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STATION 12 • UNIVERSITYVaranasi Travel Guide
Shri Vishwanath Temple VT spire inside the lush green campus of Banaras Hindu University
Photo: Varanasi Travel Guide / Campus File

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

काशी हिन्दू विश्वविद्यालय

"Asia's largest residential university campus featuring the grand New Vishwanath Temple."

Educational & Historical Overview

Spanning over 1,300 acres of tree-lined avenues and heritage brick architecture, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was founded in 1916 by nationalist leader Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The campus is home to the towering New Vishwanath Temple (VT), designed by Malaviya Ji with a 77-meter marble tower—one of the tallest temple spires in Asia. The campus also houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, holding over 100,000 rare Indian miniature paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

Historical Heritage: Established during the Indian independence movement as a center for modern scientific education integrated with traditional Indian philosophy.

Practical Visitor Information

LocationLanka, Varanasi, UP 221005
Best Time & HoursLate afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) for peaceful walks and evening cold coffee at VT
Entry Fee / PassesFree campus and temple entry; Bharat Kala Bhavan museum ₹20.
Must-Experience Activity:Try cold coffee with ice cream at VT canteen and explore Indian miniature paintings at Bharat Kala Bhavan.
Scam Warning & Local Tip:Rent an e-rickshaw inside Lanka Gate to comfortably tour the vast 1,300-acre campus grounds.