10 Best Places To Visit In Varanasi For A Glimpse Of Mystical Culture

For a middle-aged man living in India, visiting Varanasi at some point in his life is almost a given. The reason for this is the history and religious importance of the place as well as the architecture and art that have preserved it forever. Known as one of the holiest cities in India, it has loads of temples and ghats that host endless queues of pilgrims from all over the country. Of course, this only adds to the sanctity of the fact that the Ganges River runs through Varanasi!

Places to Visit in Varanasi:

1. New Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Located inside the Banaras Hindu University, the door of this temple is visited by tourists daily. The Birla family, which has been a hugely successful group of entrepreneurs in India, began its construction, leading the locals to call it Birla Mandir. One of the great things about the temple is that it is not just one building, but is actually seven separate temples which together form a big religious complex. The mythical Purana Vishwanath Temple is the direct inspiration for the design of this temple.

• Timings: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Temple Schedule:
  • Mangal Aarti: 2:30 AM
  • Bhog Aarti: 11:30 AM to 12:00 pm
  • Sapta Rishi Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (darshan not allowed)
  • Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM (only outside darshan allowed)
  • Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Many see it as the most prominent temple in Varanasi, and some consider it the most important temple in the entire country. Its story is more than three thousand five hundred years old, which is an astonishing time. So much has happened in and around it that it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed while watching it. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas which are Shivalingas which are physical symbols of Lord Shiva.

• Timings: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Temple Schedule:
  • Mangal Aarti: 2:30 AM
  • Bhog Aarti: 11:30 AM to 12:00 pm
  • Sapta Rishi Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (darshan not allowed)
  • Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM (only outside darshan allowed)
  • Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM

3. Durga Temple, Varanasi

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is a symbol of female divinity. The deities present in this temple are believed to be made of thin air and not created by any person.

• Timings: 5:00 AM- 9:00 PM

4. Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi

Being dedicated to the country itself, it is one of the rarest temples in the country. India is famous for its millions of temples and nationalistic spirit, but there are very few places that remember the country itself. And since it is such a rare temple, almost everyone who comes to Varanasi visits it. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus, it was inaugurated by Gandhi himself in 1936. It was considered an inspiring symbol of love and hope for all those who were fighting against the British.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

5. Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi

In a list full of temples, the Alamgir Mosque stands proudly as a representation of the Muslims who have lived here for centuries. Famous for its incredible Islamic architecture, this mosque is unique in the fact that it is situated on the banks of the Ganges.

• Timings: 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM

6. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

This particular ghat is believed to be the oldest ghat in the city, and hence is considered special. If you’ve seen video footage of people bathing in the Ganges and praying on the banks of the river with lamps in their hands, chances are it was the same ghat you visited. This is often because of the multitude of people who come to it to wash away their sins and pray.

Aarti Timings: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM (summers); 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM (winters)

7. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

This ghat is again very important among Hindus as it is the main cremation ground of the city. Those who have died are often cremated here, with the belief that they attain salvation. There is a myth that the ear ornaments of Goddess Parvati fell at the exact spot of this Ghat when Lord Shiva accompanied her here.

• Timings: Open throughout the day

8. Assi Ghat, Varanasi

Assi Ghat is believed to be the place where the great poet Tulsidas died. The southernmost ghat in the region, it is most popular among tourists.

• Timings: Open throughout the day

9. Manmandir Ghat, Varanasi

It was commissioned by Raja Man Singh in the early 1600s. He had a large stone balcony on the northern corner of the ghat, so that he could sit there and enjoy the peace. Compared to other ghats, this ghat has lesser number of people making it an excellent place to spend a day.

• Timings: Open throughout the day.

10. Gyan Vapi Well, Varanasi

The name of this well means well of knowledge, which is actually believed to be about the water of this well. It is said that its water has intelligence and those who consume it get its benefits. Whether you are superstitious or not, there is some interesting history about this mythical well.

• Timings: Open throughout the day.