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January

22–23 °C

February

26–30.4 °C

March

32–36.2 °C

April

38.7 °C

May

39–41.4 °C

June

37–41.7 °C

July

32–35.6 °C

August

31–34.5 °C

September

31–33.8 °C

October

30–33.8 °C

November

28–31 °C

December

23–23.8 °C

Major Airports :

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)

Nearest Railway Station :

Varanasi Junction (BSB)

Major Airports :

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)

Pilgrims’ First Halt

Located in the quiet village of Kandwa, Varanasi, Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple marks the first night halt of the revered Panchakroshi Yatra, a traditional circumambulation of Varanasi undertaken by thousands of devotees. For pilgrims, this temple is the starting point of their spiritual journey, where prayers are offered before continuing along the sacred route around the city.

According to legend, the Shiva lingam enshrined here was installed by Sage Kardama Prajapati, one of the primordial creators of life and believed to be a son of Brahma. This ancient association lends the temple a deep mythological significance, making it an important stop for both devotees and heritage‑loving travelers.

 

Divine Assemblage and Historical Continuity

The temple is predominated Shiva images, nevertheless it consists of images of Vishnu, Devi, Ganesha, Surya, and even river Goddesses like Ganga and Yamuna. Archaeological evidence indicate that the tradition of building temples in Banaras dates back to the Gupta Period of 4th – 6th Centuries CE.

Distinctive Layout and Sacred Precincts

The uniqueness of the temple is the absence of Ashtadikpalas or guardians of the eight directions figures on the temple corner walls which was an indispensable feature of north Indian temples. There are two sacred spots in the Kardameshvara’s territory.

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Timings

Opening time -05:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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Varanasi

Kardama Kunda: The Pilgrim’s Ablution

The first is the Kardama Kunda or Tirtha is where pilgrims sprinkle water on themselves from the Kardama Kunda, a majestic rectangular water pool. In the mid-18th century, Queen Rani Bhavani of Nator Estate, Bengal constructed this massive pond around 1751-1757. After the death of her husband King Ramakant Rai, the Queen controlled the estate, however adopted life like a religious lady. That is how she performed a pilgrimage to Banaras and stayed here during 1752-1758. During her six years of stay, the Queen patronised constructions of many water pools, including the four on the Panchakroshi route at Kandwa, Bhimachandi, Sonatalab, and Kapiladhara, and renovations and construction of several temples. She has also built water pools at Lata Bhairava, Omkareshvara, Matsyodari and Kurukshetra.

Kardama Kupa: The Well of Reassurance

The second is the Kardama Kupa. From the main temple towards Virupaksha is the holy deep round well, Kardama Kupa, protected by a small roofing, of which water is used in oblation. Devout pilgrims see their reflection in the water of this well and believe that their life is safe, if a reflection is seen.

Timings

The temple is generally open from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with aarti around sunrise and sunset; confirm exact hours locally as they may vary by season and festivals.  

Best time to visit

Early morning (6–8 am) for a peaceful darshan or late evening (7:30–9:00 pm); expect heavy crowds on Mondays in Shravan and on Maha Shivaratri.

How to Reach


By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the nearest airport, located approximately 30 km from Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple in Kandwa. Taxis and app‑based cabs are available from the airport for travel via Babatpur–Varanasi road.

By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the nearest major railway station, situated about 14 km from the temple. From the station, visitors can hire auto‑rickshaws or taxis to reach the Kandwa area.

By Road: Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Kandwa, on the southern outskirts of Varanasi near Chitaipur. City buses, auto‑rickshaws, and taxis connect the area with Lanka, BHU, and other parts of the city. The final approach involves a short walk through the local neighborhood.