Banaras Hindu University

BHU is Asia's largest residential university, sprawling over 1,350 acres. Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, it is one of India's premier institutions. Inside the campus stands the magnificent New Vishwanath Temple — a white marble structure built by the Birla family, considered one of the most beautiful temples in North India.

History

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya founded BHU on February 4, 1916, funding it through donations from maharajas, industrialists, and common people across India. The university represents the fusion of ancient Indian knowledge (Vedas, Sanskrit) with modern Western education — Malaviya's revolutionary vision. The New Vishwanath Temple inside was built by the Birla family in 1966 as a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath, open to people of all castes (unlike the original at that time).