Lesser-Known Temples of Varanasi: Rejuvenate and Explore Their Divinity

Kashi welcomes you to its territory. There are many mysteries and unknown facts to unfold. Lesser-known temples of Varanasi temples are one such dimension that will take you to the zeal of spirituality and religion.

Every offbeat place of this holy city has a legend behind it. Let us uncover a few such pieces of history that time couldn’t erase.

Maa Dakshineswar Kali Mandir

You would seldom find a temple where the idol is facing south. It’s almost unknown in India and especially in the city of temples Varanasi. In the orderly Bazar area, near U. P. College, Goddess Kali has lesser-known temples of Varanasi. The idol is south facing, and it is the only known south-facing Kali temple in Varanasi. According to legends, this idol was established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he was in Kashi. As the scriptures say, the south direction belongs to Yama, and whoever worships south-facing Goddess Kali won’t face the fate of untimely death. There is another miracle inside the temple premises. There is a huge Banyan tree enveloping a Peepal tree. Both the trees are giant and green. The atmosphere inside the temple is full of positive energy, and it’s not crowded at any time of the year.

Address: Panchkoshi Road, near Bhojubir Chauraha.

How to Reach: Reach the Police line or Pandeypur from anywhere, and it’s a straight road from there. Use Google Maps, or ask anyone for Bhojubir or U. P. College.

Timming: 6 AM to 12 PM, then 4 PM to 10 PM

Kashi Karvat Mandir- The Lesser-Known Temples of Varanasi

Karvat is a Hindi word whose meaning is ‘saw.’ It was a sacrificial temple in ancient times because people believed that Kashi gives liberation after death. It is said that this temple is in existence from Dwapar Yuga. As per legend, the king Morang Dhwaja came to the city of temples Varanasi with a colossal saw to die and attain liberation.

There is a Shivalinga located 25 feet below the ground floor in the lesser-known temples of Varanasi. You can see it from the opening at the center of the temple premises. The temples in Varanasi are lively, and this temple is full of vital energy. From the outside, this temple looks like an ordinary house. Navigate through mesmerizing narrow lanes of Manikarnika Ghat towards Nepali Khapda to see this piece of history and divinity. The Shivaling in this temple is called Bhima Shankar, and he is called the giver of enjoyment during life and liberation after death. Worshipping in this temple absolves you from all past and present sins.

Address: Nepali Khapda, Varanasi

How to Reach: Reach Manikarnika Ghat and then walk to Nepali Khapda. You may ask people or use Google Maps.

Ratneshwar Mahadev

‘The leaning temple of Varanasi’ is 12 meters in height and tilted at 9 degrees. During the rainy season, it is submerged in water. Another gem in temples in Varanasi and a must-visit temple in temples at Varanasi ghats. First of all, it is different from the Kashi Karvat temple. You would find many people who claim to be accurate historians and confidently tell you that both the temples are the same.

There is no recorded history of the lesser-known temples of Varanasi, and there are two legends local people tell. The first legend says a female servant of Ahilya Bai Holkar had this temple built. Second, someone from the royal court of Rajasthan had this temple built in the 15th century, and at the time of inauguration, he said, “I have paid the debt to my mother.” As he said these words, the temple tilted. People say it was a lesson from God that ‘none can repay mother’s debt.’

Another name of the lesser-known temples of Varanasi is ‘Matri-rin’ (Mother’s debt). This temple is approximately 300 to 500 years old, and according to scientists, it is tilted due to a sinking foundation. Temples at Varanasi are never empty, and you can hear bells and conch all the time. Surprisingly, people do not worship at this temple, but many visit here for its vital positive energy.

Address: Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation ground, Varanasi

How to Reach: Reach Manikarnika Ghat, and then on foot to the temple.

Also Read: Famous Places in Varanasi: Stunning Spots For A Cultural Adventure

Kashi Raj Kali Temple – Lesser-Known Temples of Varanasi

The intricate carvings on stone are mesmerizing, and when you consider that people did it with just a chisel and hammer two hundred years ago, you would be awestruck. Located on one of the busiest roads of this city of temples Varanasi, it is an example of masonry and stone carving. If you are not looking for this temple, you will miss it. Astonishing carvings adorn the front stone gate. There are beautiful carvings on the walls and pillars in the temple that it is hard to imagine the expertise of people working with simple tools.

A legend about the lesser-known temples of Varanasi says the king of Kashi wanted to hide Gautameshwar Mahadev, a Shiva temple, from invaders, so he had a beautiful and intricately carved temple built in front of it. This temple served as the private temple of the King of Kashi and his family till independence. If you are in Varanasi, do not forget to be mesmerized by the beauty of this temple.

Address: Bansphatak road, near Godowlia Chowk.

How to Reach: Godowlia Chowk is well connected from everywhere. You may reach here by cab, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, or battery-operated rickshaw ‘tuk-tuk.’ The temple is within walking distance from Godowlia Chowk.

Also Read: Historical Monuments in Varanasi: Capturing The Essence Of The Ancient Civilization

Kathwala Temple

The King of Nepal built it in 1843 in pagoda style. The intended name of the temple was ‘Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir,’ but locals call it Kathwala (of wood) and Nepali Temple. Artisans of Nepal built this beautiful temple with termite-resistant wood and terracotta stone. This temple has walls in vermillion color, with breathtaking carvings, and it is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Nepal. You would need a couple of hours to admire the beauty of this Nepalese-style temple.

Address: Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi

How to Reach: Reach any ghat and then take a boat. Or reach Manikarnika ghat and walk towards Lalita ghat. It is just 100 meters walk.