Varanasi
It is the place where devotees and pilgrims arrive for self-discovery. Sitting on the northern banks of River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi seems to be giving a living lesson on Hinduism. Pilgrims call it as ‘Kashi’, meaning ‘the supreme light’. Numerous ghats on the banks of sacred Ganges are a major crowd puller in the city. Whether it is dawn or evening time, these ghats present such surreal sights that one can never forget. While on your holidays in Varanasi, you need to visit the temples, the Ganges ghats and the BHU (Banaras Hindu University). Also plan an excursion tour to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre located close by.
Best Time to Visit
The months between September and March would be ideal to make a visit to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
Mythological Background
If history is to be believed, the city of Varanasi came into existence around ten centuries prior to the birth of Christ. The city possesses an immortal character and has been mentioned in numerous Hindu scriptures including the Vamana Purana and Mahabharata. Buddhist texts have also mentioned about the place. The ghats that Varanasi features have their associations with many Hindu gods and goddesses. Mother Ganga was sent from ‘swarg’ to rid humans of their sins. And the relation that Varanasi shares with holy Ganges is truly something to observe and experience.
Places to See
While on a tour to Varanasi, do remember to explore its temples and ghats. Some of the most frequented tourist attractions in the pilgrimage city are as follows.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
It is the most visited and most important religious site in the city. Standing in dedication to Lord Shiva, the temple’s original structure was damaged by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Rani Ahilyabai of Indore set upon the task of rebuilding the temple in 18th century.
Bharat Mata Temple
Dedicated to ‘Mother India’, the temple stands at a distance of just 1 km from the Varanasi Railway Station. The inauguration of the temple was done back in 1936 by none other than Mahatama Gandhi, the ‘Fafher of the Nation’.
Tulsi Manas Temple
It is the place where Tulsidas is believed to have composed ‘Ramacharitramanas’, a popular Hindu epic. It is from this epic that we come to know about the life history and deeds of Lord Rama. The temple, therefore, is dedicated to Lord Rama, the legendary hero of epic ‘Ramayana’.
Excursion to Sarnath
Take a road drive of 10 km to reach Sarnath, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It is at Sarnath that Lord Buddha is said to have delivered his first preaching to his disciples. The archaeological museum at Sarnath displays numerous Buddha relics.
Reaching Varanasi
At a distance of 22 km from city centre is located Varanasi’s own domestic airport. The Varanasi Railway Station is connected via regular express trains to all the key destinations of the country. NH 2, which crosses Varanasi, provides excellent road connectivity.
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