Temples in Varanasi
Visvanath Temple (Golden Temple)
This present temple dedicated to Lord Siva was built by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776. The old temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1669. It is called the golden temple because of the gold plating put on the shikharas (roof over the altar) by Maharana Ranjeet Singh in 1835. Non-Hindus (non-Indians) are not allowed in the temple, and this is strictly enforced. The linga is on a golden altar. There has been a Siva temple at this site for over 1000 years. Beside the Siva-linga of Visvanath, there are many other shrines. To the left as one enters the temple is the Deity of Vishnu, who is supposed to be worshiped along with Visvanath.
Behind the temple is the Jnana Vapi, or the Wisdom Well, which is said to be the liquid form of enlightenment. It is said to have been in Varanasi before the Ganges came to this earth. Pilgrims give their sankalpa, or statement of intent, here before beginning their pancha-tirthi yatra.
Non-Hindus can look inside the temple through a hole in the wall, in the alley between the front of the temple and the Jnana Vapi.
You can see the roof of the temple from the roof of the Trimurti Guest House or some shops across the street from the temple.
Area Temples
Right outside the Golden Temple is the shrine of Sanichar (Saturn), which is worshiped to get rid of misfortune.
A major temple, dedicated to Annapuma, is located in the same alley as the Visvanath Temple. Anna means "food," and purna means "who fills."
Dhundhiraj Ganesh is a small important Ganesh temple on Visvanath Lane, about a five-minute walk from the Visvanath Temple.
Sakshi Vinsyaka is a Ganesh deity. Sakshi means "the witness." After finishing the Panch Kosi circuit, pilgrims come before this deity so that Ganesh can witness the completion of their pilgrimage.
When pilgrims visit Varanasi they register their arrival at the temple of Bhairava. Bhairava is known as the policemen-magistrate and guardian protector of the city. Bhairava is the terrifying aspect of Lord Siva, who chopped off the fifth head of Brahma.
Bindu Madhava & Adi Kesava Temples
These are both important Vishnu temples. Bindu Madhava Temple used to be a very major temple, and it was visited by Lord Caitanya when He came to Varanasi. It wasestroyed by the Muslims in the 17th century and a mosque was built in its place. The present Deity of Bindu Madhava is in a small temple by the mosque. It is located just above the Pancha-ganga Ghat. If you are taking a boat by yourself, you can have the boat stop here and walk up to the temple.
The Adi Kesava Temple is located where the Varana River flows into the Ganges. Lord Vishnu is said to have first put His feet here when He came to Varanasi.
Durga Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple
They are both located in the southern part of town, between Asi Ghat and the University. The Durga Temple was built in the 18th century and has many intense monkeys. The Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the "Liberator from Troubles." Many people consider this to be one of the three major temples in Varanasi.
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