Explore Kanpur
Temples in Kanpur
Religious sites and temples to visit in Kanpur
Anandeshwar Temple
Popularly called the Kashi of Kanpur, the Anandeshwar Temple on the banks of the Ganga at Parmat is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the city, estimated to be 500 years old. The naturally formed Shivling is the central attraction, drawing enormous crowds during Shravan Mondays when queues can stretch over a kilometre. A deeply spiritual experience in Kanpur, this temple is especially significant for devotees of Lord Shiva visiting Uttar Pradesh on a pilgrimage trail.
Bhitargaon Temple
One of India's oldest surviving brick temples, Bhitargaon Temple near Kanpur dates to the 5th century Gupta Empire and stands nearly 70 feet tall with a pyramidal shikhara. Built entirely from brick and terracotta, its outer walls are adorned with intricate sculpted panels depicting Vishnu, Shiva, and celestial figures. An ASI-protected monument on India's UNESCO tentative list, it is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers exploring places near Kanpur.
Chandrika Devi Temple
A revered Siddhapeeth in the heart of Kanpur, the Chandrika Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Goddess Chandrika, a manifestation of Durga. Located in Dev Nagar, it is known for grand Navratri celebrations and the annual Ganesh Mahotsav. The temple draws devotees seeking the blessings of the goddess, especially on Fridays. Its ancient architecture and religious energy make it a significant landmark among the temples worth visiting in Kanpur.
Dashanan Mandir
The Dashanan Mandir in Kanpur's Shiwala area is one of very few temples in India dedicated to Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka from the Ramayana. Unusually, the temple is opened only once a year on Dussehra, when lamps are lit and devotees gather chanting prayers before the doors are sealed again for another year. This rare and fascinating religious tradition makes the Dashanan Mandir one of the most distinctive and culturally unique places to visit in Kanpur for curious travellers.
Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish Temple near Kamla Tower in Kanpur is dedicated to Lord Krishna as the King of Dwarka and is one of the city's most beloved Krishna temples. It draws large crowds during the Shravan month and is especially celebrated for the Jhoola festival in July and August, when Krishna's idol is placed on a decorated swing alongside Radha amid chanting and flower decorations. A lively and culturally rich place of worship, it is a highlight of the temple circuit in Kanpur.
ISKCON Kanpur (Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple)
An ISKCON temple in Kanpur dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Madhav, offering daily kirtan, aartis, and Gita discourses.
Jagannath Mandir (Benhta)
Located in Benhta village just 3 kilometres from Kanpur, the Jagannath Mandir is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, with a Luv-Kush temple and a Hanuman sanctum on the same premises. Believed to mark the birthplace of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama and Sita, the site carries deep Ramayana significance. One of the less-crowded yet spiritually rich temples in Kanpur, it is well worth including on any heritage or pilgrimage circuit of the city.
JK Temple (JK Birla Mandir)
A modern white marble temple built by the JK Group in Kanpur, dedicated to multiple deities and known for its peaceful campus.
Kanch Ka Mandir (Jain Glass Temple)
The Jain Glass Temple in General Ganj is one of Kanpur's most visually striking religious sites, its interiors entirely covered in intricate glass-cut designs and enamel artwork. Dedicated to Lord Mahavira and the 24 Tirthankaras, the temple features hand-crafted glass murals, marble floors, and ornate archways. A peaceful and photogenic place to visit in Kanpur, it offers a fascinating window into Jain culture and craftsmanship for both devotees and curious travellers.
Panki Hanuman Temple
The Panki Hanuman Temple, also known as Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, is one of the most visited temples in Kanpur, believed to predate the founding of the city itself. Located near Panki Railway Station, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and draws devotees from across India who come seeking blessings and fulfilment of wishes. Tuesdays and Saturdays see huge gatherings, making it a vibrant and spiritually charged place to visit in Kanpur for pilgrims and travellers alike.
Tapeshwari Devi Temple
Located on Birhana Road, the Tapeshwari Devi Temple is a centuries-old temple in Kanpur dedicated to Goddess Sita. According to local legend, Sita visited this spot daily for meditation during her exile at Bithoor, making it a deeply significant site along Kanpur's Ramayana heritage trail. The temple is serene and less crowded compared to other major temples in the city, offering a peaceful atmosphere for devotion and reflection. It is a meaningful stop for travellers exploring sacred sites in Kanpur.
Valmiki Ashram (Bithoor)
Set on the banks of the Ganga in the heritage town of Bithoor, Valmiki Ashram is believed to be the place where sage Valmiki composed the Ramayana and sheltered Goddess Sita during her exile. The ashram complex includes three temples and the sacred Sita Kund, a small pond connected to Sita's legend. One of the most spiritually significant places to visit near Kanpur, it forms the spiritual heart of the Bithoor pilgrimage circuit for Ramayana devotees and history enthusiasts.