Plan you visit Shooltankeshwar Temple Varanasi with our 2N/3D package hotel, boat ride , Kashi Vishwanath darshan & Sarnath tour. Book your trip now.
Majestic ! Shooltankeshwar Temple Histroty Significance and Distance: Why It’s Worth the Trip
Kashi’s Shooltankeshwar Temple: Where Lord Shiva halted the Ganga with his trident. It is believed that at the time of the descent of the Ganges, Lord Shiva became concerned about the safety of Kashi.
According to the Purans, after her descent, when the Ganga began to enter Kashi in a uncontrollable force form, Lord Shiva halted her fierce form by hurling his trident in to ground, which is south of the city. thatswhy It is also known as the southern gateway of Kashi.
The impact of Lord Shiva’s trident caused Mother Ganga to experience pain. Later Mother Ganga sought forgiveness from the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva obtained a promise from mother Ganga that she would flow while touching Kashi gently not in fierce form. Furthermore, no aquatic creature would harm any devotee while bathing in the Ganga at Kashi and protecting the city forever. Once Ganga agreed to conditions, Shiva withdrew his trident.
The Shooltankeshwar Mahadev temple is situated in Madhavpur village, 15 kilometers from Varanasi city. Deities enshrined in this temple include Lord Hanuman ji, Goddess Parvati ji, Lord Ganesha ji, and Kartikeya, along with Nandi. The sage Madhav had installed the Shivaling here to worship Lord Shiva prior to the descent of the River Ganges.
According to local belief, ancient sages performed deep penance on the banks of the River Ganga and named this sacred Shivaling Shooltankeshwar. It is believed that Lord Shiva removes the pain and troubles of devotees, just as the suffering of the Ganga was relieved at this holy place. Because of this faith, pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year. During the holy month of Shravan, and Maha Shivaratri thousands of devotees come to offer prayers and seek blessings for peace, good health, and relief from life’s difficulties. All wishes are fulfilled through worship and darshan. Shooltankeshwar temple name it self comes from Shool (trident) and Tankeshwar (the one who holds and protects with the trident)
Unlike the crowded central ghats, Shooltankeshwar is calm and largely untouched by tourist crowds making it a favorite for those looking to meditate, sit in silence by the Ganga, and genuinely connect with Kashi’s ancient spiritual roots.
How You Reach Majestic ! Shooltankeshwar Temple
The best way to visit Shooltankeshwar Temple is by taking a boat from Assi Ghat. The boat ride follows the beautiful Ganga River and passes peaceful areas that many visitors do not get to see. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way, so it is best planned as a half-day trip. If you have limited time, you can also reach the temple easily by road.
Majestic ! Shooltankeshwar Temple Varanasi Package 2Nights/3 Days Complete Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Arrival at LBS Varanasi Airport/ Cantt Railway Station, greeting and transfer to hotel.
- Hotel Check-in and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit Kaal Bhairav Temple (Kashi K Kotwal)
- Evening: Get ready to witness of Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Back to hotel throughtout intresting local Bazar of Varanasi enjoy local food.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath & Shooltankeshwar Boat Excursion
- Morning Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple and Vishalakashi Temple
- Later excursion to Sarnath at Buddhist birth place Dhamek Stupa, Sri Lankan Temple and the Archaeological Museum, and the deer park.
- Afternoon: board a private boat from Assi Ghat (Optional by road as well) for the journey upstream to Shooltankeshwar Temple, Madhopur a peaceful ride along quiet stretches of the Ganga, away from the main ghats.
- Darshan and time to sit and meditate at the temple, followed by the return boat journey as the sun sets over the river.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Leisure Morning, Shopping Tour and Departure
- Morning at leisure optional visit shopping for Banarasi sarees and handicrafts.
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Check-out and transfer to LBS Varanasi airport/ Cantt railway station for onward journey.
(Please note that : The Shooltankeshwar boat excursion can also be scheduled for the morning of Day 2 if you’d prefer a sunrise river journey instead of an evening one kindly let us know your preference while booking. we can customize this booking as per your request. )
Inclusions
- Accommodation in standard 3 star hotel
- 2 Night stay with double/twin shareing basis.
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Daily breakfast basis
- Airport/railway station pickup and drop
- All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle
- Sarnath half-day excursion
- Boat ride from Assi Ghat to Shooltankeshwar Temple and back (shared or private, as per package chosen)
- Ganga Aarti viewing at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- All applicable hotel and transport taxes
- Local assistance throughout the trip
Exclusions
- Airfare/train fare to and from Varanasi
- Lunch/ Dinner
- Rickshaw Ride
- Entrance Fee
- Kashi Vishwanath VIP/special darshan charges
- Personal expenses like shopping, tips, laundry, phone calls
- Camera/video charges at monuments, if applicable
- Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Majestic ! Shooltankeshwar Temple
Q1. Where exactly is Shooltankeshwar Temple located? The temple is located in Madhopur, about 15 kms south of the main city of Varanasi, at the point where the Ganga enters Kashi.
Q2. What is the significance of Shooltankeshwar Temple? It is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva used his trident to calm the fierce flow of the Ganga so she could flow gently through Kashi. The temple is also known as the Dakshin Dwar, one of the twelve sacred gateways guarding the city.
Q3. How do I get to the temple by road or by boat? Both options are available. The boat ride from Assi Ghat is the more scenic and traditional route, taking about 1.5–2 hours one way, while a road transfer is quicker for those on a tighter schedule.
Q4. Is this temple crowded like Kashi Vishwanath? No Shooltankeshwar is one of Varanasi’s quieter, offbeat spiritual sites, making it ideal for meditation and a peaceful darshan away from the main tourist crowds.
Q5. Can the itinerary be customized? Yes. We can adjust the number of nights, switch the boat excursion to a sunrise slot, upgrade the hotel category, or add a private boat instead of shared just share your preferences while booking.
Q6. Is this package suitable for senior citizens or families with children? Yes, the itinerary uses private vehicle transfers throughout and a comfortable boat ride. Do inform us in advance if any member of your group needs extra assistance during the boat journey.
Q7. What was the temple’s earlier name? The temple was earlier known as Madhaveshwar Mahadev, named after Rishi Madhav, and the surrounding area of Madhopur takes its name from the same legend.
Q8. What should I carry for the boat excursion? Comfortable footwear, a light jacket for the river breeze, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Modest clothing is recommended for the temple visit.
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