New Vishwanath Temple (VT)

Temple Gallery

About New Vishwanath Temple (VT)

The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as VT Temple, is one of the tallest temples in India and a major landmark of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The temple was built by the Birla family and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, similar in design to the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is a symbol of peace, devotion, and education coming together.

History & Significance

• The temple’s construction was initiated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of BHU.
• It was completed in 1966 by the industrialist Birla family.
• The architecture of the temple mirrors the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple but on a grander scale.
• The temple stands as a symbol of harmony between religion and education.

Temple Structure & Design

• The total height of the temple is around 77 meters, making it one of the tallest in India.
• The temple has seven floors and is built using white marble.
• Each floor is dedicated to different deities — Lord Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Durga, Nataraj, Hanuman, and others.
• The walls are inscribed with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures.

Visiting Information

• Opening Time: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Aarti: Morning and Evening (timings vary seasonally)
• Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
• Photography: Allowed inside the premises
• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or evening during aarti hours

How to Reach VT Temple

• Location: Inside Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Campus, Varanasi
• By Air: 30 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
• By Train: 8 km from Varanasi Junction | 6 km from Manduadih Station
• By Road: Easily accessible via Lanka or BHU Gate; regular auto/taxi available

Nearby Attractions

• BHU Campus – 0 km (walkable)
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – 1.5 km
• Durga Temple & Tulsi Manas Mandir – 2 km
• Assi Ghat – 3 km
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – 6 km

Travel Tips

• Morning hours are peaceful and best for darshan.
• Carry a bottle of water; the temple area is vast.
• Footwear stands available outside the temple.
• Photography is allowed, but maintain decorum inside the temple.
• Visit the BHU Art Gallery and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum nearby.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for educational and travel purposes only. OK VARANASI is not affiliated with the BHU administration. For updated timings, please verify locally or visit the official BHU website.