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Temples
Temples form the major source of
attraction in this ancient city.
Providing the backdrop is an incredible
array of temples and ancient buildings,
several of them standing at odd angles
because their foundations have been
eroded unevenly by flood waters. There
are 2,000 temples and shrines in
Varanasi, but the holiest, Vishvanatha,
is closed to non-Hindus.
Vishwanath temple: Dedicated to
Shiva or Vishveswara is the Golden
Temple, the main temple of Varanasi.
The Durga Temple: Commonly known
as the Monkey Temple, was built in the
18th century by a Bengali Maharani, and
is stained red with ocher. This small
temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga,
consort of Shiva, is built in north
Indian Nagara style, with a multicolored
shikhara or umbrella.
The Bharat Mata temple: It was
inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses
one of the most perfect relief maps of
India carved out of marble.
Tulsi Manas Temple: This temple
is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is
built in the place where Goswami
Tulsidas composed the epic 'Ramacharitramanas'
which provides us with detailed
description of the history and deeds of
Lord Rama. |
