If you ask how many temples are in Varanasi, then the answer will surprise you. The temples in Varanasi are testimony to the spiritual nature of the city. These temples are not only sacred places, but very old and built during ancient times. There are 2000+ temples in Varanasi, but some of them are the major ones. You can visit the most famous temples in our 3 Day Varanasi Tourism Package. The list of Hindu temples in Varanasi includes Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The most famous temples in Varanasi are along the banks of the Ganga. You should definitely visit the major temples in Varanasi.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
If there is one temple that can be considered the most famous temple in Varanasi, then it is undoubtedly the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This is the first Jyotirlinga temple in India. The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. People worship him in the form of a shiv linga. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest temples in India and a major pilgrimage site. It is also one of the most visited temples in India, and estimates suggest that around 45000 visitors visit the temple in just one day. Uttar Pradesh government developed the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor to connect the temple with the ghat. Many Mughal rulers tried to demolish the temple, but the people and government rebuilt the temple many times. The Kashi Vishwanath Ganga Aarti is an immensely popular event at this temple.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was built at the site where Tulsidas had a vision of Lord Hanuman. According to belief, Goswami Tulsidas himself made the idol of Hanuman out of clay. The temple deity is Lord Hanuman, and he is known as Sankat Mochan, meaning the ‘remover of obstacles’. There is a well near the temple, which has been here since the time of Tulsidas. Devotees visit the temple every day, but Tuesday and Saturdays are special. On these days, devotees gather in large numbers and sing bhajans and participate in the aarti of Lord Hanuman.
Batuk Bhairav Mandir
In this list of Hindu temples in Varanasi, one of the major temples is that of Lord Bhairav. The temple is called Batuk Bhairav Temple, and the main deity of this temple is Lord Bhairav. He is the divine form of Lord Shiva and a ferocious avatar. The temple is a place of worship for the Tantriks and Aghoris. The remarkable thing about this temple is the Akhand Deep, and the lamp has never been extinguished and has been burning for centuries.
Nepali Temple
Another famous temple that you should visit in Varanasi is the Nepali Temple. This temple also comes in the list of Hindu temples in Varanasi. Nepali Temple is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir, Kanthwala Mandir, and Mini Khajuaho. This is one of the oldest existing temples in Varanasi and the former kings of Nepal built this temple. Nepali Temple is a 19th-century temple featuring terracotta, wood carvings, and stone construction. One look at the temple from a distance will give you the impression of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
New Vishwanath Temple BHU
In our Varanasi Travel Guide 2026, we also suggest you to visit the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple BHU. The temple is one of the popular temples you should visit on your Varanasi tour. The temple is located at a close distance from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Devotees come here in large numbers to pray for a happy life and prosperity. New Vishwanath Temple is popular with students also. The shikhar of the temple, or spire, is said to be the tallest in the world, and it is 250 feet tall.
🕉️ View our Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 and get complete travel information about Varanasi.
Tulsi Manasa Mandir
One of the major temples in this list of Hindu temples in Varanasi is Tulsi Manasa Mandir. This is a temple of Lord Ram, and there are idols of Ram, Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman in this temple. All the idols are made of marble stone. The walls of the temple has lines from Ramcharitmanas and famous episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. You will find beautiful carvings and sculptures in the temple. There is a library in the temple and artistic-style décor.
Tridev Temple
One of the famous temples to visit in Varanasi is the Tridev Temple. Three deities – Salasar Hanuman, Khatu Maharaj and Rani Sati Dadi are the main deities of this temple. These three deities have their own separate temples in Rajasthan. Tridev Temple architecture is very attractive, and construction is of marble stone. There are eye-catching designs and artistic décor on the temple walls, ceiling and pillars of the temple. At night, the temple is illuminated with lights.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
If you want to visit one of the oldest temples in Varanasi, then you should visit the Kaal Bhairav Temple. This is a 17th century temple. The main deity of this temple is Kaal Bhairav, and he protects the people of Kashi from evil and enemies. According to Hindu legends, Lord Vishwanath instructed Kaal Bhairav to be the protector-deity of Varanasi and guard the city from invaders. The aarti in the temple is popular, and devotees sing aarti to the beats of the drum, damru, and bells. Devotees visit the temple to get freed from ghosts and evil forces.
Annapurna Temple
Among the most famous temples in Varanasi is the one called Annapurna Temple. Another name of the temple is Annapurna Devi Mandir or Annapurna Mata Mandir. The principal deity of this temple is the Hindu goddess Annapurna. She is the goddess who gives nourishment and food. There are many popular legends associated with this temple. The temple architecture is based on traditional Indian style architecture. The temple was built in the 18th century by the Maratha king Peshwa Bajirao I.
Vishalakshi Devi Temple
Another temple in this list of Hindu temples in Varanasi is Vishalakshi Temple. Devotees also call this temple Vishalakshi Gauri Mandir. Parvati is the main goddess of this temple. This temple is also a Shaktipeeth temple in Varanasi, and it is believed that a gem from Devi Sati’s earring fell to the ground. Devotees also call the deity of this temple Manikarnika Devi. The temple has the North Indian haveli style of architecture and also has some features from Dravidian temple architecture. Vishalakshi Devi Temple is located near Mir Ghat in Varanasi.
Durga Temple
Durga Temple, also known as Durga Mandir or Durga Kund Mandir, is one of the many temples to visit in Varanasi. This temple is of the 18th century and dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The amazing thing about this temple is that the idol of Goddess Durga appeared on its own and was not made by a human being. There is a pond (kund) near the temple, which is connected to the Ganga River. The temple architecture is eye-catching and is based on the North Indian Nagara style of architecture. The carved panels, engraved stone, and intricately sculpted shikhara are the eye-catching features of this temple.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
One of the most unusual temples in Varanasi is the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple is in a slanting position. The temple is built at a low level, and because of this, the garbhagriha is underwater for most of the year. The temple is also known as the Leaning Temple of Varanasi. The architecture of the temple is of the classical Indian style. Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is located on Manikarnika Ghat. Ahilyabai Holkar built the temple in the 18th century.
FAQ
While it is difficult to count the Shiva temples in Kashi, there are 7-10 major temples of Lord Shiva in Varanasi.
New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) is termed the largest temple in Varanasi.
Vishalakshi Devi Temple is the Shaktipeeth temple in Varanasi.
The Jyotirlinga temple in Varanasi is the Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The cost of VIP Darshan in Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Rs.300/- per person. Here you can skip the queue and have fast darshan of Kashi Vishwanath and get a prasad box.
Conclusion
You will have got the idea about the list of Hindu temples in Varanasi. Varanasi Excursion has made the Varanasi Tour Package just for you so that you can visit the temples and shrines. The most famous temples in Varanasi are the Shiva temples and especially the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Although the actual number of temples in Varanasi is difficult to assess, estimates suggest that there should be 2000-3000 temples in Varanasi. You can visit the ghats in Varanasi along with the temples. The Kashi Vishwanath Ganga Aarti is one of the major aartis in Varanasi. The sight of devotees singing Sanskrit hymns in praise of the gods and goddesses is a sight to behold. Visiting the temples in Varanasi is like seeking blessings for a lifetime.