Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-The Spiritual Capital Of India
Varanasi is well known as Kashi (city of life), and Benaras is the world’s ancient city. It is the ethereal capital of India and one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. There is numerous temple at every turn of Varanasi, but the Kashi Vishvanath Temple is the most popular and oldest. Benaras is the city of Lord Shiva for a reason and rightfully so.
Varanasi, the spiritually sapiential, palpitate around the ghats so about 80 of which border the Ganges. You have to be prepared for smells, sounds, and sights. All the noise and chaos on the ghats take pause when the Ganga Aarti begins to occur. So it offers enormous ceremony prestige. It is an important city for Buddhists.
How to reach the holy place of Varanasi
The place has good connectivity by air, road, and train. Varanasi has two major railheads, Mughal Sarai Junction and Varanasi Junction. The airport is well-connected and has daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Varanasi. Buses are also available from all states of India to Varanasi.
Spiritual Varanasi Culture
Since the beginning of time, Varanasi becomes part of Indian Civilisation, from the dynasties like Guptas and Mauryas to the medieval Mughal and British Empires. So Varanasi has been subject to Hindu, Greek, Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, and Jain ways of life. Numerous monuments near the city surrounding the place are a tribute to this diverse past. The major empire has made this city their cultural hub and trading, which connects the city in broad ranges.
Boating in Varanasi
In Varanasi, Boat rides are a majestic way to explore the river. There are numerous boats available-big and small so that you can hire them in the morning until sunset. Boat rides are customized but generally costlier during the morning, known as Subh-e-Benaras, or at sunset and during Ganga Aarti. Some of the different boat rides are Kashi Darshan, traditional rowing boats, rides during sunsets, and many more.
Sarnath and Buddhist Traditions
The place Sarnath is situated 10 km away from Varanasi, where Buddha first gave his exhortation. There are several Buddhist temples, a museum, a dhamek stupa, and ruins of Buddhist monasteries. Tourists can reach here to avoid the crowd and appreciate the place’s serenity and the beauty of Buddha’s relics.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The foremost place that is enough to attract tourists to Varanasi is Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
It is situated on the river Ganga’s western bank in Varanasi, and the temple has 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha, meaning ‘the ruler of the universe.’ Cameras, phones, and other electronic devices are not allowed in temples and are deposited in lockers outsides. There are complexes in the temple named Jnana Vapi or Wisdom well; here, only Hindus are allowed to enter. The temple is the house of several other small temples like Vishnu, Kaalbhairav, and many more.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
As the name suggests, local people believe that this is the place where Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifices. There are many rituals to celebrate, and the ghat is a holy spot. Tourists can visit here at the time of Kartik Purnima. So they witness the heavenly indication in the city of lights dev Deepavali. The ghat is popular for its Ganga aarti conducted every morning and evening, and seeing Ganga aarti is an intense pleasure.
Tulsi Manasa Temple
It was built in 1964, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is named after the saint-poet Tulsi Das. The temple structure shows the Shikhara style and indicates various inscriptions from Ram Charit Manas on the temple’s wall. Tourists can visit this temple between July and August because it opens to show puppets related to Ramayana. So, it is an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Manikarnika Ghat
The ghat is a highly devoted riverfront in India, So it is considered a pathway to the next life. Local people say that if you spend some days at ghats and attending rituals here. So it ensures you painless passing and a way to attain freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death.
Assi Ghat
The ghat is situated at the conflux of the river Ganga and Assi. It is popular for the large Shiva Lingam placed under a peepal tree. The place has enormous religious importance and is also mentioned in Puranas and various legends as well. Suppose you want to feel Varanasi and then must see the morning ghat aarti that enthralls your soul. Most students are frequented here as nearest to the ghat Banaras Hindu University is situated.
From a tourist point of view,
Tourists can visit Varanasi from November to February as the temperature is low and calm breeze throughout the day. In summer, the weather is humid and dry, so it is not an advisable time to visit. Due to heavy rainfall in the monsoon, tourists can experience a fascinating view of this place as rain elevates its beauty on a large scale. Staying and food facility is easily available here. Varanasi food cuisine is popular all over the world. The place offers an expert experience to tourists where they can enjoy it fully and also feel relaxed.
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Benaras
Varanasi is well known as Kashi (city of life), and Benaras is the world’s ancient city. It is the ethereal capital of India and one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. There is numerous temple at every turn of Varanasi, but the Kashi Vishvanath Temple is the most popular and oldest. Benaras is the city of Lord Shiva for a reason and rightfully so.
Varanasi, the spiritually sapiential, palpitate around the ghats so about 80 of which border the Ganges. You have to be prepared for smells, sounds, and sights. All the noise and chaos on the ghats take pause when the Ganga Aarti begins to occur. So it offers enormous ceremony prestige. It is an important city for Buddhists.
Boating In Varanasi- Spiritual Capital of India
In Varanasi, Boat rides are a majestic way to explore the river. There are numerous boats available-big and small so that you can hire them in the morning until sunset. Boat rides are customized but generally costlier during the morning, known as Subh-e-Benaras, or at sunset and during Ganga Aarti. Some of the different boat rides are Kashi Darshan, traditional rowing boats, rides during sunsets, and many more. You can also take motorboats to hang around, which usually costs 1500 INR per person.
Ganga Aarti
Every day, Ganga Aarti is performed on the Varanasi Ghats and the most magnificent at Dashashwamedh Ghat. People usually gather here before starting it for 20 minutes for a suitable spot or feeling the enchanting vibe of the Aarti. The Aarti takes place on seven wooden planks, decorated with white saffron clothes and pooja items like conch shells, brass lamps, etc. The Aarti is performed by seven pandits who are chanting prayers, and mantras in praise of the river Gangas. The whole Aarti has taken full time, around 45 minutes. The Aart gives you inner pleasure and relaxes your mind and inner soul.
