Varanasi district

Temples and religious sites in Varanasi district

Varanasi and nearby Sarnath serve as a major spiritual crossroads for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. This collection features the 5th-century Dhamekh Stupa, marking where Buddha gave his first sermon, alongside the 18th-century Durga Temple known for its Nagara architecture. The list also includes the Gyanvapi and Alamagir mosques, reflecting the city’s Mughal history, and a diverse array of international Buddhist monasteries in Sarnath, such as the Thai and Tibetan temples, showcasing unique global architectural styles.

Temples and Religious Sites — Map

Ritwick / Public domain

A

Dhamekh Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is a massive stupa located at the archaeological site of Sarnath in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Henk Kosters / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Durga Temple

An 18th-century Hindu temple built in the Nagara architectural style. It is characterized by its multi-tiered spire, red-stained walls, and its location adjacent to the Durga Kund tank.

kawanet / CC BY 2.0

C

Gyanvapi Mosque

A 17th-century mosque commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is located next to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and features three prominent white domes and two minarets.

Man / CC BY 2.0

D

Alamagir Mosque

Also known as Beni Madhav ka Darera, this 17th-century mosque overlooks Panchganga Ghat. It was built by Emperor Aurangzeb and displays a blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural influences.

juggadery / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Tulsi Manas Temple

A white marble temple dedicated to Lord Rama, built in 1964. The interior walls are intricately engraved with verses and scenes from the Hindu epic, Ramcharitmanas.

Matt Stabile / CC BY 2.0

F

Nepali Temple

A 19th-century wooden temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Lalita Ghat. Built by the King of Nepal, it features intricate wood carvings modeled after the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

G

Tulsi Manas Temple

Modern marble temple standing on the site where the poet Tulsidas is said to have composed the Ramcharitmanas. The walls serve as a stone manuscript of the entire epic.

H

Korean Temple

A Buddhist temple in Sarnath established by the Korean community, featuring traditional Korean architectural elements and a quiet meditation hall for practitioners.

I

Japani Temple & Monastery

A Buddhist temple in Sarnath known for its traditional Japanese-style architecture, manicured gardens, and a statue of Buddha in a reclining posture.

J

Tibetan Temple & Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Sarnath featuring a colorful prayer hall decorated with traditional thangka paintings and a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

K

Thai Temple & Monastery

A Buddhist monastery in Sarnath built in the Thai architectural style. It is notable for its distinct sloping roof, golden tiles, and an 80-foot tall standing Buddha statue.

L

Vajra Vidya Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Karma Kagyu lineage. It contains a large shrine hall with elaborate murals and serves as a center for Buddhist studies.

M

Vishwa Shanti Stupa

A white-domed Peace Pagoda in Sarnath built to promote non-violence. It features four golden Buddha statues representing birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death.

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