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Shiva TempleOn the main road at Bansphatak, just before the turn into Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli, Samudreshwar — 'lord of the ocean' — stands as one of the many individually named Shiva forms that punctuate the old city's commercial streets as much as its quieter temple lanes.
The name 'Samudreshwar' ties this linga to the ocean, a recurring theme in Shiva's mythology through stories such as the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), during which Shiva famously swallows the poison Halahala to protect creation, becoming Neelkanth, the blue-throated one.
Bansphatak is one of the main approach routes toward the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex, meaning this shrine sits directly on a path walked by large numbers of pilgrims heading toward Kashi's most visited temple, even if most pass by without stopping specifically for Samudreshwar.
Its exact position — 'depends on direction of travel,' as described by local sources — reflects how some of Kashi's smaller street-side shrines are oriented to the flow of foot traffic along a lane rather than to a fixed, single-entrance building.
Bansphatak main road, just before Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli
'Samudreshwar' = lord of the ocean
On a main pilgrim route toward the Kashi Vishwanath complex
It means 'lord of the ocean,' linking this Shiva form to oceanic mythology such as the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), during which Shiva swallows poison to protect creation.
Banaras Hindu University campus
Shiva TempleNear Madanpura, close to the weavers' lanes
Shiva TempleDaranagar, on the route to Kaal Bhairav
Shiva TempleTrilochan Ghat
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