Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a residential campus in Varanasi, founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. It covers about 1,300 acres of tree-lined streets, lawns and Indo-Gothic buildings, a calm contrast to the old city. Two places draw most visitors: the New Vishwanath Temple, open to people of every faith and caste, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, with its sculptures, manuscripts and miniature paintings. The campus is large enough that many people walk or cycle between stops. Student food stalls near the temple sell kachori, samosa chaat and kulhad chai.
How the campus began and how it is laid out
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya founded Banaras Hindu University in 1916. He was a nationalist leader and a two-time president of the Indian National Congress, and he raised the funds for what became India's first residential university campus. Annie Besant is named alongside him as a supporter, and the land was donated by the Kashi Naresh, the king of Kashi. Malaviya wanted modern education and ancient Hindu traditions to exist side by side, and the campus still reflects that aim.
The main campus covers about 1,300 acres, roughly 5.3 square kilometres. It is laid out in a semicircle with roads radiating outward. Wide streets are lined with trees and broken up by lawns, gardens and libraries. Hostels, a large hospital and sports grounds share the space, so the campus works like a small town. A statue of the founder stands at the main gate.
The buildings are in the Indo-Gothic style, which looks very different from the Mughal architecture seen elsewhere in Varanasi.
Bharat Kala Bhavan museum
Bharat Kala Bhavan is the university museum, founded in 1920. It began as the Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad and was later renamed. The collection covers Buddhist and Hindu sculpture, manuscripts, Mughal objects, paintings, brocade textiles and modern art.
Two parts are worth looking for. One is the miniature paintings. The other is the palm-leaf manuscripts, some of them dating to the 12th century. The museum is spread over two floors, with a space for temporary exhibitions at the entrance. It also has displays on the local history of Varanasi.
If you want more than a walk among the buildings, this is the stop that explains the art and culture of the region.
The New Vishwanath Temple
The temple was built by the Birla family. Malaviya planned it so that moral values and Indian traditions would sit alongside modern education. It is also known as the Birla Temple, and students call it VT. It is dedicated to Shiva and has several other shrines in the complex, with paintings of scenes from Hindu scripture.
The temple is built of white marble and is spacious, clean and well kept, set among gardens. Its interior marble walls are said to be engraved with the text of the Bhagavad Gita. Unlike many temples in Varanasi, it is open to everyone, whatever their caste or creed.
The atmosphere is quiet in the morning, and many people come here daily to sit for a while. By evening the surroundings fill with students.
Eating and moving around
Food stalls near the temple are part of the campus routine. Fresh, hot kachori is the most mentioned item. Samosa chaat, cold coffee with ice cream and kulhad chai are the other regular orders, and many people have them after a visit to the temple.
Because distances are long, most people explore on foot or by bike at an easy pace. The campus has a free parking lot and an entrance with wheelchair access. It lies in the Ajagara area, about 8 km from Varanasi Cantt railway station.
FAQ
Is Banaras Hindu University open to visitors?
Yes. The campus is listed as open 24 hours every day, and visitors walk or cycle around it. The New Vishwanath Temple welcomes people of all faiths and castes.
What is there to see on the BHU campus?
The main sights are the New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. The Indo-Gothic buildings, lawns and tree-lined roads are also worth the time.
How long do you need at BHU?
Two to three hours covers the temple, the museum and a walk through part of the campus. The grounds are large, so allow more time if you want to cycle around.
What can you eat near the New Vishwanath Temple?
Stalls nearby sell kachori, samosa chaat, samosa and kulhad chai. Cold coffee with ice cream is a student favourite.
Is there parking and wheelchair access?
The campus has a free parking lot and a wheelchair accessible entrance. There is also wheelchair accessible parking.
