New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)

The New Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous temples and biggest tourist attractions in the holy city of Varanasi, located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is also called the Birla temple as the famous industrialist family of India, the Birlas, constructed it. The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple.

The temple is built in white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University. The most important characteristic of the New Vishwanath temple is that it is open to people from all castes and religions. The huge campus of New Vishwanath Temple is a delight to the eyes of visitor. The interior has a Siva lingam and verses from Hindu scriptures are inscribed on the walls.

The temple is one of the tallest in India with its tower being the tallest in the world. Total height of the temple is 77 meters and its design was inspired by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir being made mostly of marble. The walls of temple are adorned with magnificent figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and verses from Geeta.

Timing: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. (On Shivratri 4:00 AM to midnight)

Aartis Timeing:  4:00 AM, 4.45 AM, 10.30 AM, 11.45 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 6.45 PM, 7.30 PM, 8:00 PM and 8.45 pm. On every Monday special Aarti with Rudrabhishek is organized from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.