Also known as the Birla Temple, the New Vishwanath Temple stands within the leafy campus of Banaras Hindu University. Built entirely of white marble by the Birla family, it was conceived as a temple open to people of every caste, creed and faith, with its walls inscribed with verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Its tallest of all Shiva temples in India, and its calm campus setting offers a peaceful contrast to the busier temples of the old city. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) sits at an elevation of 84 m and is typically explored in about 1 hour. The most favourable months to visit are February, November, December, and January, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Main Corridor & Pillared Hall, Seven Temples Complex, and Nandi Bull Statue. Other notable highlights include gleaming white marble exterior with intricate carvings, peaceful prayer hall with continuous Shiva chants, and close-up view of the towering 5-spire shikhara. For travellers planning the trip, the nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt), the closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, and local buses run via Kashi Gate Bus Stand. It falls within Varanasi, Varanasi district, and Uttar Pradesh.
State: Uttar Pradesh
Ideal Duration: 1 Hour
February, November, December, January
Photography, video recording, and mobile phones are strictly banned inside the temple sanctum and the main courtyard. You can deposit your phone, camera, and bags at the free cloakroom located near the entrance. However, you are allowed to take photos of the temple’s exterior and the surrounding gardens from the outer courtyard, so plan to capture your shots before entering the inner sanctum.
The temple is about 8 km from Varanasi Junction (Cantt) railway station, which takes roughly 30-40 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi. You can also take a city bus towards BHU, but shared autos are more convenient and cost about ₹50-80 per person. For a direct ride, hire a prepaid taxi from the station for around ₹250-300.
The temple is busiest during early morning (6-9 AM) and on Mondays, which are considered highly auspicious. For a quieter darshan, visit between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays, or after 4 PM when most tour groups have left. Avoid major festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays entirely if you want a peaceful visit.
Yes, modest, traditional Indian attire is preferred—men should wear shirts and trousers or dhoti-kurta, while women should wear sarees, salwar suits, or long skirts. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothes are not allowed. You must remove your shoes and leather items at the designated counters before entering the temple complex.
The temple is located inside the Banaras Hindu University campus and has a ramp for wheelchair access at the main entrance, but there are several steps leading to the inner sanctum. You can request assistance from the temple staff for a wheelchair or help with climbing steps. It is advisable to carry a doctor’s note if you need priority darshan, as the management provides a separate queue for elderly and disabled visitors.