If you ever find yourself wandering through the holy lanes of Varanasi (Kashi), don’t miss out on visiting the New Vishwanath Temple inside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus. I had the chance to visit recently, and let me tell you—it’s one of the most serene places I’ve experienced in the city. Away from the hustle of the ghats and narrow gullies, this temple offers a calm space for quiet devotion and deep reflection.
🛕 About New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi
The New Vishwanath Temple, also lovingly called the Birla Temple, was built by the famous industrialist Birla family and is located inside the BHU campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Vishwanath, the “Lord of the Universe”), this temple is a modern spiritual marvel that mirrors the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, but with a peaceful ambiance and beautiful marble architecture.
What’s truly special is that the temple isn’t just a place of worship — it’s also a space for contemplation and study. You’ll often find students, visitors, and sadhaks sitting quietly with their eyes closed, soaking in the divine energy.
🕰️ New Vishwanath Temple Timings 2025
The temple is open every day, including Sundays and public holidays. Here are the New Vishwanath Temple opening & closing hours:
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Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Evening Darshan: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
🪔 Note: During major festivals like Mahashivratri or Shravan month, the temple remains open for extended hours. Try to visit early morning if you want a peaceful darshan.
🔔 Aarti Schedule
The aarti here is calm and spiritually uplifting. While not as crowded or grand as the one at Kashi Vishwanath, it feels more personal.
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Mangala Aarti (Morning): ~4:30 AM
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Bhog Aarti (Midday): ~12:00 PM
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Sandhya Aarti (Evening): ~6:30 PM
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Shayan Aarti (Night): ~8:30 PM
🕉️ If you’re staying nearby, attending the Sandhya Aarti as the sun sets over BHU is a soul-soothing experience.
🙏 Best Time to Visit
From personal experience, the best time to visit is early morning around 6:00 AM. The crowd is minimal, the air is fresh, and the temple grounds feel especially divine.
For seasonal tips:
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October to March is ideal — pleasant weather, less humidity.
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Avoid peak summer (May–June) unless you’re okay with the heat.
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Shravan month & Mahashivratri attract thousands of devotees, so expect large crowds.
🧣 Dress Code & Temple Rules
While the temple doesn’t enforce a very strict dress code, I always recommend dressing modestly out of respect.
👕 Dress Code Tips:
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Men: Kurta-pajama or decent full-length pants/shirts.
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Women: Saree, salwar-kameez, or long skirts/kurtis.
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No leather items (belts, wallets) allowed inside.
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Footwear must be left outside at the designated stand.
📷 Photography is allowed in the outer areas but avoid clicking photos inside the sanctum.
🗺️ How to Reach New Vishwanath Temple, BHU
📍Located inside Banaras Hindu University, the temple is well-connected from all major parts of Varanasi.
Nearest Railway Station:
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Varanasi Junction (BSB) – around 8 km
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Manduadih Station – 4.5 km
Nearest Airport:
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Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Babatpur) – ~30 km
🛺 Local Transport:
You can take an auto, e-rickshaw, or book an Ola/Uber to “BHU Vishwanath Mandir” directly. If you’re within BHU, it’s a short and peaceful walk through the green campus.
🎫 Online Darshan / Ticket Booking
There is no ticket required to enter the New Vishwanath Temple. Entry is completely free, and no prior booking is needed. You can visit at any time during the open hours.
💡 However, no online system exists for special poojas or VIP darshan — everything here is done in a peaceful and first-come basis.
📅 Important Festival Dates in 2025
If you’re planning a visit during festivals, these are the major ones to note:
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Mahashivratri: 26 February 2025
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Shravan Mondays: July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25
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Kartik Purnima: 5 November 2025
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Deepavali: 21 October 2025
⚠️ These days will be crowded but full of devotional energy.
🙋♀️ FAQs
• What are the darshan timings of New Vishwanath Temple in 2025?
→ 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
• When is the best time to visit New Vishwanath Temple, Kashi?
→ Early mornings (6–8 AM) or post-sunset. Winter season is ideal.
• Is there an online booking system for darshan/aarti?
→ No, entry is free and no advance booking is needed.
• What is the dress code for New Vishwanath Temple?
→ Modest traditional attire; no leather items allowed.
• Are there any special poojas or aarti during festivals?
→ Yes, especially during Mahashivratri and Shravan. Aartis are more elaborate.
• How do I reach New Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi Junction?
→ Take an auto/rickshaw (~20-30 mins) or cab directly to BHU campus.