Soak in the Spirituality of Varanasi

05 October 2018 BY Admin

aranasi also known as Banaras or Kashi is one of the seven sacred cities situated on the bank of holy river Ganges. Varanasi is considered by Hindus as a holy place; other than Hindus in Jainism and Buddhism as well the place is considered to be pious and sacred. Varanasi is the city of ghats and temples, tourists and devotees from all around the world come here to visit and pay their homage and for pilgrimage as well. Varanasi or earlier known as ‘Benaras’ is a historic and an ancient city of India which has also found mention in ancient texts of Indian mythology and Indian history. In olden times it was hub of education in India, students from everywhere used to come here for education purposes; it was center of Indian culture, art and literature. Benaras Gharana is also famous for its art forms like music and dance forms.  Other than that it is famous for textile as well Banarasi Silk and Banarasi silk sarees are popular all around the world.

It is a belief in Hindu mythology that those who die here in Varanasi attain moksha or salvation; this is the reason many people come here to complete last rites of their relatives here on Ghats of holy Ganges. 

There are ample of tourist attractions here in Varanasi and few of the famous places are as follows:

Kashi Vishwanath temple

It is one of the most famous temples in India dedicated to lord Shiva and also one of the 12 jyotirlingas situated all over India. Situated on the western banks of river Ganga;  Vishwanath means lord of whole universe and here lord Shiva is considered as lord of the universe and that’s how the temple has got its name. The temple has even got mention in Puranas and other ancient scriptures as well which shows its existence since very long. Here lord Shiva is present in Linga form and revered as the main deity.

Dashashwamedha Ghat

It is the main ghat in Varanasi situated near Kashi Vishwanath temple. Being the most famous ghat in Varanasi, it is said that the ghat was built by Lord Bramha to welcome lord shiva. According to another legend Lord Bramha sacrificed 10 horses here while performing Ashwamedha yagna and hence the place came into being.
Ganga Aarti is also performed on this ghat every evening and morning.

Assi Ghat

The southernmost ghat of Varanasi is the Assi Ghat . It is mostly used for recreational purposes and all festivals are held here on this ghat and thus the site is most visited by tourists. The ghat is situated near famous Banaras Hindu University.

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the holiest ghats situated on river Ganga, about Manikarnika ghat it is said that one who is cremated here and whose last rites are done here attains moksha or salvation.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Situated on the banks of Assi River, this temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman. This temple was built in 15th century by  Goswami Tulsi das ji who is famous hindu saint and writer of famous holy book Ramcharitamanas.

Sarnath

Sarnath is situated approximately 10 kms away from Varanasi. The place is a very famous, popular and important religious site of Buddhism. For Jains as well, Sarnath has religious importance as their 11th Tirthankar was born in a village near Sarnath.

Gautam Buddha taught ‘dhamma’ at Deer park in Sarnath for the first time and it was his first sermon in which he taught four noble truths.

Places to visit in Sarnath are Deer Park, Ashoka pillar, Dhamek stupa, Sarnath museum, Chaukhandi stupa and Tibetan temple.

The above guide will help you to enjoy your spiritual journey to Varanasi which will surely prove to be an enriching experience.