We all know Varanasi is one of the oldest-living cities in India and has been in existence for thousands of years. On account of the presence of hundreds of temples and pilgrimage sites, it is also sometimes referred to as the spiritual capital of India. On an average, Varanasi is frequented by tourists and Hindu devotees in thousands every day. Well, that is certainly a big number. After all, it is related to several Hindu gods and mythological characters. Today, it has become a popular destination for travellers across the globe and is visited by people from each and every country. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the world, is a prominent attraction here.
But do you know there is another Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi which is also one of the prime spots in the city? If not, then you must read this article. Following are the major surprising facts about New Vishwanath Mandir which will assuredly compel you to plan a trip to Varanasi now.
Tallest Tower
Did you ever wonder which temple has the tallest tower in the world? If not, then let us tell you that New Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi has the tallest temple tower on the planet. The total height of the temple is more than 250 feet, and hence it is also considered as an architectural masterpiece. So, don’t you think this marvel deserves to explored by every traveller? Located inside the main campus of Benaras Hindu University, the temple is easily accessible by road.
Took 35 Years To Complete
If you get stunned by the fact that the construction of the Taj Mahal took an approximate time of 20 years, you will certainly be awestruck by how long it took to build New Vishwanath Mandir. To your surprise, the building of this marvellous temple commenced in the year 1931 and was completed in the year 1966, thereby, taking a long time of 35 years. Isn’t it surprising? Certainly it is. The temple was built by the Birla Construction Group, and hence it is also sometimes known as Birla Temple.
The Replica Of Kashi Vishwanath
Unknown to many, New Vishwanath Mandir is inspired by Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, which was destroyed and renovated several times since its formation. It was Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya who put up the idea of building a replica of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir so that the glory and the fame of the temple remain intact. Soon after his proposal, the foundation of the temple was laid by the Birla family. Today, New Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most beautiful and popular temples in Varanasi.
A Complex Of Nine Temples
Even though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme being amongst Hindus, one can find several other shrines within the boundaries of the temple. New Vishwanath Mandir is a complex of 9 temples which are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Nataraj and several other gods and goddesses. Do you know that these temples are visited by people from all castes, creeds and religions? Well, this is something which makes it a secular place.
Gita Inscriptions On Walls
The Bhagavad Gita is the holiest text for the Hindus, and hence it can be found in every temple across the globe. But how many of us have seen it inscribed on the walls of the temples? If you haven’t, then you must plan a trip to New Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi. All the verses related to the Bhagavad Gita can be found on the walls of the temple. You can also find several lines from other Hindu texts on the walls here.
One Of The Most Visited Temples
How can a temple with so many surprising facts remain unexplored and unknown? New Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most visited temples in Uttar Pradesh and is frequented by millions of tourists every year from all over the country. Being a Shiva temple, it is a prominent site amongst Shaivites. During the festivals of Maha Shivratri and Nag Panchami, the temple compound remains flooded with devotees and tourists.
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