About Shri Vishwanath Mandir
Shri Vishwanath Mandir stands in the middle of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in the southern part of Varanasi. Students and townspeople simply call it VT, short for Vishwanath Temple, while visitors know it as the New Vishwanath or Birla Temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe, just as in the old city's famous Jyotirlinga shrine. Its wide lawns, clean marble floors and relaxed pace make it a favourite stop for families who want a peaceful darshan away from the crowded lanes near the ghats.
The idea for the temple came from Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of BHU, who wished to give the university a temple inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath shrine, which had been attacked and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The Birla family took up the construction, the foundation was laid in 1931, and the work took roughly thirty-five years, with the temple completed in 1966. It is managed by the university, and from the start it was meant to be open to people of every caste and faith.
The temple is built mostly of white marble in the North Indian Nagara style, and its main spire rises to well over 70 metres, one of the tallest temple towers in India. The building actually holds several shrines: the Shiva linga is on the ground floor, while the upper level has shrines of Lakshmi-Narayan, Durga and other deities. The walls carry verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, and the surrounding gardens are a pleasant place to sit in the evening.
Shri Vishwanath Mandir timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 4:00 AM) until about 9:00 PM, with a short break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning, soon after opening (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shri Vishwanath Mandir
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur), Varanasi, is about 30 km away.
By train
Banaras station is about 6 km away and Varanasi Junction about 10 km away.
By road
Auto-rickshaws and cabs run to the BHU main gate (Lanka) from all parts of the city; the temple is about 2 km inside the campus.
Festivals at Shri Vishwanath Mandir
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan month (Mondays)Jul/Aug
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Dev Deepawali seasonOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended; traditional Indian dress is always appropriate.
- Entry
- Free entry for all visitors.
- Combine your visit with the old Kashi Vishwanath temple to see both shrines in one day.
- Footwear must be left at the counter outside; the marble floor can get hot on summer afternoons.
- The campus roads are long, so a cycle-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from the main gate saves walking.
- Evenings are lively with students and families; early morning is the quietest time for darshan.
- Follow the instructions on photography inside the sanctum.
Places to visit near Shri Vishwanath Mandir
- Bharat Kala BhavanBHU's art and archaeology museum, about 1 km away
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman TempleMuch-loved Hanuman temple, about 3 km away
- Durga Temple (Durgakund)Red-painted Durga temple beside a tank, about 3 km away
- Assi GhatSouthernmost main ghat on the Ganga, about 3 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is the BHU Vishwanath Temple the same as Kashi Vishwanath?
No. Kashi Vishwanath is the ancient Jyotirlinga near Dashashwamedh Ghat. The BHU temple is a 20th-century temple inspired by it, built on the university campus.
What are the BHU Vishwanath Temple timings?
It usually opens early in the morning and closes around 9:00 PM, with a short midday break. Timings can change on festival days.
Who built the New Vishwanath Temple?
It was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and built by the Birla family between 1931 and 1966.
Can non-Hindus visit the BHU Vishwanath Temple?
Yes. The temple was meant to be open to people of all castes and faiths.
What is the aarti time at Shri Vishwanath Mandir?
Morning aarti: Early morning, soon after opening (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Shri Vishwanath Mandir?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended; traditional Indian dress is always appropriate.
How to reach Shri Vishwanath Mandir?
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur), Varanasi, is about 30 km away. By train: Banaras station is about 6 km away and Varanasi Junction about 10 km away. By road: Auto-rickshaws and cabs run to the BHU main gate (Lanka) from all parts of the city; the temple is about 2 km inside the campus.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
