The New Vishwanath Temple (often referred to as “VT”), situated amidst the premises of Banaras Hindu University, is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple(Jyotirlinga) situated in Varanasi. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir was destroyed (and subsequently reconstructed) over and over by various then-reigning Mughal emperors. Hence, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya decided to replicate this temple and marked its foundation stone in 1916 in the lush green campus of the University. It is located right at the heart of the university, opposite the iconic Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Central Library, BHU.
Business tycoon Jugal Kishore Birla and the Birla family promised Malviya ji to undertake the responsibility of replicating this temple and laid down its foundation in 1931. A beautiful edifice erected in white marbles and surrounded by a large garden took 35 prolonged years to finally open its gate for the visitors in 1966. Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the most magnificent temples built by the Birla family in different cities across India and is therefore also known by the name ‘Birla Temple’.
With its Shikhara’s height being around 250 feet, it has the tallest temple tower in the world. It is even taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar by 13 feet. The walls of the temple are engraved with the verses of Bhagavad Geeta along with their meanings and other pictorial inscriptions. Despite being a Shaivite temple, it has nine other temples within the same structure and it welcomes devotees of all faiths.
The forecourt of the temple is every BHU student’s go-to hub, be it birthdays or random hangouts, or a cold coffee break after continuous lectures. The tranquility of the temple will relieve you from all your stresses. The view of sunset through the verandah of this temple is blissful and a mere visit to this place sanctifies us.
How to reach New Vishwanath Temple, VT – BHU
New Vishwanath Temple is located in the heart of Bharat Hindu University (BHU). One can reach here by taking an auto or shared rickshaw from the main gate or University at Lanka.
What to See/Nearby Places
- Banaras Hindu University
- Bharat Kala Bhawan
- Madhuban Park
Very beautifully explained