If you are visiting Varanasi and wish to spend some quiet time in devotion to Lord Shiva, the New Vishwanath Temple in Kashi should definitely be on your list. Located inside the wide and green campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), this temple offers a peaceful escape from the crowded ghats and busy streets of the old city.
The moment you enter the BHU campus, the environment feels calm and refreshing. The temple surroundings are clean, spacious, and filled with a gentle spiritual energy. Unlike many temples in Varanasi that remain crowded throughout the day, the BHU Vishwanath Temple allows devotees to pray without hurry. This makes it a perfect place for those who prefer silent prayer, relaxed darshan, and a deeper spiritual connection.
Also known as the Birla Temple, the New Vishwanath Temple is among the most visited Lord Shiva temples in Varanasi, second only to the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Its peaceful setting, grand structure, and spiritual atmosphere make it a favorite place for students, locals, and travelers seeking devotion along with calmness.
About New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi
The New Vishwanath Temple in Kashi is a peaceful and beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath, meaning the Lord of the Universe. This temple is located inside the calm and green campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It was built by the Birla family and reflects a perfect mix of modern design and deep spiritual belief.
The temple is known for its tall tower, white marble structure, and open surroundings. The wide space around the temple gives a feeling of freedom and peace. As soon as you enter the temple area, the noise of the city fades away, and a calm spiritual mood takes over. The temple feels soothing to both the eyes and the mind, making it a perfect place for prayer and quiet reflection.
Unlike the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is located in narrow and crowded lanes, the New Vishwanath Temple offers fresh air, open paths, and a relaxed environment. Many students, saints, pilgrims, and visitors sit quietly in the temple premises. Some come here to meditate, while others simply sit and feel the peaceful energy of Lord Shiva. This calm setting makes the temple special for those who prefer unhurried darshan and silent devotion.
Key Information About New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi
The table below gives a clear and simple overview of important details about the New Vishwanath Temple BHU, making it easy for visitors to understand its importance.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | New Vishwanath Temple |
| Popular Names | BHU Vishwanath Temple, Birla Temple |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva as Vishwanath |
| Location | Inside Banaras Hindu University campus, Varanasi |
| Built By | Birla family |
| Architecture Style | Modern design with traditional devotion |
| Temple Surroundings | Open space, greenery, calm atmosphere |
| Special Feature | Peaceful environment ideal for meditation |
| Best For | Silent prayer, relaxed darshan, spiritual peace |
Entry Fee and Online Booking Information
There is no entry fee for darshan at New Vishwanath Temple. No online booking, VIP pass, or ticket system is required. Darshan is conducted on a simple first-come basis, which adds to the temple’s peaceful and inclusive nature.
Special poojas during festivals are conducted traditionally, without online registration.
Best Time to Visit New Vishwanath Temple, BHU
Choosing the right time to visit the New Vishwanath Temple at BHU can make your darshan calm, comfortable, and spiritually satisfying. Since the temple is located inside the peaceful Banaras Hindu University campus, visiting during quieter hours helps you enjoy the serene atmosphere without rush.
The best time for darshan is early morning between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. During these hours, the temple is less crowded, the surroundings are silent, and it is ideal for focused prayer and meditation. Many devotees prefer this time for a relaxed and meaningful connection with Lord Shiva.
Evenings after 6:00 PM are also a good time to visit. The temple feels calm and devotional, with soft lights and a peaceful mood across the BHU campus. This time is especially pleasant for those who enjoy slow darshan and quiet prayer.
When it comes to seasons, October to March is considered the best period to visit Varanasi. The weather remains pleasant and suitable for temple visits and walking around the campus. Summers can be very hot and tiring, while monsoon months often bring humidity and sudden rain.
The temple becomes very crowded during Shravan month Mondays and on Mahashivratri. Although these days involve long queues, many devotees believe the spiritual energy during this time is very powerful and worth the wait.
Dress Code and Temple Guidelines at New Vishwanath Temple
The New Vishwanath Temple BHU does not strictly enforce a dress code, but devotees are expected to dress modestly to respect the spiritual environment of the temple.
Common dress choices followed by visitors include
• Men usually wear kurta-pajama or full-length trousers with shirts
• Women generally wear sarees, salwar suits, or long kurtis
• Short, revealing, or sleeveless clothes are best avoided
There are also a few important rules that visitors should keep in mind
• Leather items such as belts, wallets, and bags are not allowed inside
• Footwear must be removed and left at the designated place outside
• Photography is allowed in outer areas, but it is better to avoid taking photos inside the sanctum
Following these simple guidelines helps maintain the calm and sacred atmosphere of the BHU Vishwanath Temple and ensures a smooth visit for everyone.
How to Reach New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi
Reaching the New Vishwanath Temple in Kashi is easy and convenient, as the temple is located inside the well-planned Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus. The campus is connected to all major areas of Varanasi, making travel smooth for devotees and visitors.
Distance from Major Locations in Varanasi
Here are the approximate distances to BHU Vishwanath Temple from key transport points in the city.
• Varanasi Junction Railway Station (BSB) is around 8 km away
• Manduadih Railway Station is about 4.5 km from the temple
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is nearly 30 km away
Local Transport Options
Local transport is easily available throughout the city to reach the BHU campus.
• Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are widely available from railway stations and main city areas
• App-based cab services offer a comfortable option, especially for families and elderly visitors
• City buses and shared autos also connect BHU with different parts of Varanasi
Once you enter the BHU campus, the temple is well-marked. A short and pleasant walk through green pathways leads you directly to the New Vishwanath Temple. The calm surroundings make the walk itself a peaceful experience.
Major Festivals Celebrated at New Vishwanath Temple
The New Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi comes alive during major Hindu festivals, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva. On these days, the temple exudes deep spiritual energy and attracts devotees from across the city and beyond.
Some important festivals in 2026 celebrated at the BHU Vishwanath Temple include:
• Mahashivratri – 17 March 2026 – Devotees gather for early morning darshan, special prayers, and continuous worship of Lord Shiva
• Shravan Month Mondays – July to August 2026 – Mondays during Shravan are highly sacred and witness large gatherings of Shiva devotees
• Kartik Purnima – 23 November 2026 – A spiritually significant full moon day celebrated with calm prayers and evening rituals
• Deepavali – 1 November 2026 – The temple shines with lamps and the atmosphere becomes peaceful and festive
During these festival days, crowds are larger than usual. For a comfortable and meaningful darshan, visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Why Visit New Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi
The New Vishwanath Temple offers a rare combination of peace, space, and spiritual depth, making it ideal for devotees who want to connect with Lord Shiva without the noise and rush of the old city. Situated within the green and serene BHU campus, the temple provides an atmosphere perfect for quiet prayer and meditation.
This temple is especially suited for:
• Devotees seeking calm and focused Shiva worship
• Students and locals looking for a peaceful environment
• Travelers wanting a spiritual experience away from crowded ghats
A visit here feels less like a formal ritual and more like a personal connection with the divine. Devotees often leave with a sense of inner peace, spiritual calm, and emotional balance, making the temple a must-visit in Varanasi.
Frequently Asked Questions – New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi Darshan Timings
Q. What are the darshan timings of New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi?
Darshan is available daily from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Q. Where is New Vishwanath Temple located in Varanasi?
The temple is located inside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Q. Is New Vishwanath Temple the same as Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No, New Vishwanath Temple is inside BHU and is different from the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple located in the old city.
Q. Is there any entry fee for New Vishwanath Temple darshan?
No, darshan at New Vishwanath Temple is completely free for all devotees.
Q. Is online booking required for darshan or aarti?
No online booking or ticket is required. Darshan is done on a first-come basis.
Q. What is the best time to visit New Vishwanath Temple for peaceful darshan?
Early morning between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM is best for a calm and crowd-free experience.
Q. Are aarti timings fixed at New Vishwanath Temple?
Yes, daily aartis are performed in the morning, midday, evening, and night, with the evening aarti being the most popular.
Q. Is New Vishwanath Temple open on Sundays and holidays?
Yes, the temple remains open every day, including Sundays and public holidays.
Q. Are leather items allowed inside the temple?
No, leather items like belts and wallets are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Q. How far is New Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi Junction?
The temple is approximately 8 km from Varanasi Junction and can be reached easily by auto or cab.
Q. Which festivals are most important at New Vishwanath Temple?
Mahashivratri and Shravan month Mondays are the most important and crowded festival days.
Q. Can senior citizens easily visit New Vishwanath Temple?
Yes, the temple has open space and a calm environment, making it suitable for senior citizens.
