"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." Mark Twain.
As said by the great American writer, Varanasi is one of the oldest, colourful and fascinating places on earth. Also known as Benaras or Kashi, it is the nerve of Hinduism, a pilgrimage and considered an auspicious place to die. The abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, it promises moksha (salvation) to the living as well as dead since 1000 BC.
Apart from Hinduism, Varanasi is also the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar. About 10 km away is Sarnath, which is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. ‘City of Lights’, as it is known, happens to be a favourite stop for all. A walk on the ghats and narrow lanes or watching sunrise from a boat is an experience of a lifetime.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath is the most revered shrine among Hindus and is visited atleast once in a lifetime. The temple complex has numerous shrines and the lingam is 60 cm tall presiding over a silver alter.
New Vishwanath/ Golden Temple
The temple complex is built inside the premises of Banaras Hindu University by the famous Birla family. It consists of 7 temples, where the Shiva temple is on the ground floor, Durga temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple on the first floor. The structure is made of white marble and its walls are embellished with the slokas of Bhagwad Gita. The temple has a golden spire and domes, that is why it is famous as the Golden Temple.
Tulsi Manas Temple
This is the place where Ramcharitmanas was written by Tulsidas. The temple was constructed by the affluent Birla family in 1964. Inside, one will find verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas etched on the temple walls.
Durga Mata Temple
Also famous as the Monkey Temple, this temple was built by a Bengali Maharani in the 18th century. Easily identified by its North Indian Nagara style and red ochre colour, the Durga idol here is believed to be swayambhu (appeared on its own) and not constructed by anyone.
Gyanvapi Mosque and Well
Just near the site of the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Gyanvapi mosque built by Emperor Aurangzeb. This mosque was built by the Emperor after demolishing the temple. Inside the mosque complex is a well, called Gyan Vapi Well, whose water is considered purer than the Ganga itself.
Ramnagar Fort & Museum
Just opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, sits the mighty 18th century Ramnagar Fort. The museum inside has historical statues, royal antiques like old munitions, vintage cars, clocks, ivory work, swords and old guns. Another section has gold and silver royal palki’s, medieval costumes, silver elephant saddles, jewellery, furniture, carved out of silver. Also see variety of costumes etc.
Man Mandir Observatory
A heritage of Varanasi, the observatory was built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1737. Sitting on the rooftop of the Man Singh Palace, it has 4 main astronomical instruments Nadivalaya, Cakra Yantra, small Samrat Yantra, and Digamsa Yantra.
Alamgir Mosque
Built by Emperor Aurangzeb, the 17th century mosque was built on the site of Vishnu temple which was demolished by Aurangzeb. Standing on the Panchganga Ghat, the domes, the towers and its pillars reciprocate typical Islamic architecture. Lower part of the mosque has features of a Hindu temple.
Bharat Mata Temple
Dedicated to Bharat Mata or Mother India, this temple in Kashi was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. Located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, it has a statue that denotes a mountain, plain and ocean as a relief map of India engraved on a marble.
Sarnath
About 10 kms from Varanasi is the famous place where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after he attained enlightenment. This small village is dotted with Buddhist temples and shrines; hence a pilgrimage for Buddhists.
The Holy Ghats of Varanasi
Benaras is known for its Ghats, 88 in number, which are used for bathing and puja ceremonies. Two of them are cremation sites where last rites are performed as per Hindu customs. Here is a list of the most popular ghats in the area:
Dasaswamedh Ghat: Oldest ghat in Varanasi, famous for its evening aarti. Devotees float lamps here during night.
Assi Ghat: As per Kashi Khand, Assi is denoted as Saimbeda Tirtha, which means by taking a dip here, one gets punya (blessings) of all the tirthas.
Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghat: the cremation ghats have pyres lighting day and night. It is a belief that those who are cremated here attain moksh.
Manmandir Ghat: Built in 1600s by Maharaja Man Singh, the stone balcony ghat is famous for temples of Sthuladanta Vinayaka, Rameshwara and Someshwara.
Shivala Ghat: Known for its architectural grandeur and fine craftsmanship, the ghat was built in the 19th century by a Nepalese King called Sanjay Vikram Shah.
Lalita Ghat: famous for the wooden temple of Keshava, the ghat is dedicated to Lalita Devi, a form of Goddess Durga. People believe that the Goddess blesses one who takes a bath here.
Makar Sankranti (14th January)
People from all over the country come to the ghats in Varanasi for a holy dip. Kite flying during the morning is also a ritual here.
Rangbhari (Aamlaki) Ekadashi (26th February)
Marking the beginning of Holi celebration in Kashi, Rangbhari Ekadashi worships Amalakii, the offspring of Lord Brahma who appeared in Kashi as a Brahman. Once Lord Ramchandra worshipped Amalakii.
Mahashivratri (March)
On this day, devotees visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and make offering to Lord Shiva on his wedding anniversary.
Holi (March)
The festival of colours is celebrated in Varanasi for 2 days. People gather on the ghats of Ganga and smear colours oneach other’s face. Sweet shops are flooded with hundreds of new receipies for the people to savour.
Dev Deepavali (November-December)
The ghats of Varanasi are decorated with lights to invite the gods. From Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat, a million earthen lamps (diyas) are floated in the Ganga. People do a tripura purnima snan as this is believed to be the day when Goddess Ganga descended on earth.
Panch Koshi Parikrama in Varanasi (November)
A festival for women and students, the procession of Panch Koshi Parikrama begins from Manikarnika Ghat and ends there. Early morning women take a holy bath in the Manikarnika Ghat, wear new clothes and do parikrama of 5 places. They eat food only after completing the parikrama.
Buddha Mahotsav at Sarnath (April – May)
10 kms far, Sarnath celebrates Buddha Purnima on the full moon day when Lord Buddha was born in 563 BC. Also known as Buddha Jayanti, people celebrate this day with huge traditional passion.
Ganga Dussehra (May)
The day depicts the journey of River Ganges from heaven to earth.
Nakkatayya (mid October)
Celebrated at Chetganj Varanasi, the festival marks the day when nose of Supernakha (sister of Ravan) was nicked by Lakshman.
Nag Nathaiya in Varanasi (November – December)
Initiated by the great poet Tulsi Das in 16th century, this festival celebrates Lord Krishna's conquest over the serpent Kaliya in Tulsi Ghat. On this day, the entire episode of Kaliya vadh is inacted.
The ancient city of Varanasi, is famous for its silk weaving, hence shoppers can look best quality benarasi saree and suit pieces. Apart from sarees, the place is famous for Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery. Tu do some authentic buying, try out Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanatha Gali, Godoulia market and Dashaswamedha Gali.
Winter
November to March): Temperature goes down from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. It is the right time to visit the temple, though taking a dip in the cold water might be difficult.
Summer
(April to June): Though the temperature during this time ranges from 32 - 46 degrees Celsius, but walking on the ghats and taking a dip in the Ganga is refreshing.
Monsoons
(July to September): Enjoy the drenched city during this time, ghats though might get slippery due to wet river sand.
By Air
Varanasi airport is well connected with cities like Delhi and Mumbai. For International flights, Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest to Varanasi.
By Train
The Varanasi railway station is well connected to major cities of India via rail. From the station. From station, tourists can hire a taxi or a cab to explore the city.
By Road
UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Transport) buses are easily available throughout Varanasi to go to the neighbouring states. Taxi/cabs are also easily available.
