The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance.
Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
GHATS AND THE RIVER GANGES
The River Ganga is a sacred river for the Hindus and you will see traditional rituals and bathing occurring at all times of the day in Varanasi.
Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites. The Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are dedicated to the cremation ritual.
Most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt in the 18th century.
Morning & Evening boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction among tourists.
The famous Ganga Aarti performs daily at famous "Dasaswamedh Ghat".
TEMPLE CITY
Varanasi is an ancient city in India famous for housing many Hindu temples. The city is one of the largest collections of historic and newly built Hindu temples. Varanasi is an ancient city with deep spiritual roots and significance for the Hindus and it reflects this heritage in over a thousand temples.
Some of them are as follows:
Shri KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city.
MAA ANNAPURNA TEMPLE Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi Annapurna , believed as the "Godess of Fooding".
SANKATHA TEMPLE Near the Sindhia Ghat, there is a important temple of “Godess of Remedy” Devi Sankatha. Inside its premises there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also there is nine temples of nine planets nearby to this temple.
KALBHAIRAV TEMPLE God KalBhairav is believed as "Kotwal Of Varanasi" , without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.
MRITUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE Just besides this temple there is a Well of much religious importance, whose water is said to be mixture of several underground streams and good for eliminating several diseases.
NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University also known as "Birla Temple".
TULSI MANAS TEMPLE Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic “Shri Ramcharitmanas”, which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.
SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE On the way of Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple , this well-known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as "Sankatmochan" the god who protects from the troubles. This temple is founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as "Monkey" temple.
DURGA TEMPLE It is one of the best-known temples. Godess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world. There is a pond adjacent to the temple called "Durgakund".
BHARAT MATA TEMPLE This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.
OTHER SIGHTS
Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi) It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a museum in Sarnath. The location is also known as Deer Park. Sarnath is 13 Km from Varanasi and is very peaceful. Several Asian countries have built Buddhist temples there following their own ancient architectural traditions.
Chunar Fort , (15km southwest of Varanasi). A 2,000+ year old fort.
Ramnagar Fort (Located on the eastern bank of the river, opposite Tulsi Ghat). The fort of the King of Kashi. Built in 1750. This is the residence of Kashi Naresh .
THINGS TO DO IN VARANASI
Things to do in Varanasi are not as numerous as to do lists in other cities of India. Varanasi is as old as human civilization is. Yet, being as a tourist 10 must things to do in Varanasi.
- Boat ride in Ganges River
- Take bath in Ganges
- Rendezvous with Gods at temples of Varanasi
- Sunset along the Ghats
- Part of Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges River
- Visit the Handloom houses & weavers
- Sightseeing tour of Sarnath
- Shopping in Varanasi
- Eating out in Varanasi /Street Foods in Varanasi
- Places to visit Near Varanasi