Varanasi Pilgrimage, which is well known as Hindu spiritualism with modern education and cultural platform since old. Located in the middle Ganges Valley at south-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi lies in the left bank of the river Ganga
Varanasi Pilgrimage Has Oldest History
The name Varanasi was detected after 1947, but city is popularly known as ‘Banaras’ or ‘Benares’ and it’s antient name was ‘Kashi’. In Sanskrit language it means ‘To Shine’, as Varanasi known ‘City Of Light’ from the ancient age.
The name ‘Varanasi’ derives from the two Ganges tributaries ‘varuna’ and ‘Assi’ which made the border of the city. Varuna still flowing in Northern Varanasi and Assi in Southern Varanasi as small stream.
According to Wikipedia, The ancient Sanskrit sacred hymns, ‘Rigveda’ has referred the city as ‘Kashi’ as ‘City Of Light’. The name of Kashi was also used by pilgrim since the Buddha’s days.
Also Read Famous Pilgrimage Near Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Varanasi Pilgrimage Mythology
It is believed that Varanasi Pilgrimage was founded by Lord Shiva. According to the local story from the ancient age, after some war between Brahma and Shiva the fifth head of Brahma was torn by Lord Shiva.
The detached head of Brahma was dropped on the ground of Varanasi and disappeared from Shiva’s hands. It is believed since then Varanasi is considered to be the most Holy place.
Varanasi Pilgrimage Has An Old Education and Cultural Platform
Varanasi Pilgrimage has an influence of education and cultural parameter. Many famous colleges were founded by eminent personality since British period.
The first modern residential university, ‘Hindu Banaras University’ was founded by Anni Besant in 1916. A response to Mahatma Gandhi’s Non Cooperation Movement, ‘Kashi Vidyapith’ was established in 1921.
The oldest Sanskrit College, ‘Benares Sanskrit College’ was founded in 1791. Sanskrit education was famous in Varanasi. The teacher of Sanskrit was called as “Toll Pandit” and they taught Sanskrit to their students in ‘Toll’ like small school.
Varanasi Pilgrimage also famous for Benares Gharana music, a form of Hindustan Classical Music. Many eminent Indian Philosophers, writers, musicians, poets were associated with Varanasi. One of famous Shehnai player Bismillah Khan was live in the city.
Varanasi Pilgrimage Famous Platform for Yoga and Ayurveda
Since ancient age Varanasi Pilgrimage had significant activities in Yoga, Malla or Kusti, and other physical exercises. The places where Physical training and Yoga has taught is called “Akhara” and Varanasi also famous for Akharas.
One of the famous sport called “Mallakhamba” also performed and taught in these Akharas. Mallakhamba is a traditional sport which a gymnast perform aerial yoga on a long wooden post called “Khamba”.
Another famous and popular natural treatment is performed in Varanasi since ancient ages is Ayurveda as an alternative medicine. Ayurveda also taught in Banaras Hindu College as a subject. Later in 1927 a separate Ayurvedic College was established for treatment and learning also.
Varanasi Pilgrimage Also renowned Hindu Sacred Place
Beside Hinduism we can found Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and also Sikhism. Many Buddhist priests found here living since old age. Varanasi Pilgrimage has nine Buddhist Shrines and one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage center Sarnath. It is located just 10km away from Varanasi where Buddha performed his first command after Enlightenment.
Most of people follows Hinduism and other religions also living beside that. Varanasi is well known as city of temple. 3300 Hindu sacred places or temple is established here. Beside it Varanasi has 12 churches, three Jain Mandir, three Gurudwara and 1388 Mosque of Muslim sacred places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated in 2014, the dream project of Kashi Biswanath Corridor in Varanasi which will be easily connected to the Kashi Biswanath Temple and other temples with Ghats of the Ganga river to enhance spiritual vibrancy of Varanasi.
Most Popular Tourist Places In Varanasi Pilgrimage
Varanasi Pilgrimage famous for it’s old charm between new and modern fastest growing city. Main attraction in Varanasi is mix culture of new and old. Varanasi is also famous for it’s narrow lanes between both sides of buildings where old structural heritage buildings are found here.
The real old Kashi has found near old structures of Ghats which is almost untouched since beginning. These old charm of Varanasi is the most attraction which can be enjoyable through a boat or cruise from water way of Ganga.
Varanasi Pilgrimage is most popular for temples and Ghats around the river Ganga. The famous temples are Kashi Bishwanath Mandir, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Jain Mandir, Annapurna Temple within Kashi Bishwanath Temple.
Varanasi Pilgrimage Known As ‘Kashi Biswanth Dham’
Kashi Biswanath Mandir is the Land Mark of Varanasi Pilgrimage. One of the Twelve Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple in Varanasi, located on the river Ganga. It is destroyed and rebuilt several times. The Kashi Bishwanath Temple is also known as Golden Temple, because of it’s two pinnacles are covered with gold. The Temple was built in 1780 by queen Ahilyabai of Indore.
Ghats Are Also Another Land Mark Of Varanasi Pilgrimage
Apart from Mandir there is several Ghats around the river Ganga.
Ghats are also the land mark of Varanasi for performing bath and rituals of Hindu pilgrims. Some Ghats are used as Hindu cremation center where some times openly could be seen the burning dead body beside river Ganga.
It is believed in Hindu Shastra if die in Varanasi human sole get Salvation (Mokhsh) and get rid of the cycle of birth and re-birth for ever.
Varanasi has 84 Ghats and famous of them is Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is the main and oldest among other Ghats in Varanasi. it is believed Lord Brahma created this Ghat to welcome Shiva and sacrificed 10 horses in Dashashwamedh Yajna.
Manikornika Ghat is another famous Ghat and primary center of Hindu Cremation. It is believed that An earing of Sati fell here.
Panchaganga GHat and Haishchandra Ghat also known as Hindu Cremation center.
A morning boat ride in Ganga is popular tourist attraction. A whole city is seen beside the river. World renowned embarkment of step by step stairs, made in step of stone slabs on the river and the Ghats. Those stairs steps down to the river Ganga, which made an out of the world landscape through the region.
Sightseeing Around Varanasi Pilgrimage
Varanasi itself an interesting tourist spot with many different manner. Tourist never getting bore in Varanasi. The most attractive places to see in Varanasi are as follows
Ganga Aarti : Ganga Aarti is a great feature in Varanasi that held every Morning and evening in Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is most wonderful spiritual holy worship to Ma Ganga with Huge metal “Aarti stands” lit with fire and enchanting mantras by the priests. The whole atmosphere vibrant with an illuminating Devine light and heavenly feeling to touch deep in your soul.
Assi Ghat : Assi Ghat is located near adjacent to river Ganga and river Assi which is very important Hindu religious place. The main attraction is a large Shiva Lingam under a peepal tree.
Vishwanath Gali : Tourists loving to shop here at a reasonable price. All type of decor item, Brass idol of deities and also hand made arts and crafts are available for shopping here. The Gali is also well known for snacks and street foods at very reasonable price.
New Bishwanath Temple BHU : New Bishwanath Temple is situated with in the campus of Banaras Hindu University. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva along with other deities of Gods and Goddesses.
Kedar Ghat : Kedar Ghat is known for it’s cleanest surrounding and ideal for bathing in Ganga. It is adjacent to Kedareshwar Mahadev Mandir, so after bath people can worship in Kedareshwar Mandir.
Batuk Bhairav Mandir : Batuk BHairav Mandir has significant importance in Hindu religious and famous for Aghoris and Tantric worship. Batuk Bhairav is Believed to be an Incarnation of Lord Shiva and The “Akshay Joyti” lamp which is burning for ages, can heal all diseases if the oil of this lamp can be used.
Banaras Hindu University BHU : It is established In 1916 by Anie Besant and Mrs. Malvya. Indo-Gothic architectural structure and sprawling lawns generate a classic beauty of it’s own. Around 30,000 student can learn here and it is largest residential university in the continent which made a worthy for must visit of the place.
Bharat Mata Mandir : Bharat Mata Mandir has no deity. It is a sacred signature of Indian Map which is made of stone that is unique structure dedicated to Bharat Mata. Inaugurated and established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
These are all very important sight seeing in Varanasi. Apart from those many other places like Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Chunar Fort, Yoga Centers also significant for tourist attraction.
Natural beauty of Varanasi is also enjoyable. Water way tourism in Ganga is well developed here. River cruise safari also one of the magnificent way to discover Varanasi at closer.
Varanasi is surrounded many hill areas where trekking is also available. Only 48 km away you can find a water fall within hills and jungle is Lakhaniya Dari Water fall in Latifpur in Varanasi. The waterfall is a hidden Gems can be reached by trekking in the top of the hills.
Among many other falls one of the best is Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls in Chandrouli, Just 60km away from Varanasi. Another famous spot is Vindham Waterfalls in Mirzapur, which is 90 km away and Mukkha Waterfalls in Sonabhadra District just 60 km away from Varanasi. Here you can find Tanda Fountains, Lakhaniya Cave Paintings and Temples with mesmerizing a pleasant charm.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
Quest 1. Why is Varanasi famous for tourism ?
Ans 1. Varanasi is a famous Hindu sacred place with plenty of Temples, Ghats, Ganga river and ancient Hindu cultural Hub. The essence of ethnicity with modern art and culture combines the city an unique bridge between two eras. That is the main attraction of Varanasi.
Quest 2. Which month is best for Varanasi ?
Ans 2. To visit Varanasi winter season is best. The month of October to February is best time for exploring Varanasi in Cool environment.
Quest 3. Is there any ticket for Kashi Bishwanath Temple ?
Ans 3. Kashi Bishwanath Temple is open at 2.30am to 3.00am and entry fee below 12years is free.
Quest 4. What time is Ganga aarti in Varanasi ?
Ans 4. Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts after sunset around 6.45pm and continue till 45minutes there after. Tourists should reach at the ghat before 90minutes of the program start.
Quest 5. What is the price of Ganga Aarti ?
Ans 5. Ganga Aarti Darshan cost 2100/- which include Ganga Pujan 1100/- and Participation on Aarti 1000/-.
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