Varanasi, famously known as Banaras, is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together, said Author Mark Twain, the father of American Literature. In the Hindu religion and community, the North Indian City has profound importance in the life of a man. It is situated by the River Ganga and is a major pilgrimage destination of Uttar Pradesh. To be cremated on the Ghats of Gang...
Varanasi, famously known as Banaras, is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together, said Author Mark Twain, the father of American Literature. In the Hindu religion and community, the North Indian City has profound importance in the life of a man. It is situated by the River Ganga and is a major pilgrimage destination of Uttar Pradesh. To be cremated on the Ghats of Ganga is a dream for every Hindu who wants to attain salvation. Banaras Hindu University, the very first residential university of India, was founded here by Madan Mohan Malaviya is also located here among the various other places to visit in Varanasi.
The history of Varanasi!
The legend of Varanasi marks its existence since the time of God. According to Hindu Mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva. Varanasi is also a city that radiated Buddhism significance. It is believed that Buddhism was first found here at Sarnath. During the preaching of the religion, Gautama Buddha, Varanasi was called the kingdom of Kashi. Varanasi has many cultural, architectural, spiritual, and emotional importance. It is also popular as the birthplace of Santha Kabir, the great poet.
Varanasi was possessed by the Mughals. The emperor Akbar took major steps to introduce Hinduism and constructed 2 temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed as many temples as possible to eradicate the name of Hinduism.
During the 18th century, Benaras became a princely state, with Ramnagar as its capital. After the Indian Independence, Benaras became a part of free India, as the major city in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The Culture of Varanasi!
Art:
Varanasi is the city of great art and cultural significance. Being the home of marvelous artists such as Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Gopi Krishna, Devasish Dey, the city is famous for its intricate works. The Banarasi Sarees, made of unique local silks with gold-silver thread work, ivory work, weaving and handicrafts, are globally marked.
Music:
Apart from the art, Benaras is also one of the hubspot of ancient classical music. Vaishnavism can not be explained without including the city. During the Bhakti movement, musicians like Kabir, Meera, and Tulsi Das involved in a great manner.
Festivals:
Varanasi is regarded as the land of Lord Shiva hence Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in a grand manner. A huge procession commemorates from the Mahamrityunjay Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and lakhs of devotees take part in it. Dhrupad Mela, a 5 day long classical music festival is observed at Tulsi Ghat of the city. Ramlila, which tells the life stories of Shree Ram as per the Hindu scripture, Ramcharitmanas is played in Ramnagar. Nag Nathiya is one of the unique festivals celebrated here to celebrate the victory of Krishna over the serpent Kaliya. During Vijayadashami and Dussehra, a large number of visitors are shown in the city lights. Ganga Mahotsav, also called The Ganges Festival, is observed on the eve of Kartika Purnima. People are seen floating lighted lamps on the Ghats.
The famous Ganga aarti of Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti held every morning and evening at the ghats is a major attraction and draws devotees throughout the planet in large numbers. The ritual of lighting hundreds of large heavy brass lamps before sunrise and sunset along with the enchanting Sanskrit mantras by the priests is a magnificent way to observe the tradition and color of the city. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the famous place to behold the epic aarti and to vanish with the Slokas while having goosebumps.
How to reach the city?
Varanasi is a famous religious place of the country and hence connected to all major cities.
- Airways: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the major airport, located 26 km from the city center.
- Roadways: Both private and government bus services are available to Varanasi from the neighboring cities via national highways
- Railways: Varanasi Junction is the main railway station of the city. Hundreds of trains connect the city to others in a day and make it one of the busiest platforms.
Places to visit in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the abode dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Due to the temple, Varanasi was once called "Kashi''. The temple has religious vitality and the intricate carvings on the walls lure the people.
Dashashwamedh Ghat:
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most happening and important that of Varanasi located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Ganga Aarti every evening leaves a spectacular memory in your mind and can be enjoyed forever.
Assi Ghat:
Assi Ghat is one of the popular ghats of Varanasi and is located near BHU. The moment of sunrise and sunset at Assi Ghat is a must activity when you are in the city. People like boating from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat and enjoy the Ganga Aarti here.
Batuk Bhairav Temple:
Batuk Bhairav Temple is the place of Tantrism and has religious importance. The sacred lamp (Akhand Deep) here is believed to be burning for ages.
Bharat Mata Mandir:
Bharat Mata Mandir is the only temple in the world, dedicated to a country. The temple has a large map of undivided India, carved in marble. It is located 1.5 km from the railway station.
Ramnagar Fort:
Ramnagar Fort is one of the must-visit places in Varanasi, constructed as per Mughal Architecture. It is situated on the opposite of Tulsi Ghat, and was built by Raja Balwant Singh.
Manikarnika Ghat:
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest and sacred river front. The one who is cremated here with all the rituals happens to find salvation and peace. The well at the Ghat, Manikarnika Kund, is believed to have been built by Lord Vishnu.
Chunar Fort:
Chunar Fort, also known as "Charanadri" is located 23 kms from the city on the rocky banks of River Ganga. The fort is a symbol of rich history and a monumental marvel of the city and counted among the places to must-visit in varanasi.
Rajdari Waterfalls:
Rajdari waterfalls is located 60 kms from Varanasi in Chandauli. The heavy streams through dense green and the view of the valley is dazzling.
Best time to visit Varanasi
Varanasi falls under a humid subtropical climate. Hot dry winds, called loo, are common in the summer and the Ganga overlaps with muddy water in rain.
- Summer: March to June- 47°C to 20°C (very hot)
- Rainy: July to October- 40°C to 20°C (annual rainfall)
- Winter: December to February- 36°C to 5°C (chilly at night)