India's Religious Capital "Varanasi"

India's Religious Capital

"VARANASI"

So you’ve visited the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and survived the crowds? You've earned your India stripes and now you're ready to take on the rest of the subcontinent. So where to begin? Our pick: Varanasi, akha Banaras, the nation's most sacred city, and the perfect place to connect with India's spiritual side..

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. 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.

• History

Varanasi city is the center of a variety of cultural and religious activities of the Northern India including learning, literature and art from years. It is also known as the city of God as it is considered that it was manufactured by the Lord Shiva. It is the center for origination of the Hindustani classical music from Benares Gharana. It is the birth place and work place for many Indian philosophers, poets, writers, musicians and other great personalities. It is the place where Gautama Buddha has given his first sermon at the holy place named Sarnath.The first king of banaras wasRaja Balwant Singh, who assumed the title of "Raja of Benares" in 18th century, taking advantage of the Mughal Empire's disintegration. His descendants ruled the area around Benares as feudatories ofNawab of AwadhandEast India Companay.

• Famous Places In Varanasi...

Assi Ghat – For Those Seeking Spirituality

Assi ghat is described in the Kashi Khand as Assi “Saimbeda Tirtha” means the one who gets a dip here once in his life will get punya of all the Tirthas (religious places of the Hindu). Generally Hindu pilgrims are used to of taking the holy dip here in the Chaitya (month of March/April) and Magh (month of Jan/Feb) as well as some other significant events like solar/lunar eclipse, Probodhoni Ekadashi and Makar Shankranti.

At this ghat, a huge Shiva lingam is situated under the peepal tree where pilgrims are used of offering Jal and worship after taking holy bath in the Ganga water.

Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Most Vibrant Ghat

Legend has it that this captivating place was brought into existence by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. This is what allures numerous visitors to this ghat each day. Once you take a stroll along this ghat, you can drop by at one of the various hotels that are lined here. Abuzz with activities, the various hotels are at indeed a good location offering pleasing views of the cityscape.

• Manikarnika Ghat – The Prime Cremation Ghat In Varanasi

Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known asdoms,and are carried through the alleyways of the old town to the holy Ganges on a bamboo stretcher, swathed in cloth. The corpse is doused in the Ganges prior to cremation.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh

If Kashi is at the heart of Hinduism, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the heartbeat of this godly land. This divine sanctuary is one of the holiest lands that are known to exist in the country. In fact, so sacred is this shrine that it finds mention in the Skanda Puranda, which is an ancient Hindu scripture.Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is frequented by throngs of Hindus every day owing to its popularity.

Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend

Also called the monkey temple, thismandiris among the mythical places to see in Varanasi. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, the temple is painted red with ochre. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Durga in the temple was not constructed, it appeared on its own.

• Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruin

Located 13 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is among the famous Buddhist pilgrimages in India. It is a popular place to visit around Varanasi for those seeking peace and solitude after jostling their way through the frazzled ghats and gullies of Kashi. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath seeking his former companions and thus gave his first sermon here.
Popular sightseeing places in Sarnath include the Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Archaeological Museum, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Chinese & Thai Temple and Monastery.