Kashi Karvat Temple – Mystery, History & Travel Guide
Nestled in the winding lanes near the Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Karvat Temple in Varanasi is one of those hidden gems that’s equal parts eerie and fascinating. It’s not your typical temple—it’s steeped in a dark, mysterious history tying death to salvation. Locals swear that anyone who met their end here earned moksha, a ticket out of the endless rebirth cycle. In this blog, I’m diving into the real story of Kashi Karvat, sharing how you can find it, and exploring why it still leaves pilgrims both stunned and curious today.
History of Kashi Karvat Temple
The name "Karvat" translates to "saw blade", and trust me, that’s no coincidence. Back in the day, this temple was notorious for a chilling ritual—people willingly sacrificing their lives here, all for moksha.
Legend has it, a sharp wooden blade hung overhead, and devotees believed that dying beneath it in the sacred city of Kashi (that’s Varanasi to you and me) meant instant liberation from life’s endless loop. Word is, priests pushed this idea hard, especially to the elderly or those already knocking on death’s door.
Eventually, the ritual got outlawed, and the temple shut its doors to the public. Even now, locals steer clear after sunset, whispering about the creepy vibes that linger there.
The Mystery Behind Kashi Karvat Temple
What sets Kashi Karvat apart is its whole deal with voluntary death—crazy, right? It’s rooted in some ancient spiritual belief that’s hard to wrap your head around today. That tilted, saw-like structure (the Karvat) supposedly claimed tons of lives, all chasing salvation.
Some folks think it was just blind faith mixed with a bit of spiritual pressure. Others argue the blade might’ve been symbolic, but plenty insist it was the real deal. Since the temple’s locked up now, the whole thing’s shrouded in this spooky, quiet mystery.
So, what’s the truth? Was it a grim shortcut to enlightenment or just a bizarre, misunderstood custom about giving up life for moksha? Honestly, we may never know.
Location & How to Reach Kashi Karvat Temple
📍 Location: Manikarnika Ghat area, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Google Maps: Just punch in “Karvat Mandir” or “Kashi Karvat Temple”
🚶♂️ How to Reach:
- From Varanasi Railway Station: Grab an auto to Godowlia, then wander through the lanes on foot.
- From Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: It’s a quick 10–15 minute stroll.
- By Air: Fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, then drive about 25 km.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Hit it early, like 6 AM – 9 AM, before the day heats up.
🚫 Note: Don’t expect to peek inside—the inner sanctum’s been off-limits for ages.
Present-Day Status & Local Beliefs
These days, Kashi Karvat Temple feels more like a relic of faded beliefs than a bustling worship spot. The building’s still standing, but most of the original insides are under lock and key.
Chat with the locals, and they’ll drop their voices to tell you tales—some swear there’s a weird energy hanging around, others warn you not to go solo. It’s flown under the radar of tourist guides and Instagram, which only adds to its mystique.
Still, it pulls in the spiritually curious and folks like me who can’t resist digging into India’s wild, untold stories.
Nearby Places to Explore
- Manikarnika Ghat – India’s holiest cremation ground, hands down.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, a must-see.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – Catch the stunning Ganga Aarti here.
- Scindia Ghat – Home to a tilted Shiva temple half-sunk in the river.
- Nepali Temple – A cool wooden take on Pashupatinath, tucked in the lanes.
FAQs About Kashi Karvat Temple
Q1: What’s the story of Kashi Karvat Temple?
It’s said people used to end their lives under a blade here, chasing moksha.
Q2: Can you visit Kashi Karvat Temple for darshan?
Nope, the inner sanctum’s sealed tight. You can only check out the outside.
Q3: How old is Kashi Karvat Temple?
No hard records, but folks reckon it’s centuries old, buzzing back in medieval times.
Q4: Is it safe to visit Kashi Karvat Temple today?
Totally, during daylight. It’s in a busy spot—just don’t linger alone late at night.
