Varanasi | City of Temples & Ghats
Varanasi known for its temples & ghats, is also known as Banaras. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. This city is older than the history & tradition. Varanasi got its name from Ganges tributaries forming the city borders Varuna & Assi. Varuna is still flowing in northern Varanasi & Assi, in the southern part of the city. This heritage city is located on the north shores of the Ganges, surrounded by Varuna and Assi. As per Rigveda, Varanasi is referred to as Kashi- which means city of light.
This city is a center for learning for thousands of years & associated with the promotion of Spiritualism, Sanskrit, Yoga & Hindi language. Varanasi is the cultural capital of India. Famous novelist Munshi Prem Chand & poet Tulsi Das were also associated with this historic city. Ravi Shankar (renowned Sitar Maestro) & Ustad Bismillah Khan (famous Shehnai player) are born and live here for a major part of their lives. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda & Yoga, was also associated with this holy city.
Varanasi is a tourist attraction for both domestic & international travelers because of religious purposes & ghats. Famous tourist destinations are:
Ghats of Banaras
The city has 88 Ghats. Most of them are used to perform religious activity & few are used exclusively as cremation sites. Manikarnika & Harishchandra are exclusively used for cremation sites. Most of the ghats are rebuilt in the 18th century when the city came under Maratha’s rule.
The Dashashwamedh Ghat
This is the oldest ghat of Varanasi & situated close to Kashi Vishwanath temple. As per Hindu mythology, Bramha created this ghat to welcome Shiva & also Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here. Every evening after sunset group of priests performs Ganga Arti & lasts for 45 minutes at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya, Agni & the entire Universe. Special Artis held on Tuesday & religious festivals. This ghat is close to Kashi Vishwanath temple.
The Manikarnika Ghat
It is the primary site for Hindu cremation. As per Hinduism, death is considered as the gateway to another life, the result of one’s karma. It is believed that the human soul attains Mokhas when cremated here. According to a myth, it said that an earring of Sati fell here.
Assi Ghat
It is the southernmost ghats in Varanasi. As it is located at the union of river Ganga & river Assi, so it is named Assi Ghat. According to mythology, it is said that Goddess Durga had thrown her sword in the Assi river after killing the demon Sumbha-Nishumbha. It is one of the most visited Ghats as per tourism are considered.
The Jain Ghat
The Jain Ghat is the birthplace of Suparshvanatha & Parshvanatha ( 7th & 23rd Tirthankara). This is a holy place for Jain followers & one of the ancient Tirthankara Suparswanath Temple.
Few other famous ghats are Tulsi Das Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Ahilyabai Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, and many more. All the Ghats have historical stories behind them.
Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali is a festival of lights of God celebrated during Kartik Poornima. All the ghats of the riverfront of the Ganges are lit with an earthen lamp known as Diya. Millions of Diya are lit during Kartik Purnima. It is one of the events which not to be missed.
Pilgrimage Destination - Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the ultimate pilgrimage spots for Hindus. It is believed that one who graced to die here would attain salvation from the cycle of birth. Apart from Ghats, people visit some important pilgrimage places like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav, Durga Kund Temple, Parasnath Jain Temple, Sankat Mochan, Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan & Sarnath.
Temple of Importance
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas – the holiest of Shiva Temples. It is believed that a visit to the temple & a bath in the Ganges leads one to Moksha (Liberation). This Jyotirlinga has special significance in the spiritual history of India. This temple is mentioned in Puranas. Kashi is said to be a point where 1st Jyotirlinga broke through the earth crust & flared toward the heavens.
Kalbhairav Temple
It is also one of the ancient temples of Varanasi @ Vishesharganj. Baba Kalbhairav is believed to be Kotwal (Chief Police Officer) of Varanasi city. Baba Kalbhairav decides who stays in Varanasi. That’s why those who come to Varanasi, the first visit Baba Kalbhairav temple & those leaving the city stop here for his permission.
Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman & located in the southern part of Varanasi. This temple was built by Goswami Tulsidas author of Ramcharitramanas when he got the vision of Lord Hanuman. The classical music & dance concert celebration happens every year at Sankat Mochan temple in April. This celebration is also famous as Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh. Great musicians & performers across India take part in this festival.
Durga Temple
This temple is dedicated to Maa Durga who is the incarnation of the Shakti (Parvati). It is considered that she protects Varanasi from problems.
Varanasi Food & Culture
Over & above all the historical & famous tourist destination, this city is also known for food. Every nook & corner of the city offers delicious Banarasi food. The cuisine is an essential part of Banarasi culture & influenced by nearby States. Your trip is incomplete without trying these delicacies:
Kachori Sabzi
Kachori is served with a bowl of Aloo ki sabzi, it is one of the famous combinations you will get in each & every corner of Varanasi. This delicacy is popular all over the city & served during breakfast.
Rabri Jalebi
Rabri & Jalebi is one of the very famous sweet dishes from the street of Varanasi. Banaras is the king of Jalebi & Imartis, one can’t miss these sweet dishes on a trip to Varanasi.
Chena Dahi Vada
This is one of the refreshing dishes you can have while exploring the city. Chena Dahi Vada is different from regular Dahi Vada because it is made of Chena (Similar to Rasmali) with a combination of fresh curd added with some special spice mix & garnished with coriander. This is a perfect mix of sweet & sour flavors.
Malaiyyo
This is one of the popular winter season sweet dishes. This dish is prepared by churning the milk slowly to create a creamy texture. Malaiyyo is flavored with saffron & cardamoms & garnished with pistachios & almonds. This creamy froth will melt in your mouth.
Banarasi Thandai & Lassi
One can’t imagine Banaras with Thandai & Lassi. Thandai from Banaras is famous for its refreshing taste. The only place in India where you will get the option of Bhang Thandai (dried leaves & buds of the female cannabis plant) at some places. Lassi is also available across Banaras & can’t be missed.
Chuda Matar
Famous morning breakfast during the winter season. It tastes best with masala chai (Tea).
Tamatar Chaat
This dish you will only get in Banaras. It is spicy preparation made of tomatoes with some special spice mix.
Baati Chokha
This delicacy is basically from Bihar & became a famous street food of Varanasi.
Paan
Banarasi Paan is something you must try when in Varanasi. Banarasi Paan is a combination of Paan (Beetle Leaves) with some supari, tobacco & lime. You will also get the option of meetha paan.
There are many more delicacies that you will find & relish on your palate. Varanasi is one of the few cities in India which still maintains the traditional food & dining practice. Street food at various places is served in leaf plates & drinks in Kulhad (earthen pot made of mud). That makes the food dining experience warmer because of the tradition attached to it.
Nice and informative
Rewinded our old memories. We’ll visit this place soon. Thank you.
Very very informative keep up the good work.