A cherished neighbourhood shrine to Lord Ganesha, sought by devotees for auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.
Shri Ganesh Temple
Our team will gladly guide you on the pujas and arrangements available at Shri Ganesh Temple. Reach out to the Samiti and we will help you plan your puja and your visit.
Office hours 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Shri Ganesh Temple in Lohatiya — known across Varanasi as Bada Ganesh, "the great Ganesha" — is one of the best-known shrines of Lord Ganesha in Kashi. It stands in the lanes of the old city, where the last stretch is on foot, and draws devotees from every part of Varanasi, especially on Wednesdays, Ganesha's day, when a special aarti is held.
Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, and in Kashi he has a particular charge: the tradition of the city places his many forms around it as its guardians. Families come to Bada Ganesh before a wedding, a new venture or a journey, and many make a vow (mannat) here and return to give thanks when it is fulfilled.
The Kashi Khanda describes fifty-six Vināyakas — forms of Ganesha stationed in seven concentric circles around the sacred city, guarding it on every side. Devotees still keep the pilgrimage of these Chhappan Vinayaka.
Local tradition identifies the Bada Ganesh of Lohatiya with Vakratuṇḍa, whom the Kashi Khanda places in the third of those circles and calls "the remover of a mass of sins". To take darshan here is therefore, for many devotees, to honour one of the guardians the text sets around Kashi.
Ganesh Chaturthi and the monthly Chaturthi days are especially observed. These are matters of religious tradition and are recorded as such.
Auspicious Beginnings – Devotees traditionally seek Ganesha's blessing before a wedding, a new home, a new venture or a journey.
Removal of Obstacles – Ganesha is approached with prayers for the clearing of difficulties from one's path.
Vows and Thanksgiving – Many make a mannat here and return to give thanks when their prayer is answered.
One of Kashi's Guardians – For pilgrims keeping the Chhappan Vinayaka yatra, darshan here honours one of the fifty-six forms the tradition sets around the city.
Reach Lohatiya – Come by rickshaw or auto-rickshaw to Lohatiya; the temple is a short walk into the lanes.
Darshan and offerings – Footwear is removed before entering. Durva grass, modaks or laddus and red flowers are the traditional offerings to Ganesha.
Wednesday aarti – Wednesday is Ganesha's day, with a special aarti, and the temple is at its busiest then and on Chaturthi days.
Plan your visit – The Samiti can guide you on the pujas and arrangements available.
Darshan and entry at Shri Ganesh Temple are subject to the temple's own rules, timings and administration, which may change without notice — especially during festivals.
Devotees are asked to follow the temple's dress, security and photography guidelines.
Prasad, transport or other extras are included only where specified in your selected package.
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