4 Must-Visit Temples in Varanasi Off the Tourist Map!
- Ankita Ojha
- Sep 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2024
Benaras Ki Mashoor Galliyon Mein Aapka Swagat ha! As we all know Varanasi is famous for its small and maze-like gullies and tasty eateries. Also, Benaras has countless Shivlinga, small and large temples, crossroads, and gullies.
But, do you know? There are other unknown yet powerful temples in Benaras with strong divine presence and incredible tales. It's not your fault; there are endless spiritual spots that get left. I too was unaware of them.
After visiting Varanasi for the 5th time I learned about these temples worth going to. Continue reading to uncover why you should visit these old temples in Varanasi.
5 Must-Visit Temples in Varanasi to Seek Blessings
Excluding Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan Hanuman, and other deities, I visited 4 different old temples in Varanasi that I desperately wanted to share with you guys. Let's have a glimpse of the biggest temples in Varanasi...
Atma Veereshwar Mahadev Temple
Mainly famous for lord Shiva which is also highly praised in puranas. Also, there is a story about its invention. Apart from Shivlinga, this temple is also known for Maa Katyani Devi. Locals of Benaras believe that Maa Katyani devi helps girls and boys who are seeking marriage and a good life partner. They daily visit here and worship Maa Katyani following the dahi and haldi lepan ritual.
In fact, it is believed that for those who are facing delays or struggles in marriage, Maa Katyani devi removes the obstacle and clears the path.
Furthermore, this temple also has othe smal shivlings and the infrastructure is older, giving antique vibes.
If you recite Rudra jaap for Veereshwar Mahadev and the dahi-haldi lepan ritual for Maa Katyai devi is very fruitful. Moreover, if you wish to perform puja for Lord Shiva, you can contact temple pujari in advance.
How to Reach Atma Veereshwar Temple?
There are 2 simple ways to reach...
By boat through Scindia Ghat
By cycle rickshaw up to Chowk and then walking down the gullies.
Address:- Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat, Garwasitola, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
You can check the Map here.
Time of Puja?
Morning- 5:30 AM- 11:00 AM
Afternoon and Evening- 12:30 PM- 9:30 PM
Special Aarti Ceremony- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
2. Sankatha Temple
One of the most powerful and old temples in Varanasi. Maa Sankatha is also known as Matrika by the local people. It is also said that Sankatha Devi protects her devotees and stands beside them to safeguard them from evil and danger.
After seeking the blessings of Maa Katyani Devi and Veereshwar Mahadev, we headed towards Maa Sankatha Devi. When asked Pandit Ji about the statue, he stated the above-mentioned truth.
Also, in Navratri, she's worshipped and people gather in huge crowds.
In addition, just beside Devi's statue, there's a Shivlinga and the temple is from the 18th century.
Therefore, whenever you feel in danger chant her name with true heart and dedication.
How to Reach Sankatha Temple?
It is easy to reach Maa Sankatha Devi's temple by rikshaw from Varanasi railway station or by a private taxi.
Address:- ck 7/159,sankata gali,chowk,vns, Uttar Pradesh 221001
You can check the map here!
Time to Worship?
Aarti: 4:30 AM
Bhog: 2:30 PM
Shringar: 11 PM
Shayan: 11 PM
The temple is open from 4 AM to 11 PM. And, especially on Friday, local women perform special puja.
3. Karkotak Nageshwar Temple
Okay! This is the most interesting and must-visit temple in Varanasi. The temple is located in Nag Kuan which is the famous society in Varanasi. The temple has a kund with clusters of stairs to go down.
On normal days, Karkotak Mahadev is not visible as he's submerged in the water. But, in Nag Panchami, the well is cleaned and then you can see him.
The story of this temple is also highlighted in Kashi Khand of the Skand Puran. The temple's existence is ancient and was renovated in the year 1825. Also, a few remnants of carvings are difficult to understand.
Karkotak Nageshwar temple is completely devoted to the serpents and also known as the "Well of Serpents." If you desire to see an incredible and jaw-drop creation of the Universe, it's the temple to go to. (Specially on Nag Panchami)
How to Reach Karkotak Nageshwar Mahadev Temple?
It is located in Jaitpura of Varanasi, you can take a rickshaw from Varanasi railway station reach Jaitpura police station, and then walk to ward Nag Kuan asking the locals about the temple.
Address- Karkotak Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, 82H6+Q63, Kamal Pura, Alaipura, Jaitpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
You can check the map here.
Time of Worship?
Morning- 5:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Evening- 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
You can visit at any time between 5:30 AM to 9 PM.
4. Sidhpeeth Jageshwar Mahadev Temple
As Varanasi is ruled by Lord Shiva, here's another swaroop of Sada Shiv for you. This temple in Benaras is magical and can be seen through the naked eye. After all, it's holding the history of one of the world's biggest Shivlinga.
Magical? Yes! Jageshwar Mahadev in Varanasi formally known as Dhureshwar Mahadev increases the grain size in every Shivratri and is known to be one of the famous and oldest seedhpeeth in Benaras.
Not only this, shivlinga's touch opens the door of wish fulfillment which I felt too. Moreover, if you visit Jageshwar Mahadev for 3 years or 3 months and worship him, he vanishes all your troubles and provides wish fulfillment. Isn't it interesting?
How to Reach Jageshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi?
You can easily reach by rikshaw with a landmark of Adarsh School or Ishwar Gangi. It's quite famous so saying the temple's name will be enough to reach the destination.
Address- Seedhpeeth Jageshwar Mahadev Temple, Ishwar Gunj, Adarsh Inter College, near Kamlakar Chaubey, Ausanganj, Kabir Nagar Churaha, Kotwali, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
You can check the map here!
Time of Puja?
Mangal Aarti- 5:00 AM
Shringar- 6:30 AM
Aarti- 7:00 AM
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9 PM
It's a Wrap!
So, it's time to wrap up the guide. These must-visit temples in Varanasi have their own divinity stories and divine energy presence. If you are someone who loves to explore religious spots or a big devotee, these temples are a must-go.
Apart from these temples in Benaras, there are more waiting on the list for the chance to get talked about. As of now, that's all for today, I'll see you soon with more interesting go-to places.
Meanwhile, subscribe so that you'll never miss a chance about new updates and explore my latest discoveries to fuel your next trip.
See Yaa!
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