The Birla Temple, known as the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the most prestigious places in Varanasi. Located inside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, this temple is a symbol of spirituality, knowledge and cultural pride. The foundation was laid by the Birla family, inspired by Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia, the founder of BHU. It was built as a place of devotion and inspiration, welcoming people of all castes and communities.
The history of Birla Temple Banaras reflects the era when Indians revived their spiritual and cultural roots under colonial influence. Built with pure white marble, the temple was completed in 1965 and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Interior and architecture of Birla Temple
Varanasi Birla Temple architecture is a surprising example of modern Nagara style, built after the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The sanctum (Garbh Griha) consists of a Shiva Lingam, while the verses of Hindu scriptures are carved on the walls of the temple. The tower of the temple is said to be longer than the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which is one of the tallest temples in India.
A unique feature is that the entire Ramcharitamanas composed by Goswami Tulsidas is inscribed on its walls. Within the campus, there are nine small pilgrimages dedicated to gods like Nataraja, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Goddess Saraswati, Hanuman, and Nandi - Lord Shiva's holy bulls. Devotees whispered their wishes in Nandi's ear, assuming that he conveys them directly to Shiva. Students often want solitude here for prayer, meditation, or even study.
Birla temple place
The Birla temple in BHU is about 7 km from Varanasi Cantt railway station. Its placement inside the university campus not only creates a spiritual center, but also makes a peaceful comeback for students and devotees.
Time and Aarti Schedule
Opening time: 4:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm (daily)
Aarti Timing: 4:00 AM, 4:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:45 pm, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:45 pm
On festivals such as Mahashivaratri, Navratri, Janamashtami, Diwali, Shravan Mahotswa, and the day of the temple foundation, the temple is beautifully decorated and draws huge crowds.
Every Monday, devotees participate in Rudrabhishek, where Shiva Lingam is bathed with milk, honey, fruits and water, as Monday is considered to be the special day of Lord Shiva.
Distance To Other Tourist Places From Birla Temple BHU
| Tourist Attraction |
Distance From Birla Temple (Approx.) |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 6 kilometers |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | 5 kilometers |
| Assi Ghat | 4 kilometers |
| Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa) | 12 kilometers |
| Ram Nagar Fort | 2 kilometers |
How To Reach Birla Temple BHU
To reach the Birla Temple in Varanasi, you can use different modes of transportation:
By Air
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is about 26 km away. Taxi and app-based cabs are available for easy transfer to the temple.
By Train
Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station. From here, you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi or local bus to reach the temple inside BHU.
By Road
Varanasi is well connected to the road. Once in the city, you can use private cabs, autos or rickshaws to easily reach the temple.
Why visit Birla temple?
Kashi Hindu University Temple is not only the place of worship, but also a cultural and spiritual beacon. Its grand architecture, peaceful environment, and intensive spiritual significance makes it one of the most popular places for devotees, students and travelers to go to Varanasi.
FAQs On Birla Temple (New Kashi Vishwanath Temple) Varanasi
Q1. Who is also known to be the Birla temple in Varanasi?
The Birla Temple is also known as the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple or New Vishwanath Temple, located inside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus.
Q2. Where is the Birla temple located in Varanasi?
The Birla Temple is located within the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and is easily accessible by road.
Q3. What is the timing of the Birla temple in Varanasi?
The Birla Temple usually opens from 4:00 am to 12:00 pm and then from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, though timings may vary on special occasions and festivals.
Q4. Who built the Birla Temple (Naya Kashi Vishwanath Temple)?
The temple was built by the Birla family, inspired by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Q5. What is special about the architecture of Birla temple?
The temple is built using white marble in the Nagara architectural style and is designed as a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, housing a Shiva Jyotirlinga.
Q6. Is there any entry fee to visit Birla Temple Varanasi?
No, entry to the Birla Temple is completely free for all devotees and visitors.
Q7. What is the importance of the Birla temple in Varanasi?
The temple is regarded as a modern counterpart of the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple and stands as a symbol of devotion, education, and spirituality within the BHU campus.
Q8. How can I reach the Birla temple in Varanasi?
The Birla Temple can be reached easily by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local transport within Varanasi. It is about 10 km from Varanasi Junction railway station.
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