Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living
cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually
unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was
enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote :
“Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than
legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) 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. 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.
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in
Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a
center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. Ganges is said to
have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands
to the mighty river that we know of. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha
preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi
has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture,
devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for
centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be
the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and
Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is
associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and
Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem
Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas.
Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the
right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of
dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally
renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai
player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part
of their lives.
With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after
enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu
renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts
and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place
for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the
twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in
Varanasi harmoniously.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is
associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and
Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem
Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas.
Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the
right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of
dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally
renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai
player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part
of their lives.
With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for
her ‘Theosophical Society’ and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute
‘Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said
to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern
medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations.
Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated
with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and
commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades,
since the early days.
*Varanasi is famous for its Banarasi silk, Muslin fabrics, perfumes, ivory
works, and sculptures. It grew as an important industrial center for these
items.*
There are three ways to get from Delhi to Varanasi; flight, train, or bus.
Your budget, preferred style of travel, and time restrains will dictate
your choice. Flights are relatively cheap and very quick, however the
advantage of taking a bus or train is being able to enjoy the scenery and
experiencing long-haul travel in India. Find details below on each mode of
transportation:
- *By air:* This is the quickest way is to fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri
Airport in Varanasi from Delhi. There are daily direct flights with
airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and SpiceJet. The flight takes
around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- *By train:* Another easy and preferred method of travel to Varanasi
from Delhi is by train. The fastest train will have you there in 11 – 12
hours, but some routes take as long as 18 hours. The speed of the train and
number of stops along the way is what dictates the duration. The long
travel hours are the reason why many travelers pick the night train option.
You can leave Delhi in the afternoon and reach Varanasi by sunrise. The
fastest trains (around 12 – 13 hours) are run by Swatantrta S Express, Shiv
Ganga Express, New Delhi Guwahati Superfast Special, Poorva Express, and
Rajdhani Express.
- *By bus:* As with the trains, there are day and overnight bus options.
The typical journey duration is around 13 – 14 hours. Uttar Pradesh State
Road Transport Corporation, Safar Express Tour and Travel, R.S. Yadav
Travels, Amar Travels, and Kn Nehra Travels are the most known companies.
*BEST TIME TO VISIT VARANASI*
The winter months of November – February are the best time to visit.
Temperatures can get quite cool as Varanasi is in northern India, however
the weather during this time is more comfortable for touring, exploring,
and walking around. Average daily temperatures are in the 15 – 21° C
(mid-60 and 70° F). It’s common for evening temperatures to drop into the 7
– 13° C (40 and 50° F).
*5 THINGS TO DO IN VARANASI*
Varanasi is all about the emotional journey; discovering the famous ghats,
cruising down the Ganges River, or appreciating the simplistic beauty of
the ancient riverside temples as they bask in the sunrise glow. Although
there are many ancient temples, forts, and specific sites to see, a good
chunk of time should be set aside for just observing all the special
rituals that take place in Varanasi on daily basis. Although it’s hard to
narrow down what to do in Varanasi, the five items listed below are the
absolute can’t-miss sights, events, and activities:
*1. Manikarnika Ghat*
The burning ghat by the Ganges River
Ghats are the large, flat steps built on the land that lead directly down
into the Ganges River. They are used by pilgrims to enter the water to wash
away their sins and pray and worship upon. The Manikarnika Ghat is a little
bit different. It’s the main “burning ghat”, the most prosperous cremation
site for a Hindu. On these steps, the body is dunked in the Ganges River
prior to being burned by firewood on the steps. Tourists are allowed to
witness the ceremony, but it’s crucial to be respectful. There are
absolutely no photos allowed. You can watch the ceremonies from the top of
nearby buildings. You will likely be invited to these spots by “guides” who
will ask for donations for the ceremony in exchange for taking you there.
- *Good to know:* Varanasi is the most sacred place to die for Hindus
because it’s believed that dying and being cremated here releases one from
the cycle of reincarnation. Some make the journey to Varanasi just to die
in the holy city.
*2. Boat ride on the Ganges River*
Take a boat ride down the Ganges at either sunrise or sunset
Flip your perspective of the famous ghats and book a boat ride down the
Ganges River at either sunrise or sunset. Observing the people bathing and
praying in the water as the sun’s light sets the backdrop of ghats and city
buildings all aglow is a magical experience and definitely a top thing to
do in Varanasi. It also offers a different viewpoint for photographers
chasing after that perfect shot.
*3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple*
As the holiest city in India, you would be correct to assume that there are
quite a few temples here. You can see temples literally at every turn, but
the most spectacular is Kashi Vishwanath. Constructed in 1776 and dedicated
to Lord Shiva, this temple holds nothing back. Aesthetically speaking, the
temple is jaw-dropping; the dome and tower are coated in 800 kilograms of
gold. It’s also one of the holiest (if not the holiest) Hindu temples in
the world. Many saints have visited here and pilgrims attribute a visit to
this temple and a bath in the Ganges as the path to liberation.
- *Good to know:* This temple is one of the twelve traditional
Jyotirlinga temples in India, the most powerful and sacred place to worship
Lord Shiva.
*4. Ganga Aarti Ceremony*
Aarti is a beautiful sight to witness when in Varanasi
Brass oil lamps for aarti by the ghat
This is a nightly event hosted by a group of young priests dressed in
traditional clothing along the banks of the Ganges at the Dashashwamedh
Ghat. The ceremony is a show of commitment and dedication to Lord Shiva.
Huge crowds gather around the ghat, lit by brass lamps, while mantras and
chants fill the air at the start of the ceremony. Incenses are burned,
conch shells are blown, and loud music is played while the priests perform
their rituals. This a truly unique way to experience this holy city, making
the Dashashwamedh Ghat an absolute top place to visit in Varanasi.
- *Good to know:* The aarti takes place at 6:45pm every evening and
lasts for about 45 minutes.Take an evening boat ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat
to get the best views of the aarti ceremony.
*5. Shop the markets and explore the alleyways*
Explore the alleys in Varanasi
Get lost in the city as you soak up the true culture and witness daily life
in its purest form. Put the Manikarnika Ghat behind you and wander where
ever your heart desires. You’ll find street food, shops, guest houses, and
restaurants all crammed into the ancient narrow alleyways. Be sure to check
out the main shopping areas of Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar, and
Godowilia Market, all which are within easy walking distances (20 minutes
or less) from the famous ghat. These markets sell bags, ornate jewelry,
shoes, clothing, silk sarees, bangles, fabrics, religions items,
knickknacks, wooden carvings, copperware, and much more.
- *Good to know:* Varanasi is famous for its beautifully colored silk
banarasi sarees. These can be worn wrapped around the waist like a skirt
and wound around the bodice as a shoulder shawl. This is one authentic
souvenir that should definitely be bought from the bazaars.
*WHERE TO STAY IN VARANASI*
The most popular area to stay and the best central base for sightseeing and
experiences are clustered near the Ganges River close to the ghats.
Specifically, the closer you stay to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the nearer to
all the action you’ll be. If you want to be a little removed, but remain
near the Ganges and ghats, consider moving 3 kilometers south to the area
around Assi Ghat.
- *HOG Hostel Varanasi *
Set back roughly 1 kilometer from the Dashashwamedh Ghat, HOG is also under
3 kilometers from all of our top 5 favorite attractions. Each dorm bed is
equipped with its own mini, wall-mounted fan, several electric plugs, and
bedside lamp. The beds are comfortable and offer a bit of privacy with a
sheer curtain that can be pulled when desired. Additionally, the hostel
offers free breakfast, a coffee maker in every room, and free Wi-Fi. The
clincher? The near-perfect reviews.
- *Diamond Hotel *
This 3-star hotel is about halfway between Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh
Ghat, making it a good choice for those don’t prefer to be in the thick of
things, but also don’t want a long commute to their top attractions. Free
Wi-Fi, airport transfer, and A/C in all the rooms ensure guests stay
comfortable. Recent renovations equate to spacious rooms and overall modern
vibes. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and garden terrace.
- *Brijrama Palace – A Heritage Hotel *
Not only is this 5-star abode conveniently located just 200 meters from
Dashashwamedh Ghat, this hotel also happens to be perched atop its very own
ghat with spectacularly sweeping views of the Ganges and all its glory. The
hotel was built in the 18th century and boasts exquisite interior and
old-world charm. The rooftop terrace dining area, with sprawling views of
the Ganges, is definitely a highlight. The level of service is exceptional,
and despite the centuries-old feel, every room is equipped with modern
comforts.
*GOOD TO KNOW*
- Hawkers are extremely persistent in Varanasi. Make it clear from the
beginning if you don’t want to take them up on their offers or comply with
their donation requests. If you allow them to follow you around, they may
become angry when you decide not to pay them.
- It’s common to see the locals smoking cannabis on the street as part
of their religious rituals.
- Cows are holy animals in India and there are literally thousands of
them wandering the streets of Varanasi — be careful not to step in their
waste, which is found in the streets.
- Keep a business card with your hostel/hotel address on you at all
times. In case you get lost in the winding alleys, you will be able to ask
someone how to get home later.
- You will see dead bodies wrapped in cloth being carried down the main
street on Varanasi on the way to the Burning Ghat. This may seem shocking
at first, but remember, this is a holy ritual.
- Don’t be shy when it comes to negotiating the price during bazaar
shopping or for boat tours on the Ganges.
- Cover your shoulders and legs. This is as much for being respectful of
the culture and religion as it is for cleanliness.
- It’s advised (even by the Indian Government) not to bath or get in the
water of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It’s disease-ridden and polluted.
- Hire a guide to conduct a walking tour for a few hours. They can
enlighten you on all the ceremonies, traditions, and activities you’re
observing.
- Despite Varanasi being the most significant holy city in India and
being absolutely stunning on many levels, be prepared for an abundance of
pollution, dirt, and dense crowds of people.
- Get up at sunrise and explore the city before it becomes jam-packed.
This is a magical time for taking pictures.
Varanasi is a city of contradictions. {KR: BUT DO ALL THESE ARE PRESENT
TODAY?} The culture and traditions in Varanasi are unapologetic and what
you see here will likely stay with you for the rest of your life. The holy
rituals, the ancient temples, the bazaar shopping, and the cremation
ceremonies are experiences that cannot be had anywhere else in the world.
When it comes to things to do in Varanasi, don’t plan or think too much;
just keep an open mind as you wander around and let yourself fall under the
spell of this truly enchanted city.
KR IRS 17423
On Sat, 15 Apr 2023 at 22:48, 'N Sekar' via iyer123 <
[email protected]> wrote:
> Thanks Sri Mani.
>
> I felt the same after I undertook the Char Dham Yatra, when I saw some u
> tube videos several months after my trip - I have forwarded one of them to
> this group some time ago.
>
> In my opinion, it is good to search u tube about the places you intend
> visiting before you finalize your itinerary. There is a wealth of
> information, esp. if you see 2 or 3 on the same subject. It helps. If one
> has missed out some thing, the other is likely to have captured it. For
> example, Saranath is not captured in some while others include it.
>
> N Sekar
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
> <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
>
> On Sun, 16 Apr 2023 at 8:25, APS Mani
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> A great forward. Have missed many things to see which are illustrated
> here in the past five times but will visit this Holy Place again and share
> our PM's views. Thanks, Sekar Sir. Mani
>
> On Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 8:58 AM 'N Sekar' via iyer123 <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
> https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/10-must-dos-in-ups-kashi-pm-modi-highlights-why-one-will-be-mesmerised-by-citys-charm-imageid-1.html
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
> <https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature>
>
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