Shri Vishwanath Mandir

Shri Vishwanath Mandir also known as Vishwanath Mandir, Vishwanath Temple, New Vishwanath Temple and Birla Temple is one of the most famous temples and biggest tourist attractions in the holy city of Varanasi. The temple is situated in Benaras Hindu University and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Shri Vishwanath Mandir has the tallest temple tower in the world with the Vimana's height being around 250 feet.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Not to be confused with Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
For other uses, see Kashi Vishwanath Temple (disambiguation).

Shri Vishwanath Mandir
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictVaranasi
DeityLord Shiva
FestivalsMahashivratri
Nag Panchami
Shravan
Navratri
Makar Sankranti
Location
LocationBenaras Hindu University, Varanasi
StateUttar Pradesh
Country India
Shown within Varanasi district
Geographic coordinatesBHU 25.266034°N 82.987847°E / 25.266034; 82.987847
Architecture
CreatorBirla family
Completed1966
Specifications
Temple(s)Seven
Elevation77 m (253 ft)
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History

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, was destroyed (and reconstructed) several times; in 1194 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, between 1447-1458 by Hussain Shah Sharqi and then in 1669 CE by Aurangzeb. In 1930s, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya planned to replicate Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in the campus of Benaras Hindu University. The Birla family undertook the construction and foundation was laid in March 1931. The temple (Shri Vishwanath Mandir) was finally completed in 1966.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Construction

Shri Vishwanath Mandir's construction took thirty-five years to complete (1931-1966). The temple is one of the tallest in India. Total height of the temple is 77 meters (253 feet). Temple's design was inspired by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and is made mostly of marble.

Shri Vishwanath Mandir, although a Lord Shiva temple, consists of nine temples within one temple and is open to people from all castes, religions and religious beliefs. The Shiva temple is in the ground floor and the Lakshmi Narayan and Durga temples are on the first floor. Other temples within Shri Vishwanath Mandir are Nataraj, Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Lord Hanuman, Saraswati and Nandi. Entire text of Bhagavad Gita and extracts from sacred Hindu scriptures are inscribed with illustrations on the inner marble walls of the temple.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Location

Shri Vishwanath Mandir is situated 1.7 kilometers inside the campus of Benaras Hindu University (South-West from the main gate). It is 3.3 kilometers South-West of Durga Mandir, 7 kilometers South-West of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and 9 kilometers South of Varanasi Railway Station.

  • As seen from main entrance (East) of the temple.
  • The main entrance (East wall) of the temple.
  • Statue of Nandi in North side of temple.
  • Place in temple compound to do havan.
  • North side of the temple.
  • Temple's Shikhara.

See also

References
  1. "Brief description". Benaras Hindu University website. Archived from the original on 17 May 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  2. "The temples". Benaras Hindu University website. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  3. "Vishwanath Temple". Wikinapia. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  4. "New Vishwanath Temple". Varanasi city website. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  5. "Birla Temple". varanasi.org.in. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  6. "History". Eastern U.P. Tourism website. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
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