New Vishwanath Temple
Vision of Malaviya: The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, was the vision of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). His aim was to create a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple that would be accessible to all castes and free from th e tumultuous history of destruction, set in a spacious, modern context.: Architectural Feat: The construction, undertaken by the industrialist Birla family, began in 1931 and was completed in 1966. It is a modern marvel built entirely of white marble, contrasting sharply with the golden dome of the old temple, and features the tallest temple tower (Shikhara) in the world.: Spiritual Accessibility: Located within the sprawling, peaceful campus of BHU, it offers a calm and uncrowded environment for worship, making it a favorite for students, faculty, and those seeking a less intense pilgrimage experience than the old city.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Temple, Educational Site, Modern ArchitectureEntry Fees:
General Entry: Free for all visitors. :
Aarti/Ritual Fees: Paid tickets are available for specific rituals like Rudrabhishek and the early morning Mangala Aarti (prices range from Rs.300 to Rs.500), though general Darshan remains free. ...General Entry: Free for all visitors. :
Aarti/Ritual Fees: Paid tickets are available for specific rituals like Rudrabhishek and the early morning Mangala Aarti (prices range from Rs.300 to Rs.500), though general Darshan remains free.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (with Aartis and special timings extending later into the evening/night). :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (4:00 AM - 6:00 AM) for a serene Darshan or late afternoo...Regular Timings: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (with Aartis and special timings extending later into the evening/night). :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (4:00 AM - 6:00 AM) for a serene Darshan or late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) to explore the campus and temple in comfortable light, avoiding the midday heat, especially in summer.Special Events:
Mahashivratri: The festival is celebrated grandly, drawing huge crowds; the temple is spectacularly lit, and special aartis and programs are conducted all night, befitting a major Shiva temple. :
BHU Founders Day: As it is part of the univer...Mahashivratri: The festival is celebrated grandly, drawing huge crowds; the temple is spectacularly lit, and special aartis and programs are conducted all night, befitting a major Shiva temple. :
BHU Founders Day: As it is part of the university, the temple often plays a central role in the university's major annual events, including the birth and death anniversaries of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.Best Photo Spots:
The Tall Shikhara: The best photos are taken from a distance within the BHU campus to capture the full height and scale of the towering, white Shikhara against the blue sky. :
The Marble Interior: Close-up shots of the intricate white marble ...The Tall Shikhara: The best photos are taken from a distance within the BHU campus to capture the full height and scale of the towering, white Shikhara against the blue sky. :
The Marble Interior: Close-up shots of the intricate white marble carvings and the inscribed Bhagavad Gita verses on the walls. :
The Garden View: The temple viewed across the lush green lawns of the surrounding garden, providing a rare green setting for a Varanasi temple photo. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Darshan and Rituals: Participate in the Darshan of the Shiv Lingam and other deities, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the spacious sanctum, which is far less crowded than the old city temple. :
Study the Inscriptions: Spend time walking along the inner walls, carefully reading the engraved verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, making it a visit of both spiritual and intellectual learning. :
Explore the BHU Campus: After visiting the temple, take a drive or a long walk through the extensive and beautiful Banaras Hindu University campus, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. :
Meditate in the Gardens: The temple is set amidst well-maintained, lush gardens and open space, providing a perfect locat...Darshan and Rituals: Participate in the Darshan of the Shiv Lingam and other deities, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the spacious sanctum, which is far less crowded than the old city temple. :
Study the Inscriptions: Spend time walking along the inner walls, carefully reading the engraved verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, making it a visit of both spiritual and intellectual learning. :
Explore the BHU Campus: After visiting the temple, take a drive or a long walk through the extensive and beautiful Banaras Hindu University campus, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. :
Meditate in the Gardens: The temple is set amidst well-maintained, lush gardens and open space, providing a perfect location for quiet reflection, meditation, and escaping the noise of the main city. :
Attend the Aarti: The evening Aarti is a beautiful, serene ceremony, less dramatic than Dashashwamedh but profoundly spiritual, offering a chance to participate in the prayer rituals with a peaceful and devout community.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Tallest Temple Tower: It is famous for its towering Shikhara, which dominates the BHU skyline and is one of the tallest structures in Varanasi. :
The Marble Gita Temple: Its fame is also derived from the fact that it is a 'Gita Temple,' with ...Tallest Temple Tower: It is famous for its towering Shikhara, which dominates the BHU skyline and is one of the tallest structures in Varanasi. :
The Marble Gita Temple: Its fame is also derived from the fact that it is a 'Gita Temple,' with its walls inscribed with the entire Bhagavad Gita, serving as an accessible repository of Hindu philosophy within a university environment. -
Architecture:
Nagara Style in Marble: It is a near-replica of the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple but constructed entirely of white marble in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, allowing the structure to gleam brightly. :
Shikhara Dimensions: The tower ...Nagara Style in Marble: It is a near-replica of the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple but constructed entirely of white marble in the traditional North Indian Nagara style, allowing the structure to gleam brightly. :
Shikhara Dimensions: The tower (Shikhara) is often cited as the tallest temple tower in the world, rising approximately 77 meters high, which is a key distinguishing feature of its architecture. :
Inscribed Scriptures: A unique feature is that the walls and pillars are engraved with selected teachings and verses from the holy Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures, transforming the temple into a living library of philosophical thought. The structure includes multiple floors, with the main Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva on the upper floor. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 30-35 KMS). Take a prepaid taxi or cab to the BHU campus. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 6-7 KMS). Take a prepaid auto-rickshaw or cab directly to the BHU campus/Lanka Gate, a straightforward journey. :By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 30-35 KMS). Take a prepaid taxi or cab to the BHU campus. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 6-7 KMS). Take a prepaid auto-rickshaw or cab directly to the BHU campus/Lanka Gate, a straightforward journey. :
By Road: Easily accessible by car or cab directly into the campus, which is well-connected by wide roads, unlike the old city's narrow lanes. :
By Local Transport: Electric auto-rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) are the most common and efficient way to travel from the main city areas (Godowlia) to the BHU campus. Once inside BHU, local shuttle services or walking are recommended. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is perfect, as the open campus is very pleasant for walking and exploring in cool weather. :
Daily Preference: Early morning (before 6:00 AM) for a quick, spiritual visit before the campus gets b...Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is perfect, as the open campus is very pleasant for walking and exploring in cool weather. :
Daily Preference: Early morning (before 6:00 AM) for a quick, spiritual visit before the campus gets busy, or the evening for the Aarti and the beautifully illuminated white marble structure. -
Near Tourist Places:
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (2 KM), Tulsi Manas Temple (2. 5 KM), Bharat Kala Bhavan (1 KM, inside BHU), Assi Ghat (4 KM), Durga Temple (3 KM), Ramnagar Fort (8 KM), Kedar Ghat (5 KM), Godowlia Market (6 KM), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (7 KM), Sarnath (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The temple is secure. Footwear must be removed at the entrance, and the marble floor can be cold; wear socks. Be mindful of the large monkey population on the campus. :
Packing: Bring student ID if you are a student, as it...Health & Safety: The temple is secure. Footwear must be removed at the entrance, and the marble floor can be cold; wear socks. Be mindful of the large monkey population on the campus. :
Packing: Bring student ID if you are a student, as it is on a university campus. Keep water and light snacks, as the campus is large. :
Accommodation: Numerous excellent hotels and guesthouses are located just outside the main BHU gate in the Lanka area, providing modern amenities. :
Other Tips: Combine this trip with a visit to the nearby Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple, as they are all located in the same southern area of the city.
Reviews
FAQs
Varanasi Itineray And Cost:-
New Vishwanath Temple Tourism:-
Other Places In Varanasi :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Uttar Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Alamgir Mosque
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Annapurna Devi Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Assi Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Mata Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Durga Kund Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gyan Vapi Well
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Harishchandra Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kaal Bhairav Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kedar Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Man Mandir Ghat & Observatory
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Manikarnika Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Nepali Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
New Vishwanath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities