Varanasi
one of the holiest Indian City is also known as Kashi or the city of light.
It is the abode of Lord Shiva where, according to Hindu devout legend, the
first rays of light fell after creation. The city preserving the traditional
Hindu religion and culture attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
Distinguished for its religious devotion Varanasi has elicited some of the
most aesthetic course in philosophy, religion and arts.
One of the most important centers of Hindu pilgrimage, Varanasi, on the
banks of the holy Ganges also echoes with the chanting of mantras, the chime
of the temple bells which is seen by many as an ideal path for attaining
divine happiness.
The Ghats
City of Varanasi is abode of many Ghats, river landings along the banks of
the River Ganga. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe and worship in the
river at the first light of dawn. Boat rides down the river in the morning
are a very popular excursion.
The 5 important ghats Asi, Dashashwamedha, Adi Keshava, Panchganga and
Manikarnika are very popular among the devotees. The divine area of Kashi
from Asi ghat to Manikarnika ghat makes a tour of 58 km, it takes about 6
days on foot to complete this holy circle. Each of the important ghats
houses a lingam.
The Famous Temples of Varanasi
Vishwanath temple
Vishwanath temple is the most famous shrine in the city dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The original temple is said to have been over 1000 years old, a
15.5-m high gold plated spire adorns this temple. The Gyan Vapi tank
enclosed in a hall is said to contain the original shivalingam.
The Bharat Mata temple northwest of Godaulia is a modern shrine,
inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Other important temples are Tulsi Manas
Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Durga Temple.
Ancient City of Varanasi
The old city, from Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia in the south to the
Manikarnika Ghat in the North, is known as the Vishwanatha Khanda. It is a
network of narrow lanes and by lanes.
Benaras Hindu University
The Benares Hindu University, which was founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at
the turn of the century, spread over an area of 2000 acres, this is the
largest and the oldest university in North India. The university also has a
new Vishwanath temple built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family.
Bharat Kala Museum
The museum gives an overview of the ancient city of Varanasi. It treasures
very rich collection of precious and rare historical artifacts, statues,
pictures, paintings and manuscripts.
Open from Monday to Saturday.
Excursions from Varanasi
Sarnath is an important excursion from Varanasi. The city
of Buddhist pilgrimage retain the ruins of the ancient seat of learning lies
at a distance of 40km.Wildlife Sanctuary in the dense forest of
Chandraprabha lie at a distance of 70km.from Varanasi. It is abode to many
species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Vindhyachal / Kausambhi the famous temples of
Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh are the major sites of
tourist interest locates at a distance of 75km.
Shopping
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi silks, brassware and copperware, wooden and
clay toys and jewelry, the hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur.
The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar,
Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Specialty of Varanasi-'Langda Aam',
a variety of mango, famous all over the world.
Accessibility
Air : The Babatpur airport is the nearest airport at a distance of
22 kms from the city and it is linked by a shuttle bus service that takes
passenger's upto the Cantonment. The city is also connected to all other
major cities in India.
Rail : The main railway station is 3 kms from the old city center
and can be accessed by auto rickshaws. The other major rail station is at
Mughalsarai, 16 kms from Varanasi.
Road : Bus service connects Varanasi with most of the important
places of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
From Varanasi, Agra is 610 kms, Bodh Gaya 240 kms, Khajuraho 406 kms,
Lumbini 320 kms, Mumbai 1550 kms, Delhi 710 kms etc.
