Varanasi

Serene, spiritual and sublime – Varanasi remains a perfect sojourn for those seeking the ultimate meaning of life. This one of the oldest surviving cities in Uttar Pradesh has been luring travelers from far and wide with its spiritual vibes. Varanasi has spiritual legacy which goes back to over 3000 years.

The city has beautifully preserved its old world charms. With holy river Ganga flowing, serene ghats, thousands of temples all around and pilgrims humming spiritual chants, Varanasi beautifully depicts real India. Take an early morning or evening boat ride on the holy water of River Ganga for some beautiful moments of serenity.

History

Also renowned with the name of Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities on the planet. Numerous archaeological evidences have been found here which underline the fact that the history of this city goes back to 1200 BC.

It has witnessed many human generations and has won the status of cultural capital of India. According to Hinduism, Varanasi is the City of Lord Shiva. People visit here to purify their souls and get drenched into Vedas, Upnishadas, and Puranas.

As per the Hindu mythology, once Brahma and Shiva had a fight and Shiva torn off Brahma’s one of the five heads. Shiva carried it everywhere with him and ultimately dropped it in Varanasi, which made this city extremely holy.

Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi is home to more than its fair share of temples. Every nook and corner here has a holy shrine dedicated to a Hindu deity. Pilgrims visit here to attain salvation and to devote themselves to the powers of spirituality.

This temple is located inside the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It was built by the famed Birla family which is the reason why it is also known with the name of Birla Temple.

The big complex of this temple is home to 7 temples. Shiva temple here on the ground floor is a major one. The walls of the temple have been beautified with texts from Gita.

In the South of Varanasi sits the very popular Assi Ghat. Devotees of Lord Shiva visit this ghat to perform various rituals. Evening aartis at Assi Ghat are extremely popular and remain one of the best experiences here.

Manikarnika Ghat remains one of the most popular spiritual places in Varanasi. People visit here to offer prayers, to light clay lamps and to worship the holy river Ganga during evening hours. Sit here for a while and you will be showered with seamless serenity.

Varanasi lets you forget your senses. From visiting the most ancient temples to relishing a serene walk around the ghats, every activity here bestows mental solace to the deepest.

Being a part of one of the evening aartis along the banks of River Ganga is a must in Varanasi. These aartis fill the air with boundless spirituality and lets you understand the devotion of locals for their religion and cultures.

The aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh ghat is extremely popular where thousands of locals and travelers gather every evening. Capture sights of huge lamps, humming of prayers, and floating clay pots on the shimmering water of River Ganga here.

It is believed that taking a dip into the holy water of River Ganga washes away all your sins. That’s why pilgrims can be seen taking a bath here and worshipping the Goddesses Ganga.

Exploring every small nook and corner of Varanasi like a local bestows a beautiful experience. Most of the lanes here are lined up with shops and food stalls selling local food items. Locals here are welcoming and would love to share some interesting local fables with you.

A visit to Sarnath is must for every traveler holidaying in Varanasi. Located at a distance of 13 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage which lets you soak yourself into bounty of peace.

It is said that Buddha gave his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Some of the most popular places in Sarnath include Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, etc.

A shopping spree in Varanasi takes you to the closely knitted streets of the city flooding with cultures. Varanasi is a paradise for shoppers. From here you can bag beautiful Benarasi saris with zari borders. The State Government run Shopping Complexes of the city are perfect to buy local souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Godowlia Market is the busiest street market here. Chowk & Vishwanath Gali are also lined up with colorful stores selling traditional silk sarees, stoles, and bed covers.