Varanasi, also known as Kashi (the “City of Life”) and Benaras, is the spiritual capital of India. It is the world’s oldest living city. It is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred urban areas. The old city of Varanasi lies along the western banks of the Ganges, spread across a maze of narrow lanes. If you are new to India or even this city or if you have visited the city for the first time, prepare to encounter some holy cows while walking! Temples surround Varanasi at almost every turn, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular and oldest of them all. Benaras is known as the city of Ruler Shiva for an explanation, which is all good.
Explore Varanasi City –
We all have heard about this very famous place named “the assi ghat” and it is very much situated in the beautiful city of Varanasi. Next comes the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which witnesses the entrancing Ganga Aarti, an enthralling custom where clerics offer supplications to the stream with the cadenced development of lights, fire, and serenades. Visitors to the city can take in the city’s timeless beauty by taking a boat ride along the Ganges at sunrise or sunset.
The limited twisting paths of Varanasi, known as galis, house various sanctuaries, shops, and restaurants, making a labyrinth that prompts unexpected, yet invaluable treasures like the notable Sarnath, where Master Buddha gave his most memorable lesson. The city is a kaleidoscope of varieties and sounds during celebrations, particularly during Diwali and Holi. During Diwali, thousands of diyas (lamps) adorn the vibrant ghats, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Handmade silk, brassware, and traditional Banarasi sarees are available at Varanasi’s local markets, such as the Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar.
Most Famous Places to Visit in Varanasi –
Assi Ghat
Are you looking forward to going to Varanasi? Assi Ghat, one of Varanasi’s tourist attractions, is packed with cultural performances. Here, musicians, artists, and yogis congregate; together they make this spot a striking one. Music and incense consume the space as the sun sets, making it a popular spot to visit among vacationers and local people the same.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is on the western bank of the holy river Ganga in Varanasi. Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar, which translates to “the ruler of the universe,” is the primary deity at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The city of Varanasi, the social capital of India, is subsequently known as the city of Master Shiva. The tower of the temple is covered in 800 kg of gold plating.
Cameras, cell phones, and electronic gadgets are not permitted inside and should be kept in storage spaces outside. Foreigners can enter through Gate 2, where they can pass the Indians who are waiting for their turn. Only Hindus are permitted to enter this well.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat, arranged on the Ganges Stream in Varanasi, holds huge strict importance and social dynamic quality. The well-known Ganga Aarti is a spiritual event that takes place every evening on Dashashwamedh Ghat. In it, priests perform rituals with brass lamps and sing hymns. This enrapturing scene draws in enormous groups, creating a heavenly mood.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a place of pilgrimage where devotees purify themselves by taking ritualistic dips in the Ganges. Numerous shrines adorn the ghat’s steps, creating a sacred atmosphere. Boat rides on the Ganges provide visitors with a unique perspective of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Varanasi.
Manikarnika Ghat
This ghat is unique with the wide range of various ghats since dead bodies are incinerated every minute of every day on the steps of this Ghat and the remains are shed into the holy waterway Ganga. Varanasi is also known as the “City of Death” because Hindus believe that they can achieve salvation or Moksha by dying and being cremated here, breaking the cycle of rebirth. If you want to learn more about Hindu myths and rituals, this is one of the most important places to go in Banaras, and Things To Do In Varanasi – A Complete Travel Guide.
Conclusion –
The best time to visit Varanasi is throughout the year. However, if you are not from India, then it is advisable to visit Varanasi during the colder months (October to February), when the weather conditions are wonderful, and the city is energetic with celebrations and comprehensive developments.
