Varanasi
Holy City Of India
History
Varanasi, known as the city of temples and learning , is a place of great historical and cultural importance. Varanasi was a significant city during and after the Aryan invasion of northern India (about 1500 BC). It is mentioned numerous times in the Sanskrit epic stories, the Mahabharata and Ramayana which were compiled in 400 BC, but could date back as far as 1000 BC. In the Buddhist Jatakas (600 BC) Varanasi is called “the chief city in all India.”
Old Varanasi :)
Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. 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.
Ganga Ghats
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas.
Geography & Climate
The city of Varanasi is located in the middle Ganges valley of North India, in the Eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, along the left crescent-shaped bank of the Ganges river. Its distance from Delhi is about 700 Kms. During summers, weather can be as hot as 45° C and humid too as Varanasi lies at the Tropic of cancer. winters are pleasant and temperature dips down to about 7°C. In Varanasi, the climatic conditions are most favorable for the tourists between October to April.
Varanasi Ghats
Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. For thousands of years people have been thronging these Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun. There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi.
Traveler's Description
Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism for centuries. All these are reflected in numerous sects, temples, Ashrams and Ghats. Varanasi also boasts of Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. Varanasi is also a mirror of the age-old Indian civilization. The archaeological museum at Sarnath houses
numerous remains of the past, including the National emblem of India, the Ashoka pillar. Temples form the main attraction in Varanasi because it's mainly associated with Hinduism. The Ganga Ghats are the main center of religious activities and it also is one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.
numerous remains of the past, including the National emblem of India, the Ashoka pillar. Temples form the main attraction in Varanasi because it's mainly associated with Hinduism. The Ganga Ghats are the main center of religious activities and it also is one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.
Cautions for Tourists:
--Beware of touts that pose as 'Pundits' on the Ghats to extract money from the devotees to perform religious ceremonies.
--Check for fare and the route before hiring a rickshaw and auto to move around in the city.
--Beware of agents between the buyers and sellers of handicraft items.
--Incidents of snatching and pick pocketing have been heard in the temples so take care that you keep your valuables in hotel itself.
--Arms and ammunitions are not allowed inside the temples for security reasons, especially in the Kashi Viswanath temple or Gyanvapi Mosque.
--Check for fare and the route before hiring a rickshaw and auto to move around in the city.
--Beware of agents between the buyers and sellers of handicraft items.
--Incidents of snatching and pick pocketing have been heard in the temples so take care that you keep your valuables in hotel itself.
--Arms and ammunitions are not allowed inside the temples for security reasons, especially in the Kashi Viswanath temple or Gyanvapi Mosque.
So where is Varanasi...?
Here it is!! Google helped... A lot... XD