined and the pilgrims worship them. The history of this shrine is dated back to the middle of the 17th century which means it is the oldest Lord Shiva temple in Varanasi. Some say that Kaal Bhairav guards the entire city and the people of Varanasi take their permission before leaving.
Significance
Lord Kaal Bhairav is known as the Kotwal of the creation which manes chief police officer. Anybody who wants to exist needs the permission of Kaal Bhairav. Also, is the Kotwal of ‘Sati Pind.’
Location – Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj
Timings – 5 am – 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm – 9.30 pm
- Shree Kashi Vishwanath Ji
This holy place is known as the crowning glory of Varanasi. It is located near the River Ganga. Also, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or what you can call, the sacred centers of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple can also be found in the Hindu Puranas. The fascinating thing about Shree Kashi Vishwanath Ji is that it was a subject of destruction but has been reconstructed several times. It is thronged by pilgrims every day.
Significance
According to the legends as well as Shiv Puran, this sacred temple is known to be the center of power and a manifestation of everything which is indivisible as well as infinite.
Location – Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi
Timings – 2.30 am to 11 pm
- Sankat Mochan Ji
This is a highly visited shrine in Varanasi. Sankat Mochan Ji Mandir was built in the 16th century by Goswami Tulsidas. It is located near the River Assi and close to the hearts of Hunaman devotees. People of Varanasi believe that pilgrims visiting this old shrine can get relief from their worries after visiting and praying dedicatedly at this temple. You can find a huge crowd at this pilgrimage spot on Tuesday and Saturday.
Significance
It is believed that taking the blessings of Hanuman Ji can help in getting success, prosperity, as well as progress. Also, Hanuman Ji resolves the issues of devotees and overcomes the problems.
Location – Near Saket Nagar Colony on Sankatmochan Saket Nagar Road
Timings – 5 am – 10 pm
- Durga Kund
This temple was built in honor of Goddess Durga. It is located near the rectangular kund or pond. The temple is known to have a Nagara Style of architecture with red stones and a multi-tiered spire. Durga Kund was built in the 18th century and holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims of Varanasi. It is believed that visiting Durga Kund can help devotees to get their wishes fulfilled.
Significance
This shrine was built by Bengali Maharani in Varanasi and it is believed that the idol of Durga is not made by man but is self-appeared. The people of Varanasi is visiting this holy shrine for centuries now.
Location – Near Jawahar Nagar Colony, Varanasi
Timings – 5 am – 11 pm
- Jagannath Ji
Another holy temple that you can visit during your spiritual journey is Jagannath Ji. It is near Assi Ghat and was built in the year 1802 to honor Lord Jagannath by the residents of Bhonsala estate. The unique architecture as well as idols of the temple hold some similarity to the Puri Temple. Visiting Jagannath Ji shrine to seek the blessings of all mighty will help you move forward in life and stay away from negativity.
Significance
This pilgrimage spot was made in honor of Lord Jagannath and also has idols of Lord Balabhadra as well as Sister Devi Subhadra. It is said that Lord Jagannath is a form of Lord Vishnu and this temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Location – Ravindrapuri Road, Assi Ghat
Timings – 5 am – 10 pm
- ISKCON
If you are a Krishan devotee then visiting ISKCON temple in Varanasi should be on your list. This temple was built by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada so that people can be aware of the divine power of Lord Krishna and his teachings. The aarti done at this holy place is electrifying and will leave you in a spiritual world from which you don’t want to come out.
Significance
The temple ISKCON in Varanasi holds an objective of putting forward the practice of Bhakti Yoga which is also known as Krishna Consciousness. The members of the shrine dedicate every word or their deeds to please Lord Krishna.
Location – 101, Anandbagh, Bhelupur
Timings – 4.30 am – 12:45 pm and 4.30 pm – 8 pm
- Tridev Mandir
Tridev Mandir is dedicated to three Gods which are Salasar Hanuman Ji, Devi Sati, as well as Khatu Ji Maharaj. People from all across the globe visit this holy shrine to seek the blessings of these three Gods. Also, Tridev Mandir is part of the 12 jyotirlingas. Ensure that you visit this mandir when you are on your spiritual journey.
Significance
This holy shrine has a lot of importance in the Hindu religion. Also, Tridev Mandir is part of the 12 jyotirlingas. People who are on their char dham yatra never miss visiting Tridev Mandir.
Location – Near Lanka Road, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony
Timings – 6 am – 12 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm
- Mata Annapurna Mandir
This pilgrimage spot is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna who is known to be the almighty of food as well as nourishment. Annapurna Temple is renowned among the people of Varanasi as Annapurna is the provider of food as well as sustenance to humankind. Mata Annapurna Mandir was built by a king in Varanasi after prayed to Mata Annapurna and got a bountiful harvest. The temple is located near the river Ganga. Also, the architecture and intricate carvings make this holy shrine gorgeous. This temple is a testament to unending faith as well as devotion.
Significance
It is said that Goddess Parvati is residing in the form of Mata Annapurna where she gave alms to her husband Lord Shiva who gave her blessings and lead to the well-being of the Varanasi people.
Location – Visheshwarganj, near Banaras Hindu University
Timings – 4 am – 11.30 pm
- Vishwanath Temple BHU
The New Vishwanath Temple is a go-to holy temple in Varanasi. The river Ganga flows by the side of this temple. This shrine is also famous as Birla Temple dedicated to the supreme power, Lord Shiva. It was built by Birla Family in the 20th century. No wonder, the architecture of this temple is par excellence, surrounded by gardens that make you feel calm and peaceful
Significance
This temple has Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishveshvara, or Vishvanath. It holds a lot of importance in the spiritual history of the country. Many devotees come every year to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Location – Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Timings – 4 am – 11 am, 12 noon – 7 pm
Mrityunjay Mahadev
This temple is located in the heart of the city. Mrityunjay Mahadev temple was built 2000 years ago in honor of Lord Shiva. No wonder, this sacred spot is popular among pilgrims and the true devotees of Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple involves intricate carvings, sculptures, etc. that show Lord Shiva in various forms. Also, it is said that the temple has various healing powers to live a healthy long life.
Significance
The temple was developed in the 18th century and it is believed that Lord Rama once visited it. Also, this sacred spot is home to the highly powerful Shivlinga holding the power of immortality.
Location – Near Mahamrityunjay Road, Varanasi
Timings – 4 am – 10 pm
Conclusion
The path to finding your inner-self and devoting yourself to the almighty is not easy. It takes years of dedication and love towards God to follow this path. However, Varanasi is home to various pilgrimage spots that allow the pilgrims to be close to the creator of everything. Whenever you are landing in Varanasi, you should visit these above-mentioned sacred spots to complete your spiritual journey.
