Welcome to Varanasi
Varanasi is a holy town located in the geographical region of the River Ganga. Call it the land of Shiva or just a historic city that has several mysteries concealed deep within; this Holy City includes a spiritual legacy that dates back to quite 3000 years. Varanasi has visited a significant travel center in India and for those people who visiting from outside the country, it reflects real and authentic India.
Today, this spiritual city may be a crowded place, where all winding roads look similar, ghats are always gathered, and also the fragrance of fuel and therefore the smell of burnt firewood dissolve within the air.
The aartis and therefore the floating of earthen lamps over the water of Ganga within the evening is additionally a crucial element of the identity of Varanasi. except this, the sacred city is additionally the reflection of various architecture, from the Kings of Bengal to the Maharajas of Rajasthan; all have contributed in making Varanasi an epitome of rich Indian culture and faith.
The Spiritual Capital of India
The World's oldest existing city, Varanasi (also called Kashi - City of Life), is that the spiritual and holy capital of India. it's one in all Hinduism's seven holy cities. The old city of Varanasi lies along the western banks of the Ganges, spread across a labyrinth of the narrow road.
Be prepared to run on foot and encounter some holy cows! Temples at nearly every turn cover Varanasi but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is that the most visited one and also the oldest one. Benaras is understood because of the city of Lord Shiva for a reason, and rightfully so. Varanasi is taken into account an auspicious place to die because it is believed to grant moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Spiritually enlightening, the guts of town pulsates around the ghats, about 80 of which border the Ganges. Be prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells! Don't miss out on the recent chaat and funky lassi. Though, all chaos and noise on the ghats take a disruption before dusk when the Ganga Aarti begins to require a place, a ceremony of immense grandeur. Varanasi encompasses a lot of wonderful attractions, a number of them are:
New Vishwanath Temple
Situated within the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), New Vishwanath Temple is certainly a must-visit in Varanasi. The temple was constructed by the famed Birla family and hence is additionally referred to as Birla Temple. In fact, it's a temple complex that consists of seven temples.
The Shiva temple is situated on the bottom floor, whereas the Durga temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple are located on the primary floor. The architecture of the temple is inspired by the old Vishwanath Temple and therefore the structure is created of white marbles. The surfaces of the temple are decorated with the text of Gita, which absolutely catches the eyes of the visitors here.
Kashi Vishwanath or the Golden Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is that the most significant place to determine in Varanasi. The history of this sacred shrine is often traced back to 3500 years. The temple is one among the 12th Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest Shiva temples.
The Linga is that the controlling goddess here and also the temple is a rectangle shape, enclosed by temples of other gods. The temple once had a golden spire and domes; hence it absolutely was also called the Golden Temple.
The Alamgir Mosque
Alamgir mosque is popular for its beautiful architecture and excellent location. The mosque is situated on the sting of River Ganga and enjoys a picturesque scene. Said to be built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who is believed to own demolished the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple and constructed this mosque in its place.
Alamgir mosque may be a fine piece of architecture. The mosque is additionally referred to as the Gyanvapi mosque thanks to the well of the identical name situated near it. One can notice the influence of North Indian or Hindu architecture during this mosque; however, most of the mosque is completed in Islam architecture.
Popular Ghat in Varanasi: Dasaswamedh Ghat
Reckoned to be the oldest ghat in Varanasi, Dasaswamendha Ghat is where all the action takes place. The ghat is situated near the Vishwanath temple and is known for its evening aarti. Often crowded with sadhus, sanyasis, beggars, and devotees, this ghat is a vital landmark of Varanasi city. During the evening aarti, fans leave earthen lamps within the water to drift creating a good looking scene that is unmatched.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
To the south of the Vishwanath Temple is Benaras Hindu University, which was founded by Sanskrit scholar, Madan Mohan Malviya. The paintings originate between the 11th century and 20th century and are about 12000 in number. The Mughal miniatures, the sculpture of marriage of Shiva and Parvati, and therefore the 11th-century statue of Vishnu and therefore the Gandhara sculpture are the main attractions here.
Varanasi is that the India of your imagination. this can be one in all the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one among the holiest in Hinduism.