New Vishwanath Temple / Birla Temple

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Varanasi Junction): 12 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Place Location: Inside Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Complex

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi Junction, New Vishwanath Mandir is a Hindu temple situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the popular temples in Banaras and also one of the biggest tourist attractions in the holy city of Varanasi.

Popularly called as Birla Temple, the temple was constructed by the famed Birla family. According to history, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya planned to replicate Sri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in the campus of Banaras Hindu University and the Birla family undertook the construction. The foundation was laid in 1931and was finally completed in 1966.

New Vishwanath Temple is having the similar structure of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Built with marbles, the temple is designed by the founder of BHU, Sri Madan Mohan Malaviya. With a height of 253 feet, the temple has the tallest tower in the world. In fact, it is a temple complex which consists of 7 temples. The Shiva temple is situated on the ground floor, whereas Durga temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple are located on the first floor. The walls of the temple are adorned with spectacular sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Other temples within the temple complex are Nataraja, Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Lord Hanuman, Saraswati and Nandi. The temple is open to all people irrespective of religion, caste and creed.

The temple attracts huge crowd on many special occasions such as Shivratri, Navratries, Krishna Janmashtami, Shravan Mahotasva, Annakut, and Deepawali.

Timings: 4 AM - 12 PM & 1 PM - 9 PM