The New Vishwanath Temple, located within the lush, green campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), offers a stark contrast to the old temple by the river. Built by the Birla family in 1966, it is a massive structure made of white and sand-colored marble. It boasts the tallest temple tower (shikhara) in the world, rising 250 feet into the sky.
Unlike the old temple which is cramped and restrictive, this temple was designed to be spacious, open, and inclusive. It was explicitly dedicated to humanity, open to people of all castes, religions, and nationalities. The complex is spread over two floors, with the main Shiva lingam on the ground floor and temples for Lakshmi-Narayan and Durga on the first.
The walls are engraved with verses from the Vedas, the Gita, the Bible, and the Quran, emphasizing universal spirituality. The surrounding gardens are a favorite spot for students and families to study or relax. The Cold Coffee at the canteen just outside the temple gate is a student favorite.
The most spectacular and bustling ghat in Varanasi, famous for the Agni Pooja (Ganga Aarti). Legend says Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here, making it a site of supreme cosmic power and vibrant daily devotion.
The Mahashmashana or 'Great Cremation Ground.' It is believed that the fires here have never gone out for centuries. Hindus believe cremation here grants immediate liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
The southernmost ghat where the river Assi meets the Ganges. Famous for its 'Subah-e-Banaras' morning program, yoga sessions, long-term student residents, and a more tranquil, bohemian atmosphere.
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