New Kashi Vishvanath Temple of Banaras Hindu University

New Kashi Vishvanath Temple-Banaras Hindu University

Varanasi is known for its world famous temples. New Kashi Vishvanath Temple of Banaras Hindu University is probably the newest in the long list of famous Shiva temples of the city. This beautiful and magnificent New Kashi Vishwanath temple, is the pride of Varanasi . You can feel the powerful vibrations of the devotion of Lord Shiva’s, spirituality and also appreciate the finesse of teachings of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji and also acknowledge the ultimate truth of superiority of ‘Knowledge’, both worldly and spiritual.

Most of the foreign tourists who visit Varanasi make this Temple into their must visit places checklist. This beautiful temple is situated inside Banaras Hindu University. Tourists who visit this beautiful temple also get to see the largest university of Asia.

For some locals it is also a point of secluded off-time from the hustle bustle of Varanasi city. The Temple is also known by the name of Birala Temple . Locals of Varanasi also call it Navaka Vishwanath (or Nakka Vishwanath), students of BHu call it VT( Short form of Vishwnath temple).

Taller than Qutub Minar: Very few people are aware that this marble-shaped temple has a peak of 77 meters (253 feet) high, which is five meters more tall than Qutub Minar of Delhi, which is 72 meters ( 240 feet) tall.

Old Kashi Vishvanatha was destroyed by muslim invaders many time during medieval times. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, The Founder of Banaras Hindu University, was greatly aggrieved by this historic barbarianism . He had a dream of constructing similar Kashi Vishvanath inside the University also. Temple was constructed with the help of modern technology by contribution from many royal families and the open hearted donation from famous Birla business family. The foundation of the temple was laid in 1931 and it took 35 years to complete the temple.

Unfortunately, the temple work could not be completed during Malviyaji’s life time as he died in 1946 and the temple was completed in 1966.

Uniqueness of the Temple: Not only Shiva devotees but others also visit the temple. Entire ShirmadBhagavad Gita has been written on the marble walls of the temple. There is Shivalinga on the ground floor while on the first floor there are statues of Lord Lakshmi Narayan and Durga . There are also the idols of Lord Natraj, Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Panchamukhi Mahadev, Lord Hanuman, Mother Saraswati and Nandi too.

Temple is surrounded by beautiful green lawn , trees and foundations. There are also places to sit and spend time to absorb the beautiful harmonious vibrations of temple. There are some food and handicraft shops nearby too. Temple is more crowded the on Monday and also on special occasions of Maha Shivaratri and during Savan month.