Mauli Tours and Travels, Sangli
Varanasi , also Benares, Banaras or Kashi, is a city on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. It is holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism. Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India. Unfortunately many of its temples were plundered and destroyed by Mohammad Ghauri in the 12th century. The temples and religious institutions in the city now are of 18th century vintage.
The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations.The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges. The city has been a cultural center of North India for several thousand years, and has a history that is older than most of the major world religions. The Benares Gharana form of Hindustani classical music developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath located near Varanasi..
1. Ghats :
The city’s life revolves around its seven km long sweep of about 100 bathing ghats that skirt the west bank of the Ganges. The most sacred ghats are the Asi, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika and Panchganga. Pilgrims who bathe in each one consecutively believe their prayers will be fulfilled.
2. Ganga Aarti:
Ganga aarti is a great event to see in Varanasi at the Ganga ghat at each evening performed by the priests in the most stunning way. It is considered as the incomplete tour to Varanasi without seeing the Gange Aarti.
3. Vishwanath temple:
The most sacred temple in Varanasi is the Vishwanath temple, located at Vishvanath Gali dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe Shiva lives here, so it’s far too holy a place for non-Hindus to view, the followers of other religions are permitted a view from the Naubat Khana (seat of temple choir). The shivalinga at the Vishwanath temple is among one of the 12 Jyotrilingas.
4. Sankat Mochan Temple:
It is at Durga Kund Road. The word Sankat Mochan means deliverer from troubles. The temple belongs to Hanuman (monkey God), an incarnation of Vishnu. The best time to visit this temple is in the early evening
5. Sarnath:
The Buddha came to this hamlet, 10 Km. north-east of Varanasi, to preached his message “Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan” (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turned the wheel of the law’) after he achieved enlightment at Bodhigaya. Later, the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adored lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Ashoka erected several memorial towers or stupas.
6. Archeological Museum:
The archeological museum Sarnath was created in 1904 and completed in 1910 to house, display, and study the artifacts here which range from antiquities during 3rd century B.C to 12th century A.D. The museum contains 12 galleries and two verandahs to display the various artifacts.
7. Banaras Hindu University:
The Banaras Hindu University has a sprawling campus, spanning across 1300 acres. It has well maintained roads (crossing each other at right angle), extensive greenery, a temple, an airstrip and buildings, which are an architectural delight.