Why this temple matters
In the 16th century Tulsidas retold the story of Ram in Awadhi, the everyday language of the region, rather than in Sanskrit. His Ramcharitmanas (“the lake of Ram’s deeds”) brought the Ramayana into ordinary homes across North India, and it is still recited daily by millions. Tradition holds that he wrote much of it in Kashi, and this temple marks that association.
For pilgrims who grew up with the Ramayana in Tamil (Kamba Ramayanam) or Telugu (Ranganatha Ramayanam), it is a moving place to see how the same story took root in the North.
History
- Built by the Sureka family of Howrah, Bengal, and completed in 1964.
- Inaugurated by Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, then President of India.
- Constructed almost entirely of white marble and set in landscaped gardens.
What you will see
The epic on the walls
Verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas are engraved on the marble walls across two levels of the interior — the whole text, by many accounts.
Ram Darbar
The main shrine holds Ram, Sita and Lakshman, with Hanuman in devotion before them.
Mechanical Tulsidas
A life-size figure of Tulsidas “recites” the Manas from a recording — children love it.
Dioramas & library
Electrified scenes from the Ramayana on the upper floor (small fee), a library of Ramayana literature and a small museum of manuscripts.
Festivals
The temple is busiest in the month of Shravan (July–August), when a fair is held in the grounds and motorised tableaux of the main episodes of the Manas are put on display. Ram Navami and Diwali are also celebrated with special decoration.
Visiting
- Open daily from early morning to evening, with a break in the early afternoon — exact hours vary by season, so check locally.
- Remove footwear at the entrance; photography rules are posted at the gate.
- Allow 30–45 minutes, more if you want to read the walls or see the dioramas.
Local tip. Combine it with Durga Kund (about 250 m away) and Sankat Mochan (about 700 m) for an easy late-afternoon temple circuit, ending at the New Vishwanath temple at BHU for sunset.
Getting there
| From | Distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Godowlia / Kashi Vishwanath | ~3.5 km | E-rickshaw or cab, 15–25 min |
| Assi Ghat | ~1.5 km | E-rickshaw, 10 min |
| BHU main gate (Lanka) | ~1.3 km | E-rickshaw or a pleasant walk |
| Varanasi Junction | ~6 km | Cab, 25–40 min |
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