In this post, I will take you through the 10 places which constitute Mini Kolkata in Varanasi. Amazed! Well, don’t you already know the Bengali Tola in Varanasi?
10 Places Which Constitute Mini Kolkata in Varanasi
Wait-wait, this post is not merely about the Bengali Tola. If you know about it then it’s good. But, in this post, we will talk more about the prominent places which established the milestone of Bengali Tola or Mini Kolkata in Varanasi.
When I first discovered these places, I was amazed to see how brilliantly these places have still managed to preserve their identity. After so many political and societal ups and downs, it’s never easy to stick to your origins. And this still blows my mind.
The Beginning of the Constitution of Mini Kolkata in Varanasi
Although, visiting and staying in Kashi has been a long long tradition. Yet, this story begins with the cruelty of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the then Nawab of Bengal.
The Queen of Nator, Rani Bhabani was very intelligent and thoughtful. She felt the need for a good army to protect her kingdom after the death of her husband.
Soon, Siraj ud-Daulah sent a bunch of men to get the Queen’s daughter Rajkumari Tara. She resisted as far as she could. Then fled to Varanasi with her family and close relatives.
Siraj ud-Daulah was so stuck in lust that he sent an army to Varanasi to kidnap the princess. What happened next is a history which changed everything. Read #3 in this list of places that constitute a mini Kolkata in Varanasi and you will know everything.
10 Places in Varanasi which have a direct connection with Bengal: Know How to Visit
1. Cooch Behar Kali Bari(after 1830)
Termed after a place in West Bengal, this temple is the most revered temple, especially among the Bengali Community. Located in the Bengali Tola area in Varanasi, it is a must-visit place for you in Varanasi if you are a Bengali.
How to Reach Cooch Behar Kali Bari?
To reach Cooch Behar Kali Bari, reach Pandey Haveli Chauraha or Sonarpura Chauraha. From there Kali Bari is within walking distance. Note that the front gate is closed so you need to go through its back gate.
2. Durga Mandir, Durgakund(18th century)
It is already a very popular temple in Varanasi and is also one of the most visited ones. But very few people know that it was built by Rani Bhawani of Natore, West Bengal.
How to Reach Durga Mandir of Durgakund?
It is very easy to reach Durgakund. You can reach Durgakund from any location in Varanasi. The temple is located on the main road itself.
Read more about Durgakund.
3. Tarabari(1800 ke aaspass)
It is a very very auspicious, sacred and revered temple in Varanasi, yet very few people know about it. Watch this video to know something very mysterious about this temple.
There is a mystery attached to this Tarabari Temple of Varanasi. Watch this video to know the history behind it.
How to Reach Tarabari?
To reach Tarabari, you need to go to Pandey Haveli Crossing. From there you can reach Tarabari by foot. It is within walking distance from the Crossing. This place is not yet on the internet so you need to ask the locals for the route.
4. Kalimandir, Tarabari(1800 ke aaspass)
In the same complex of Tarabari Mandir, there is this Kalimandir. The temple structure is very much identical to that of Tarabari.
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5. Gopalbari, Tarabari(1800 ke aaspass)
In the outer complex of Tarabari, this Gopal Bari is situated. While Visiting the Tarabari, you can also visit this Gopal Bari.
6. Shri Shav Shiva Kali Mandir(1789)
Located in the Bengali Tola area of Varanasi, Shri Shava Shiva Kali Mandir is a very active temple. Built-in 1789 by Maharaja Shri Krishna Chandra of West Bengal, this Kali temple is one of its kind.
How to Reach Sri Shav Shiva Kali Mandir?
It is within walking distance from Godhowlia Chauraha or Pandey Haveli Chauraha.
7. Gurudham Mandir(1814)
A very unique temple located in the Gurudham Area of Varanasi with no rush at all is a must-visit place especially if you are a Bengali in Varanasi. I can bet that you would have never heard of its specifications. To know more about it, watch the video below and you will be amazed.
How to Reach Gurudham Temple?
It is within 1 km of Gurudham Chauraha. One can even walk to the temple from the Gurudham Chauraha.
Thinking if you should visit Gurudham Temle or not? Read this: Should I visit the Gurudham Temple of Varanasi?
8. Ramakrishna Mission, Varanasi(1900)
You won’t want to miss visiting Ramakrishna Mission in Varanasi. It is a very peaceful and divine place in the city to spend some time at.
How to Reach Ramakrishna Mission in Varanasi?
To reach Ramakrishna Mission, you need to go to Luxa Crossing or Gurubagh Crossing. It is within a walking distance from both of these locations.
9. Chausathhi Bari/ Chausath Yogini Mandir(1830)
Visit this temple with an amazing aura located very close to Chausatthi Ghat in Varanasi. It is also famous for the Skandmata Temple inside its complex.
The lower portion of the ghat was built by King Digpatia of Bengal in 1830 AD. King Digpatia built a beautiful palace on the ghat. This palace is symbolic of the aesthetics of Bengali art, architecture, and designs. This is why the lower portion of Chausatthi Ghat is also known as Digpatia Ghat. The first mention of the ghat & Chaunsath Yogini Temple is found in a Sanskrit Ure Girvaan Pad Manjari.
How to Reach Chausathhi Bari/Chausath Yogini Mandir?
Go to the Chausathhi Ghat in Varanasi and this temple is within walking distance from the Ghat area.
10. Dakshineshwar Shamshan Kali Shamshan Bhairav Mandir(after 1855)
Located in the middle of Kachori Gali in Varanasi, this is one of the most energetic and vibrant temples in Varanasi.
How to Reach Dakshineshwar Shamshan Kali Shamshan Bhairav Mandir?
Go to gate number 4 of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and move forward for a few hundred metres ahead. On the right-hand side, there is the Manikarnika Ghat entry point. This temple is within walking distance from there.
In the End
This article was all about the places that you must visit if you are coming from Bengal. From time to time, different kinds of people with various purposes came to Varanasi from Bengal. You will be surprised to know that even Swami Vivekanand ji and Maa Sharda have visited Varanasi in their lifetime. Hence there is a very deep connection between Bengal and Varanasi leaving a lot of places in Varanasi with its history attached to Bengal. This was the list of 10 places in Varanasi which have a Bengal connection. Let us know in the comments if this article was helpful to you or not. Also, comment on what else you want to know about Varanasi or abroad.
