First thing in the morning we are going to take a dip in the holy river Ganga followed by a good breakfast along with some delicious Lassi.

After having breakfast we will be doing a series of Shakti Temple visits. Here you’ll be getting to know the importance of Goddess Shakti and feel the aura of her energy in her temples which are situated in all directions of Kashi.

We will find Annapurna Devi at D-9/1, Annapurna Temple, and reach it by taking the narrow lane or Gully called Vishwanath Gully. This place of worship welcomes visitors from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. with aarties performed both in the morning and evening. 

Additionally, we can enjoy free food at the temple premises through annadanam offered daily in the afternoon for devotees.

To find Bandi Devi, we will go to No. D.17/100, which is situated just before Dasaswamedh Ghat. We can reach the ghat by rickshaw and then, before descending the steps, take a right turn. 

Since there are many confusing alleys in the area, it is recommended to ask local shopkeepers for directions to avoid getting lost.

To locate Bhavani Gauri, we will go to D.8/38, Ram Mandir, which is annexed to the premises of Annapurna Devi. The deity is positioned between Kali Devi and Jagannath. 

For directions on how to reach this place, we can refer to the Visweshwar temple.

To visit Brahma Charini, we will go to K-22/72, Durga Ghat. Devotees can travel by rickshaw up to Bhairavnath and then walk on foot to reach Brahmeshwar temple. Alternatively, we can take a boat up to Durga Ghat/Brahma Ghat and climb the steps to reach the temple.

The Brahma Charini idol is situated at Brahmeshwar temple, which is located at D-33/66 Khalispura, near Dasaswamedh in Varanasi. The temple is open to visitors from 06.00 a.m. to 01.30 p.m. and again from 04.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Aarti is performed at 06.00 a.m., 04.00 p.m., and 11.00 p.m. (Shayan Aarti), which we can attend during our visit.

 This Devi is known by the name of Mahishasura Mardini near Lolark Kund, which is quite famous. People can travel upto this place in rickshaw as this temple is well known. 

The temple is open from 05.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. Evening aarti at around 07.00 – 07.30 is worth watching.

To reach Chandi Devi, we will go to Sadar Bazar. If we are in the Cantonment area, we can proceed on the road where various posh hotels such as Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks, and JHV Mall are located. If we continue further on this road (known as Cariappa Marg), we will see a right turn with an indicator sign that reads "Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple."

This temple is open to visitors from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., and devotees can worship as per their convenience. According to locals, this temple is a powerful Shakti Peeth, and we can experience its spiritual energy during our visit.

To visit Charma Munda Devi, we will go to B-2/62 Bhadaini. If we are coming from Mata Anandmayee Hospital towards Assi, we can take a left turn towards Bhadaini Water Works. The Priest's house at B-2/61 is the corner building that will guide us towards the temple.

This temple is situated on a fairly steep slope, and the locals refer to it as "Nav Durga Temple." The place of worship is open from 05.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. We can attend the Mangala Aarti at 05.45 a.m., Bhog Aarti at 10.00 a.m., evening aarti at 07.30 p.m., and Shayan Aarti at 10.00 p.m. during our visit.

We will visit Chitra Ghanta Devi located at Ck. 23/34, Chitra Ghanta Gulli. To reach the temple, we can take a rickshaw to Chowk and walk on foot to the narrow gully opposite UCO Bank. This Devi is specially worshipped during the Navaratri festival in September/October. 

The temple is open in the morning from 06.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m., but devotees can have darshan practically the whole day through the grill gate. According to locals, the timings are flexible.

•  Durga Temple of Kashi is quite famous and is located at Durga Kund area. We can travel upto this place in a car/auto or cycle rickshaw. Devotees worship Durga Devi during Navratri falling in September/October and this Goddess is also referred to as Kooshamanda Devi. 
• Though there is a practice of worshiping one Devi each starting from day one, there is a heavy rush of devotees on all days of both Navratries. The temple is open from 04.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and from 03.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. This is one of the well maintained temples with idols of Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali present in the premises. Frequently, Chandi Havan is conducted in the temple.

After this long tiring day we will get some good food and rest and will resume our journey to Shakti Temples tomorrow.

We will start our day with a good breakfast near the most visited Chowk of Varanasi which is Godowlia Chowk and then start our exploration.

Hayakanti Devi is located at D.52/35, Kali Mutt, Lakshmi Kund. We can reach this place by rickshaw through Luxa. Lakshmi Kund is a famous locality. 

The place of worship is open from 05.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 05.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. The timings may be flexible.

Jyeshta Gauri temple is located at K-63/24, Sapt Sagar Mohalla. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Maidagin. We can approach Maidagin by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw or even car. 

From Maidagin it is advisable to walk on foot. A famous landmark near this temple is the Kashi Devi Temple. The temple is open for worship practically throughout the day. Aarties are held in the morning and evening.

 Kalratri Devi is located at D.8/17, Kalika Galli, which is a lane parallel to Annapurna – Vishwanath Lane. 

We can travel to Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and walk through the Gully to Visweshwar temple and after crossing Sakshi Vinayak, we may take a right turn, climb a few steps and reach Kalika Galli through Shukreshwar. . 

This temple is one of the Shakti Peets of Varanasi. The temple is open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening.

Kamakhya Devi temple is located at B.21/123, Kamachha. This is a famous temple and another temple “Batuk Bhairav temple” nearby is a famous landmark. 

The temple is open from 03.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Aarties are held at 05.30 a.m. and 07.30 a.m. There is a heavy rush on Tuesdays, Fridays and during Navratri days (both in March-April and September-October).

Katyayini Devi is located in the premises of Atma Vireshwar Temple at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat which is a famous locality in Varanasi. 

We can reach this place by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively we can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. 

The temple is open for worship 05.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 12.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Special Aarti is held from 07.00 to 8.30 p.m. For doing special pooja, it is advisable to consult the Poojari beforehand.

Lalita Gauri is present at Ck.1/67, Lalita Ghat. If we desire to walk on foot, we will have to travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and walk through the Ghats upto Lalita Ghat and climb the steps. 

If the devotee is already in the Gullies in the vicinity, Nepali Pasupati Mandir is an important landmark. The temple also houses Kashi Devi and Bhagirath Devi idols. 

The temple is open from 05.00 a.m. to 09.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 09.30 p.m. The timings may vary. It is advisable to combine visits to this temple along with other temples also. 

 Mahalakshmi is located at D.52/40, Lakshmi Kund. This temple and the locality (Lakshmi Kund) are quite famous and people can approach this place through Luxa by rickshaw. 

The temple is open from 06.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Aarties are performed in the morning and evening.

Mangala Gauri is located at K-24/34, Panchganga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhairavnath by auto or cycle rickshaw and walk up to this place. Mangala Gauri temple is a famous landmark. 

Alternatively, we can take a boat ride upto Panchganga Ghat and reach this temple through Ghats. The temple is open from 05.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and from 03.00 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Aarties are performed in the evening. For doing any special pooja etc., it is advisable to contact the Poojari.

Manikarnika Devi is located at Ck.7/130, Scindia Ghat, opposite Atma Vireshwar Temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. 

Alternatively we can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Atma Veereshwar is a famous temple. 

The temple is open for worship 06.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 04.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Timings are flexible. 

 Mukhnirmalika Gauri is located at K.3/42, Hanumanji temple at Gai Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Gaighat area behind Machhodari by rickshaw and walk to this place on foot, by asking for directions. 

Alternatively, we can take a boat ride upto Gai Ghat and climb the steps. The temple is open for worship from 05.00 a.m. to 08.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening.

Sankata Devi is located at Ck.7/159, Sankataji. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel on foot to this temple by asking for directions. 

Sankata Devi temple falls in the vicinity of two Powerful Shakti Peethas, Panch Mudra Peeth (Atma Vireshwar temple) and Siddh Peeth (Siddheshwari Temple). 

Sankata Devi is a powerful form of Goddess and devotees who worship are showered with eternal happiness and prosperity. The place of worship remains open from 05.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Timings are flexible. 

After this exhausting day, we shall indulge in a sumptuous feast and bask in well-deserved rest, for we shall rekindle our expedition to the sacred abodes of Shakti Temples tomorrow.

After indulging in a delicious breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore the divine feminine energy present in the narrow alleys and streets of Banaras through the myriad of Devi temples.

Located at A-40/11, Marhia Ghat, the Shailputri temple is a sacred site for devotees in Varanasi. To reach the temple, we can take a small road on the left just before Varanasi City Station, after crossing a level crossing. 

The journey takes approximately 2 kms and can be completed by rickshaw or auto rickshaw, with most drivers knowing the location of the temple.

With its doors open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 03.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., visitors can participate in the daily aarties performed in the morning and evening. It is worth noting that the timings may vary slightly, so it's always best to confirm with the temple staff. 

The spiritual energy and serenity found in the Shailputri temple will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

This Gauri is located behind Gyanvapi Masjid (mosque) and Darshan is allowed only on two days in a year. However, devotees worship this deity in Vishwanath (Visweshwar) temple premises marked as Annapurna Devi. 

Kindly refer to Visveshwar temple regarding directions to reach the place. 

Sidhha Lakshmi Devi, also known as the goddess of prosperity, is perched on the wall at Ck.8/1, directly opposite Siddhi Vinayak in Manikarnika. 

To visit the temple, there are two options: we can take a rickshaw to Chowk and walk to the temple or take a scenic boat ride to Manikarnika Ghat (near Chakra Pushkarini Teerth) and climb the steps to the temple. 

The temple is open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 04.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., and the aarti timings may vary slightly. Devotees can bask in the divine aura of this temple and seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

 Siddheshwari Devi is located at Ck.7/124, Siddheshwari Mohalla. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel on foot to this temple by asking for directions. 

Siddheshwari temple also houses Chandra Koop and Chandreshwar and is a powerful Peeth called Siddh Peeth. Siddheshwari is known as Siddhidatri Durga (bestower of Siddhis). 

Devotees also visit another temple of Goddess at K.60/29, Sidhamata Galli, in the general location of Kal Bhairav on the 9th day of Navratri. The place of worship remains open from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Timings are flexible. However, darshan is available through grilled doors at all times.

Skanda Mata Temple is located at J.6/33, Jaitpura. We can reach this place by rickshaw as Jaitpura Police Station is an important landmark. 

Devotees worship Skanda Mata during Navratri falling in September/October as one of the nine Durgas. There is some confusion here. 

Some locals term Skanda Mata as Vagheshwari. But according to Learned Pundits, Vagheshwari is Ashwa Rooda who is located inside the closed door on the ground level. 

Skanda Mata is located on the upper storey. The temple is open from 05.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 07.00 p.m. Aarties are held in morning and evening. 

Sowbhagya Gauri is located at Ck.38/8, Adi Vishwanath Temple. If a devotee travels from Bansphatak to Chowk, after crossing the flower market (on the left side), there is a flight of steps leading to a fairly big ground and Shiva temple. 

On the right side of the ground (north side), the devotee will find Sowbhagya Gauri. The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 06.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. 

Timings are flexible. However devotees can worship throughout the day through the grill gate. 

The deity is located at No. Ck.7/92, Mohalla Kashmiri Mal ki Haveli, near Pita Maheshwar. This deity is also known as Shitla Devi. 

The temple is approachable from Chowk upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. The temple is open practically throughout the day. 

Tripura Bhairavi is located at D.5/24, Mir Ghat. Devotees may approach this place from Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully and take the first right turn. 

This is a famous place. This temple also houses Tripureshwar Shiv Ling (in the vicinity of Rudreshwar) which finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 69. Devotees may worship these two lings also. 

The place of worship is open from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 06.00 p.m.to 10.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. Devotees can worship through grill gates during other times.

Discovering Varahi Devi's temple can be a little challenging, but it's definitely worth the effort. Located at D.16/84, Manmandir Ghat, visitors can reach the temple by rickshaw up to Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gali, and then proceed by foot. Local assistance is recommended to find the temple.

Varahi Devi is a powerful goddess who is worshipped for victories in competitions, litigations, court cases, and other similar matters. 

The temple is only open from 5.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., and remains closed for the rest of the day. Visitors can witness the morning Aarti, which is performed with great devotion. During this time, the main door is closed, but visitors can still have a clear view of the proceedings.

It is believed that Varahi Devi resides below the ground level, and only the priest is allowed to access that area. However, visitors can still catch a glimpse of the goddess through the opening in the marble slab. It is a unique and mystical experience that devotees cherish.

The divine deity Vindhya Devi, also known as Vindhya Vasini, is situated outside Sankata Devi Temple at Ck.2/33. We can seek directions from Sankata Devi Temple upon arrival, as Vindhya Devi temple is located adjacent to it. 

Those traveling by cycle rickshaw can reach Chowk and proceed on foot through Sankata Devi Temple, a famous landmark. Alternatively, the temple can be accessed by boat up to Ganga Mahal Ghat, followed by climbing up the steps. 

The temple is open for worship from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm, allowing devotees to offer their prayers at their convenience.

The Vishalakshi Temple can be located at Mir Ghat, D.3/85. Devotees can take a rickshaw and reach either the Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or the Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli and walk the remaining distance to reach the temple. 

Many devotees prefer to visit this temple along with the Visweshwar / Annapurna temple. The temple timings are from 04.30 a.m. in the morning till 11.00 a.m., and from 05.00 p.m. till 10.00 p.m. in the evening, although the timings may be subject to change. 

Aarties are held in the morning and evening, and devotees can worship as per their convenience.

Vishwa Bhuja Gauri can be found at D.2/15, close to Dharam Koop (Dharmeshwar) and in proximity to Vishalakshi Devi temple. 

To reach the temple, devotees can take a rickshaw to Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli and then walk on foot. It's common for devotees to combine their prayers at this temple with the darshan of Visweshwar/Annapurna temple. 

The temple is open almost all day and devotees are free to worship at their convenience.

Take rest after a tiring day and enjoy the local cuisine.