Adi Keshav Temple

Adi Keshav Temple stands as one of Varanasi's most ancient and spiritually significant Vishnu shrines. There's a temple in Varanasi that most tourists never see — and that's exactly what makes it magical. Adi Keshav Temple sits at the northernmost edge of the city, where the Varuna River meets the Ganga, in a part of Kashi that feels like it's been forgotten by time. This is where Lord Vishnu first set foot in Kashi — Adi means first, Keshav is Vishnu — and the foot impression (Paduka) he left behind is still worshipped here. According to the Skanda Purana, Shiva missed Kashi so much after leaving for Mount Mandarachal that he asked Vishnu to go protect the city. Vishnu arrived on his celestial vehicle Garuda (disguised as a disciple), carved his own idol, and settled here as Adi Keshav.