Discover Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India | Things to Do | Places to visit

Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India , also known as Benaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, famous for Varanasi Vishwanath Temple. This sacred city, nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges River, has been a magnet for pilgrims for centuries. The renowned author Mark Twain, who visited India in the late 19th century, famously described Varanasi as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.”

Suggested Read: The source of the river Ganges: Exploring Origin

Overview:  Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India

A visit to Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India is incomplete without experiencing the iconic ghats that line the River Ganges. These ghats have inspired artists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and musicians for centuries. Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India boasts around 88 ghats, with most used as bathing sites, while a few, like Manikarnika Ghat, are reserved for cremation.

A dip in the Ganga is considered sacred in Hinduism, and many of the ghats are dedicated to religious rituals, with Dashashwamedh Ghat being the most popular. At the far end of the ghats lies Assi Ghat, renowned for its morning yoga sessions. The evening Aarti, particularly at Dashashwamedh Ghat, is a mesmerizing spectacle. Among the most visually striking is Lalita Ghat, offering a unique charm along the sacred river.

Academic Reputation

Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India is a very special city in India known for its long history of learning and teaching. It has lots of schools and many wise scholars who keep the traditions alive. There are three universities here, including the big and famous Banaras Hindu University, which was started in 1915. The city also has more than a dozen colleges and high schools.

Art and Carfts

Varanasi is famous for its arts and crafts. It is well-known for making beautiful silks and brocades with gold and silver thread. There’s also a place called Bhadoi where they weave amazing carpets. The city produces lovely wooden toys, colorful glass bangles, intricate ivory work, and shiny brass items.

Suggested Read:  Varanasi Street Food: Explore famous Street food places

Fair and Festivals

For example, Mahashivaratri is a big celebration where people walk in a procession from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. During the Ganga Festival in November or December, thousands of lamps are floated on the river to honor the goddess of the Ganges.

Another fun festival, Bharat Milap, happens in October or November and celebrates the reunion of Lord Rama and his brother Bharat after a long time apart. In March, there’s a five-day festival of dhrupad music at Tulsi Ghat, where famous musicians from all over India come to perform.

Historical Reference

The Old City of Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India often referred to as Vishwanatha Khanda, is surrounded by Dashashwamedh Ghat and Godaulia to the south and west, and Manikarnika Ghat to the north. Visitors can explore its maze of narrow alleys and the Vishwanatha Gali (lane) to reach the renowned Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara Temple complex.

Suggested Read: Varanasi Sarnath: Museum Timing, Ticket, Stupa Location

Vishwanatha Temple

Commonly known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India i, this temple is famous for its spire adorned with massive gold plating. It houses one of the most significant Shivlings in India, made of smooth black stone and set on a solid silver plinth. As one of the most sacred and architecturally stunning places in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India , the Vishwanatha Temple draws thousands of devotees and stands as a testament to the city’s rich spiritual heritage.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, renowned for its evening Ganga Aarti, a vibrant and elaborate ceremony that takes place every day at dusk. The ritual is a captivating spectacle, marked by the blowing of conch shells, the ringing of bells, the clanging of brass cymbals, and the chanting of mantras. Priests, dressed uniformly in kurtas and dhotis, perform the Aarti using multi-tiered brass lamps to venerate the Ganga, the lifeline of Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India.

Suggested Read:  Burning Ghats in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India

Ganga Aarti Varanasi

Ganga Aarti Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India. involve setting up five elevated planks, placing an idol of Goddess Ganga, and arranging flowers and incense sticks. The rituals are carried out by priests well-versed in the Vedas and Upanishads, led by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti.

The Aarti lasts about 45 minutes, during which devotees also participate by floating smaller Diyas on leaf platters in the river as an offering to the holy Ganga. As the sun sets, the sight of countless lamps drifting on the river creates an unforgettable scene. The hour-long ritual can be observed from the ghat itself or from boats anchored along the riverbank.

Places to visit near Varanasi India:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
   One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a must-visit in Varanasi. It is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees. The temple’s history dates back to ancient times, and it continues to be a place of deep spiritual importance.
2. Ghats of Varanasi:
   The ghats along the Ganges River are perhaps the most iconic feature of Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India . There are over 80 ghats, each with its unique significance. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous, known for its lively evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual involving fire offerings and chanting. Other notable ghats include Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations are performed, and Assi Ghat, popular among tourists and locals alike.

1. Sarnath:
   Located just 13  km from Varanasi, Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar are significant attractions here. The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath houses a rich collection of artifacts, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka.
2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
   Established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of Asia’s largest residential universities. The sprawling campus is home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which features an impressive collection of Indian art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
3. Ramnagar Fort:
   Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is a 17th-century fortification and the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. The fort’s museum houses a collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, and medieval weapons, providing a glimpse into the royal past of Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India.

1. Tulsi Manas Temple:
   Dedicated to Lord Rama, the Tulsi Manas Temple is where the famous Hindu epic, the Ramcharitmanas, was written by the poet-saint Tulsidas. The temple’s walls are inscribed with verses and scenes from the Ramayana, making it a place of both religious and literary significance.

1. Durga Temple (Monkey Temple):
   The Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of numerous monkeys, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is a popular site for devotees, especially during the festival of Navratri.
2. Alamgir Mosque:
   Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, the Alamgir Mosque is a striking example of Mughal architecture in Varanasi. Built by Emperor Aurangzeb, it stands on the site of a Hindu temple, blending both Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.