Markandeya Mahadev Temple

Markandeya Mahadev Temple stands on the banks of the Ganga-Gomti confluence at Kaithi, on the outskirts of Varanasi. Considered one of Hinduism's oldest shrines, it finds mention in the Mahabharata, indicating its existence long before the epic's own era. The rectangular temple is enclosed by a high wall carved with sculptures of Hindu deities, its exterior built of red sandstone, and its top plated with roughly 2000 kg of gold layered copper crafted by skilled Kashi artisans. It draws large crowds during Mahashivratri and Sawan.