Varanasi situated on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India is also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi. It is a holy city with numerous ghats and temples. The land has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. 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.. It continued as an important centre of Hindu devotion, pilgrimage, mysticism and poetry which further contributed to its status as a centre of cultural importance and religious education. It grew as an significant industrial centre famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi city. Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma in the deer park in Sarnath, where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.
Important points of attractions at Varanasi
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi where thousands of pilgrims visit per year. Situated on the banks of River Ganga, Assi Ghat offers the possibility to pilgrims to offer the water on the lingam of Lord Shiva that situated under a peepal tree. Every morning aarti at Assi Ghat starts at 4:30 am at the ghat
Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat is named for Tulsidas who lived there while he wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Earlier, it was known as Lolark Ghat. Here you can see the devotees and sadhus carrying out religious practices and be part of centuries-old festivals.
Durga Mandir
Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple these are also known as Durga Mandir , which is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. It has a great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga which was constructed in 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva which stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Temple is popularly called as Kashi Vishwanath Mandir since this city is also called Kashi in ancient time.
DashashwamedhGhat
Close to Vishwanath Temple this is the major ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. With bathing pilgrims, flower sellers and religious ceremony, it’s a place to understand the true spirit of Varanasi’s sacred traditions.
St.-Mary's-Church
St. Mary’s Church is catholic church in Varanasi which is a two hundred years old cathedral constructed by Reverend George Wheatley. It has a projecting portico and a spire and in place of windows it has louvered doors, and hooded ventilation. It is renowned for its amazing architecture and in 1960 even Queen Elizabeth II visited the church to witness its architectural marvelousness. Hence, due to its glorious history, it is locally referred to as the 'Church of England.'
River & Boat Cruise
Tourists and pilgrims visiting Varnasi will have an opportunity to sail on the holy river Ganga on special cruise and boats. There are several custom made tours suiting ones needs. The most popular ones are:
1. G Adventures (9-day round trip Ganges River Experience from Kolkata; 8-day Ganges River Adventure from Patna to Farakka; and 12-day Cruise the Ganges trip from Kolkata to Varanasi)
2. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Ganges Voyager II, an ultra-luxurious ship serving the Ganges (12-night India's Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges)
3. Assam Bengal Navigation (Summer sailings on the Upper Ganges, which begin in Varanasi and go to Patna)
Lolark Kund
LolarkKund in Varanasi is a small pond of water made ages ago. The Lonark Kund does not get its supply of water from a river, the rain or the sea, but from the underworld known as Paatal Loka in the local language.
Tulsi Manas Mandir
Tulsi Manas Mandir also known as the Tulsi Birla Manas Mandir is one of the famous temples of the Varanasi which is located at Durgakund very close to the Durga Temple. It is dedicated to the Lord Rama and built by the family of Banaras.
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