The Holy City – Varanasi

Varanasi , the holy city of india, also known as Kashi, earlier known as Banaras is the oldest living city of the world , Considered to be the religious capital of Bharat, the city attracts thousand of pilgrims each year . It is amalgamation of the divine city kashi and the holy river ganga .

Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, the pious land of Varanasi is believed to be Sanctified by the Lord himself. Further , it is said that who ever dies here is redeemed from the cycle of the birth and death , as he attains MOKSH.

Varanasi is a cultural hotbed,full of religious and traditional imageries that reflect the culture,fabricof Bharat. The centre of religion,philosphy,literature,ayurveda,astrology,music and yoga. Varanasi is also the abode of many great souls like Gautam Buddha,Bhagwan Mahavira, Adi shankaracharya, Sant Kabir,Swami Ramananda,Ramanuja,Ravidas,Vallabhacharya and Goswami Tulsidas. Other luminaries include Pandit Raj Jagannath,Bhartendu Harishchandra, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya,Munshi Perm, Babu Shyam Sundar Das,Jaishankar Prasad,acharya RamChandra Shukla, Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi and many others.

Varanasi attracts people for its religious importance, it also defines its own identity in the field of classical music and dance with distinguished personalities like Gudai Maharaj,Ravishankar,Santa Prasad,Girija Devi, kanthey Maharaj and Kishan Maharaj.

The Brocade Saree banarasi silk,betel leaf(paan),and the much acclaimed educational institution, Banaras Hindu University, enhance the adoration of the city.

PLACES TO VISIT

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple 

One of the most revered and visited temples in the country, especially during Mahashivaratri and Sawan (July August), Shri Kashi Vishwanath stands as the holy abode of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Varanasi. Also known as the Golden Temple of Kashi, people have a strong conviction that the Shivalinga here blesses and cleanses the souls of devotees just by a single glimpse thus liberating one from the cycle of birth and death. It is believed that Varanasi is where Lord Shiva transcends into his most powerful embodiment, the first Jyotirlinga, amongst the twelve. One can catch a glimpse of the grand aartis or worship organised in the temple, Mangala Aarti 3.00 am, Bhog Aarti- 11.00 am, Saptarishi Aarti 7.00 pm, Shringar & Bhog Aarti 9.00 pm, Shayan Aarti- 10.30 pm.

Other important temples in the vicinity are Goddess Vishalakshi Temple, Kashi Karvat Temple, Mother Gangaji Temple, Lord Shani Dev Temple and Goddess Sankatha Temple

Temple of Goddess Annapurna 

Situated close to the complex of Shri Kashi Vishwanath, the temple is dedicated to Mother Annapurna. Famous for the Annakoot festival celebrated right after Diwali, the temple, built by a famous and a valiant Maratha chief, Peshwa Baji Rao I in 1725 A.D. It still manages to attract tourists from far and wide.

Gyanvapi Mandir

Adjoining the holy shrine of Shri Kashi Vishwanath is a Temple acquired by mughal infertraiters Aurangzeb  , he made a mosque. 

In 1669, this temple was demolished on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In its place came up the Gyanvapi mosque, with minarets as high as 71 metres that dominate the skyline of Hinduism's holiest city till today. 12 Sept 2022 ( indianexpress.com )

Tridev Temple 

Pay obeisance to the idols of Shri Radha-Krishna, Rani Sati and Salar Hanumanji in the newly constructed temple. Splendid piece of architecture, the complex is a great place to spend some quiet moments.

Kushmanda Durga Temple 

The 18th century red coloured temple with spires (Shikhar) was built in Bhelupur Durgakund area of the city. Designed in the Nagara style, it stands next to a rectangular kund. Thousands of devotees come here during Navratri and make offerings to the goddess.

Tulsi Manas Temple 

Dedicated to Lord Ram, Tulsi Manas Temple, constructed in marble is a short walk from Kushmanda Durga Temple. It is located at the site where the famous saint Goswami Tulsidas lived and created the epic Ramcharitmanas. Its verses have been engraved on the walls. Visit the museum as its complex houses a good collection of Ramayana manuscripts and various other artifacts.

Sankat Mochan Temple 

The temple is situated in the Sankat Mochan Lanka area of the city and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is considered as the God of confidence and strength. It is said that Lord Hanuman emancipates his devotees from the bad influences of the planet “Shani” or ‘Saturn’. Some portions of the famous epic Shri Ramcharitmanas were written here by Goswami Tulsidas. Paratha Aarti or early morning worship draws followers here at 5 am.

Bharat Mata Mandir 

Located in Sigra, the temple is dedicated to the spirit of patriotism. The temple has a man of India Garved out on a marble, which is shielded by five pillars that symbolises the cosmic elements like Earth, Wind, Fire, Water & Sky

Kabir Math

The Math is located in Kabir Chaura locality and is regarded as the main Kabir Gaddi. It is also a lively hub of crucial discussions on the Bhakti Movement of medieval times. Quite a few constructions have been done inside the campus which is famous as ‘Kabir’s Prakatya Dham’. Marvel at the paintings of life-events of Saint Kabir das. It is certainly a must visit.

Man Mahal Observatory 

Raja Man Singh of Jaipur built the age-old observatory at Man Mandir Ghat. It continues to attract visitors with its preserved geometrical instruments which can measure local time, sun’s declination, movement of stars, planets and determine eclipses. Some of them are: Krantivritta Yantra, Digansha Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Prakash Yantra, Ram Yantra, Disha Yantra and Dhruva Yantra.

Radha Swami Temple 

Largely visited by the followers of Radha Swami sect, the beautiful temple incorporates an exquisite building with a magnificent gate. It is located in Lohatia on the Kabir Chaura Road.

Lord Kaal Bhairav Temple 

Lord Kaal Bhairav is considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva and the protector (Kotwal) of Varanasi. The temple dedicated to him stands in the Vishweshwargani area, some distance away from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Kashi Dham Yatra remains incomplete without a visit here.

Banaras Hindu University 

Established by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916, the University prides itself as one of the internationally accredited centres of education. The university is surrounded by lush greenery. It provides quality education in subjects like engineering, medicine, Ayurveda, Astrology, Yoga, Tantra, Music, etc.

New Vishwanath Temple 

Gifted by the Birla family, the newly constructed Lord Vishwanath Temple was planned by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, and nestles inside the campus of Banaras Hindu University. It has been designed like the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Lines from old religious scriptures have been etched on its walls.

Bharat Kala Bhavan 

Located in B.H.U, this museum exhibits some of the rare Hindu and Buddhist archaeological scriptures and sculpts. One can marvel at miniature paintings from the Mughal period, costumes and brocade textiles. The galleries are named after eminent people like Nicholas Roerich, Mahamana Malviya, etc.

Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Sthan Mandir 

The beautiful temple at Shri govardhan area close to B.H.U marked the birthplace of Guru Ravidas. The temple remembers and propagates the teachings of the great saint.

Gurudwara 

Gurudwara Neechi Bagh, situated in Aas Bhairav area is dedicated to the visit of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur who meditated here in 1666 AD. The chamber where he meditated is called ‘Tap Asthan’.

Jain Temples

The city of Varanasi, apart from being a Hindu pilgrimage centre, is also revered by followers of Jainism. Four Tirthankaras , Suparshvanath, Chandra Prabhu, Shreyanshnath and Parshvanath were born in and around Varanasi. Here, one can find many Shwetambar and Digambar Jain temples, idols and columns in the localities of Bhadaini and Bhelupura.

Ramnagar Fort and Museum 

About 14 kms away from Varanasi city, on the other side of the Ganga, the fort has been the palace of the erstwhile King of Banaras. The huge fort dates back to the 17th century. Visit the museum here which exhibits various antiquities, vintage cars, royal palanquins, an armoury with a collection of old guns and swords, carved ivory articles and antique clocks.

Pay obeisance at the Goddess Durga Temple and the Chinnamastika Devi Temple here. The place is also renowned for its special month-long Ramleela during Dussehra festival.

Lahartara Sarovar 

Located at a distance of about 3 kms from Cantt. Railway Station, Lahartara Sarovar (pond) is famous as ‘the Udbhav Sthal of Saint Kabir das’. It is believed that he was found here by his foster parents, Neeru and Neema. Visiting the old temple constructed in the Sarovar is certainly a must for one and all.

St. Mary’s Church 

One of the oldest Protestant churches in the country, it is dedicated to Mother Mary. Constructed sometime in 1810 AD, it was established by Rev. George Weatly, an English officer. The churchyard houses and the tombs are some well-known places of the British era

THE GHATS OF VARANASI

Capture the joie de vivre of Varanasi by sitting on its ghats, considered older than history. Though it has more than hundred ghats, each one has its own importance

Assi Ghat 

It is believed that Goddess Durga, after killing Shumbha & Nishumbha, threw her dagger into a spring. Years later when it unified with Ganga, a small river was created which is known as Assi river. A A dip here is said to be equal qual to visiting all the pilgrimages.

Dashashwamedh Ghat 

Considered as one of the five holy pilgrimages on the Panchatirthi Yatra, the bathing ghat attracts throngs of people for the Ganga aarti, which takes place in the evening. Derived from das-ten, ashwa – horses and medh-sacrifice, the ghat is revered for the holy yajna, which was performed by Lord Brahma himself. When here, also visit the temple of Goddess Shitala. Hire boats here for a ride in the river.

Harishchandra Ghat

The cremation ghat has been named after the legendary King Harishchandra who once served here as a chandal (one who disposes off the corpses). Nearby is the Kashi Kamkotishwar Temple.

Hanuman Ghat

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, famous as Bajrang Bali – the Lord with immense strength; the temple here was founded by Saint Tulsidas. The ghat is filled with temples such as Mahaprabhu Temple, Rudra Bhairav Temple and Ram-Parivar Temple.

Lalita Ghat 

Named after Goddess Lalita, an incarnation of goddess Durga, the ghat is replete with temples and shrines.

Kedar Ghat 

An entry point to all the ghats of Varanasi, it was named after the Kedarnath Temple of Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Shiva. Commissioned by the King of Vijayanagar, the trident shaped entry gate takes one to Parvati Kund, which is believed to have healing powers.

Manikarnika Ghat 

The cremation ground of Varanasi, famous as the Maha Shamshan has a belief attached that the souls of bodies cremated here attain moksha, an instant gateway to heaven.