The country's oldest living city, Varanasi-also known as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras-is the spiritual capital of India. This is one of Hinduism's seven Holiest Cities. The old town of Varanasi lies along the west banks of the Ganges, spread out across a labyrinth of narrow galis. Prepare yourself to walk and welcome those holy cows! At almost every level, temples surround Varanasi but the
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most frequented and the oldest of the bunch. Benaras is considered for some people, and rightly so, as the City of Lord Shiva.
Varanasi is considered an auspicious place to die, as it is believed that it is granted moksha or freedom from the cycle of life and death. Spiritually enlightening, the center of the town pulsates around the ghats, about 80 of which surround the Ganges. Get set for sights , sounds and smells! Don't miss out on the spicy chaat and the cold lassi. Nevertheless, all the chaos and noise on the ghats take a break before dusk when the Ganga Aarti starts, which is a ritual of great grandeur.
This holy city is also a popular Buddhist destination. In Benaras, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon, a portion which is now in Sarnath.
Harishchandra Ghat is also one of
Varanasi's oldest ghats, according to residents. It is greatly venerated by both residents and visitors, and it is thought that, like Manikarnika Ghat, being cremated here leads to salvation. The ghat, like many such sacred sites, has a gloomy appearance most of the time. Boats ready to transport travelers to the opposite side of the sacred River Ganga may be seen at the bottom of the steps leading to it. Smoke r...
The holy and ancient city of
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has over 100s of ghats and the Dashashwamedh Ghat is perhaps the most important of them all. This spectacular ghat is among the oldest and located the bank of the river Gange. ‘The river front of the ten sacrificed horses’, is the literal meaning of this ghat located close to the iconic and old Vishwanath Temple.
When in
Varanasi, a visit to the Dashashwamedh Ghat bec...
Manikarnika Ghat is one of
Varanasi's oldest ghats, and according to Hinduism's sacred texts, it has the highest status among all ghats. It is thought that if a person is burned here, he will achieve moksha right away (salvation). The Scindia Ghat and the Dashashwamedh Ghat encircle it on all sides. The Manikarnika Ghat, like other ghats in
Varanasi, is surrounded by a wonderful mythical narrative that also explains how it got its name. Lord Shiv...
Kashi Vishwanath is a must-see for pilgrims in
Varanasi because to the massive crowds, constant chanting of mantras, and ringing of bells. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most prominent Hindu sacred place in
Varanasi, and it is located in the city's downtown near Dashashwamedh Ghat. It was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of
Indore in the 18th century. This
Varanasi temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The term Kashi s...
Assi Ghat is one of
Varanasi's most famous ghats, with both tourists and residents flocking to it on a daily basis. It is situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers in the southern section of
Varanasi's holy city. People come to Assi Ghat for a variety of reasons, including to soak up the spiritual ambiance, to see the famed evening aarti, and to learn about the local culture. Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Puran...
Ramnagar Fort, around 10 kilometers from
Varanasi's center, is a historical masterpiece. On the eastern bank of the Ganges, this renowned historical landmark in
Varanasi was built in the 17th century. There is a museum and a temple within the fort complex that are worth seeing. Ved Vyas, the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana, is honored in the temple. Within walking distance of Ramnagar Fort is another shrine devoted to Lord Hanuman. The museum, ...
The complex of Banaras Hindu University is one of the greatest sites to visit in
Varanasi, with great architecture, a gorgeous location, and lush flora. Banaras Hindu University, formerly known as Central Hindu College, is a prominent educational institution as well as a major tourist attraction in
Varanasi. The institution was built in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malviya and spans a wide area of 1300 acres of land. The university has established itself ...
Sankat Mochan Temple is a must-see for everyone visiting
Varanasi on a pilgrimage tour. Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the banks of the Assi River. It is one of
Varanasi's ancient Hindu temple, with hundreds of pilgrims flocking to it every day. The phrase 'Sankat Mochan' alludes to a problem-solver. One of the most important features of this venerated temple is Lord Hanuman's statue, which is facing Lord Rama...
In
Varanasi, there is a unique sacred place known as Bharat Mata (Mother India), which is devoted to the human incarnation of the country rather than any deity or goddess. Bharat Mata Temple, located on the grounds of Kashi Vidhyapeeth, is one of
Varanasi's most popular tourist attractions. Another remarkable feature of this well-known pilgrimage destination in
Varanasi is that the temple holds a big map of India rather than a statue of the presi...
Varanasi's Tulsi Ghat is also a must-see. Tulsi Ghat is named after Tulsidas, an exceptional sixteenth-century Hindu writer. The Tulsi Ghat is a must-see for anybody interested in Hindu mythology. At Varanasi, Tulsi Das penned the inimitable Ramcharitmanas. Tulsi's composition did not sink when it dropped into the Ganga, according to legend. The Ramlila (life narrative of Lord Rama) is also said to have sprung out of nowhere here. Perhaps the Tul...
Tulsi Manas Temple is another well-known religious landmark in
Varanasi that fulfills the city's pilgrimage circle. Tulsi Manas Temple is one of the major religious locations to visit in
Varanasi, located around 1.5 kilometers from Banaras Hindu University. The temple was established by the Sureka family of Banaras and is worshipped Rama. The temple's total building is composed of white marble and boasts stunning architecture. The attractive gard...
The Annapurna Temple is located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple in
Varanasi on Dashashwamedh road, Vishwanath gali. The Annapurna or Annapoorna Mata, the Goddess of Food or Good Nutrition (Anna means food and Purna means complete or full), Mata Parvati, is honored in the Annapurna temple. In the Annapurna temple, there was a golden idol of Annapurna Mata. During Annacoot, the Annapurna temple attracts a large population of pilgrims. Every year, ...
India is a magical country. It offers a lot of interesting locations to see and may be described as a traveler's paradise. One of the most fascinating aspects of this nation is that you may travel from town to town and encounter individuals of all cultural beliefs. In India, there are many different ceremonies, and one of the most powerful and passionate is the Ganga Aarti.
Every evening, three sacred cities in India perform Ganga Aarti. Haridwa...
Varanasi or Banaras as it is called locally, has long been regarded as one of India's most holy sites, as well as the world's first living metropolis. Pilgrims who wash in the holy Ganges of Banaras will leave without sin, according to legend, while those who die in Varanasi will be reborn and liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Set off before dawn, as the sun rises above the great horizon, streaking rich amber and scarlet over the pal...