You must’ve heard of the word ‘cafe hopping’, thanks to Instagram-worthy cafes and eateries that are all the craze in India right now. Well, if you prefer spending your day in a serene, spiritual atmosphere over aesthetically decorated cafeterias, temple hopping is made just for you. The catch? It is exactly what you think!
While India has abundant towns and cities famous as spiritual centers, nothing comes close to Varanasi. Known as the sacred land of the gods in Hinduism, Kashi or Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet. With plenty of temples and immense significance in Hindu culture, the quaint, and sometimes bustling city of Varanasi is ideal for temple hopping. How? We’ll guide you on that!
Things To Know Before Temple Hopping In Varanasi
Even though it is a big city, most temples in Varanasi are situated quite close to each other, along the Ganges. A Varanasi temple is best explored either by walking or riding around in local rickshaws. If you’re making your way through the narrow gullies and trying out street food, it is best recommended to just walk along. That way you’re less likely to miss out on iconic hole-in-the-wall food spots and soak in more of what Varanasi has to offer.
It is also advisable to carry some loose cash with you when exploring, as some eateries might still rely on the conventional ‘cash only’ method. Also, downloading and saving offline maps of the city will help you in the long run, pun intended!
5 Places To Visit When Temple Hopping In Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Annapurna Temple
- Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bindu Madhav Temple
- Sankat Mochan Temple
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, a form of Shiva, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. It is one of the must-visit temples in Varanasi and is easily identified by its large gold spire. The main Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) houses the majestic Shiva lingam which is enshrined on a silver platform, exuding divine energy.
The temple complex also has several small shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
The Jnana Vyapi Well situated inside the temple is considered to be one of the purest water sources in Varanasi. Legends say that when Emperor Aurangzeb attacked the temple in the medieval period, the temple priest jumped into it along with the lingam to protect it. Inarguably one of the most popular temples in India, it also attracts a large number of devotees every day. During the festival of Mahashivratri, this number easily becomes multifold. Its spiritual ambiance makes it a must-visit and an ideal starting point for any temple-hopping journey in Varanasi.
Timings: 4:00 am to 11:00 pm
Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari
What To Eat Around The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The nearby Kachaudi/Kachori Gali is a lane famous for its lip-smacking street foods. While there are certainly other lanes and restaurants to try here, one simply cannot resist the old world charm of the iconic gully. Try out scrumptious kachori sabzi at local stalls, creamy lassi at Blue Lassi, hot cup of tea at Laxmi Tea Stall, aloo chaat and puri sabzi at various stalls, or some filling lunch at Suresh Thali. The options are endless!
2. Annapurna Temple
Varanasi’s love for food is not just reflected in its narrow streets but also through its famous Maa Annapurna Temple. A form of Goddess Parvati, she is the literal deity of food and nourishment. It is just a few meters away from the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, so it could easily be your next stop and one of the must-visit temples in Varanasi. Make sure that you don’t miss out on the aarti which takes place in the early morning, at noon, and in the evening.
The current form of the temple was built in the 18th century by Maratha Emperor Peshwa Bajirao, however, the legends associated with the goddess date back to ages ago. It is said that once Lord Shiva argued that the universe, including food and material wealth, is nothing but a cosmic illusion (Maya). Upset at his remark, Goddess Parvati decided to withdraw all food from Earth and soon, hunger struck upon the entire world. To save the world from collapsing, Lord Shiva approached the goddess and begged for food. Parvati then settled in the city of Varanasi and opened a kitchen to serve devotees. Now you know why Varanasi is famous for its food.
Timings: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address: D 9, Annapurna Math Mandir, 1, Vishwanath Galli, Godowlia
What To Eat Around The Maa Annapurna Temple
Make sure you try out the annadanam, where devotees can relish on free, sacred food every noon made in the temple kitchen. Next on your list must be the iconic Kashi Chat Bhandar. Try out their sweet and savory offerings, especially the viral Palak Chaat and the Special Kashi Chaat. Also, don’t forget to try some delicious samosas, malpuas, and the Varanasi-special malaiyo (a milk and cream-based dessert).
Note: As both the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Temple are situated close to the Dashashvamedh Ghat, you must witness the evening Ganga Aarti for a spiritual experience like no other! Explore other nearby ghats too for soaking more of Varanasi’s soothing atmosphere.
3. Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
This next place is about to remind you of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, thanks to its 9-degree tilt. The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, situated on the renowned Scindia Ghat, is an architectural marvel of Varanasi. Interestingly, it is located on the lower level of the Ganga River. So, parts of the temple are mostly underwater, especially in the monsoon season. You might get to see the entire structure if you are just lucky enough. Temples in Varanasi are a whole different experience, as you can clearly see!
You can also visit the nearby temples on the Scindia Ghat like the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple, and the Shri Guru Dattatray Ji Charan Paduka Mandir. The iconic Manikarnika Ghat is hardly a few meters away, so you can relax by the ghat or take a boat ride, especially in the evenings.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Address: Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation ground
What To Eat Around The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
This place is also situated near the iconic Kachaudi/Kachori Gali, so why leave a chance to visit it again? You can try out other dishes that you previously skipped or have a great evening snack by the Manikarnika Ghat or Scindia Ghat. The tea here is to die for, so look out for local stalls and grab a little bite while you’re there.
4. Bindu Madhav Temple
A short walk from the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, this one is an underrated gem of Varanasi. Legends believe that Lord Vishnu established the temple after taking a bath at the Panchganga Ghat. The temple building situated near the ghat is quite modest, but once you enter it, you are guaranteed to find peace and calm. Also, there are many smaller temples around the place that you can explore while you’re there.
The Bindu Madhav Temple was attacked by the Mughals several times, and the present-day structure was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Jean Baptise Tavernier, who visited India in the mid-17th century described the temple deity as the one studded with diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones. When visiting the place, make sure you relax by the Panchganga Ghat by practicing some yoga and meditation.
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm; 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Address: Ratan Phatak, Ghasi Tola, Domari
What To Eat Around The Bindu Mahadev Temple
Can’t stress enough on relishing some local food and you know it why! There are plenty of small, local eateries in the lanes surrounding the ghat and the temple. Some of them have existed for decades. You can try out classic Varanasi stapes like malaiyo and different kinds of chat. Also savor piping hot rasiya kachori and jalebi. Explore the narrow lanes and you never know when you’d stumble across an underrated gem!
5. Sankat Mochan Temple
Last on the list is the Sankat Mochan Temple situated near the iconic Assi Ghat. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the deity that destroys obstacles and blesses devotees with courage and strength. Legends say that the great poet Tulsidas had a dream about the deity at this very place, following which he established the clay idol of Lord Hanuman here. The temple, as it stands today, was built by the founder of the Benaras Hindu University, Shri Madan Mohan Malviya in 1900 to honor the deity.
When visiting the temple, make sure to attend the daily aartis and bhajans sung in honor of Lord Hanuman. Also, Saturdays are considered auspicious for the deity, so there’s large crowds visiting it on those days. People mainly offer jasmine oil, vermillion, fruits, and flowers to the idol and pray for physical and mental well-being. It is a prominent site for visitors seeking spiritual relaxation as well as ardent devotees of the deity.
Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address: Saket Nagar Colony, Sankata Mochan Leprosy
What To Eat Around The Sankat Mochan Temple
There are plenty of hip cafes and local street food stalls near the temple, especially towards the area leading to Assi Ghat. The Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is one of the most popular places to grab an indulgent bite in Varanasi. Their pizzas and grilled sandwiches are a dream come true and the apple pie with icecream is a speciality that visitors can’t get enough of.
Situated next to it is the vintage-inspired Aum Cafe. Try out their American as well as vegan options available at reasonable prices. Explore other local eateries and end the day with a hot cup of tea (or coffee) by the serene ghats.
Summing Up
Varanasi boasts so many temples that you simply can’t get enough of them. Every lane and ghat has a unique story to tell that’s somehow related to tales from the rich Hindu mythology. Plus, there are plenty of food options, so walking on a hungry stomach is something you need not worry about. Thanks to the new wave of spiritually-inclined tourists, temple hopping in this holy city is becoming more than just a religious experience. Time for you to try it out yourselves!
FAQs
Which Are The Famous Temples In Varanasi?
Here are some of the most famous temples in Varanasi:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Maa Annapurna Temple
- Sankat Mochan Temple
- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Kal Bhairava Temple
Is 2 Days Enough In Varanasi?
Yes, it is possible to take a tour of Varanasi in two days by visiting famous temples and ghats. However, one can easily spend a few more days, possibly up to a week, to fully explore the ancient city and its innumerable tourist attractions.
Are Kashi And Banaras The Same?
Yes, both Kashi and Banaras are the same. In ancient times, the city was known as Kashi and is referenced by this name in Hindu scriptures. Over the years, it has come to be known as Varanasi, Benaras, or Kashi.
Which Mithai Is Famous In Varanasi?
Here are a few desserts (mithai) famous in Varanasi:
- Malaiyo
- Benarasi Kalakand
- Gulab Jamun
- Jalebi
- Peda
- Sohan Halwa
