Tourist Attractions in Varanasi is everything your imagination conjures and more. It holds the top place among the list of sacred cities in India among Hindus. Also called the City of Lights this town lies on the western banks of the river Ganga, with plenty of mysteries and mysticism surrounding it. One of the oldest cities in the world, Kashi is the place most people head to with the idea of washing away their sins in the holy Ganges and with a legacy dating back to more than 3500 years, there are plenty of places to visit in Varanasi.
Lore’s say, it is an auspicious place to die as you can attain moksha, i.e. no more rebirth. This beautiful city is often considered the land of Lord Shiva, because of one the 12 jyotirlingas is located here in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. An important place of pilgrimage this sacred city has more to offer than places of worship; right from fascinating architecture to royal palaces turned hotels to the learning centres. Every nook has some fascinating places to visit in Varanasi if you know where to look Varanasi Tour Packages.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Meaning “The Lord Of The World “, Kashi Viswanath Temple is one of the most prominent Shiva temples of India. Kashi Viswanath Temple at Varanasi is one of 12 Jyotirlingas. it is on banks of holy Ganges on the western side.
History of this temple in Varanasi dates back to ‘Puran era’, and it finds its mention in ‘Skanda Purana’. Kashi Viswanath Temple has been rebuilt many times throughout history. It’s a temple of gold for Lord Shiva because it has around 800 kilograms of gold plating on its tower. No electronic gadgets are allowed inside the temple and those should be deposited in lockers outside Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Kashi Viswanath Temple is not only an integral part of Hindu culture and faith, but it is also a spectacle to watch. This temple is beautifully covered in elaborate carvings that project a divine artistic vibe. Apart from the famous shiva temple in the center, there are several small temples of Lord KaalBhairav, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Vinayaka etc. This temple holds a lot of significance because there’s a belief that people will attain moksha (salvation) here. Several great saints and famous personalities have paid a visit to this holy place such as Tulsidas, Vivekanand, Guru Nanak, and the cast of the movie “Eat, Pray and Love” etc.
Manikarnika Ghat
Varanasi is held so piously in the minds of Hindus as it portrays the eternal truth of life -‘Death’. Manikarnika Ghat is popular for being crematory ghat and most visitors to Varanasi do visit this place. It demands respect from visitors and in return, lets them witness the funeral ceremony and mourners. Boats here are laden with wood and bamboo used in last rites. It’s a tranquil place, and visitors should be honorable towards it to experience this unique aspect of life and culture Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
There’s a story behind the name of this ghat that Sati Mata’s body parts fell where different Shaktipeeths are today. Ear ornaments from her charred body fell here, and it became the ‘Manikarnika’.
Sarnath
Varanasi isn’t only an encyclopedia of Hindu culture, but it is spiritual in every aspect. One such example is the ‘Sarnath.’ this place is world-famous and sacred to buddha followers for being a holy place. At this very place, Goutam Buddha first gave his preaching of dharma. Buddhist sangha came into formation here.
Sarnath is located 10 kms north-east of Varanasi city. Xuan Zang in his descriptions has written about Sarnath that it had a 100 meters tall stupa and there were 1500 Buddhist monks living in monasteries. Most famous site is the Dhamekha stupa in the deer complex. Ashoka built it in 249 B.C. Sarnath is full of pleasant sights of greenery and a perfect spot for peaceful meditation Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
You can reach here by train or bus or taxi/rickshaw from Varanasi. It’s also a famous archaeological site, and there’s a museum for you all history geeks. There are Thai, Chinese and other culture temples as a unique attraction.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Its name breaks into ‘ Dasas + Ashwamedha’. It is written in scriptures that Dasa Ashwamedha yajna was performed by none other than Lord Brahma right here.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is home to many rituals, and you should visit it on Kartik Purnima, to be part of a conscious experience of ‘Dev Deepawali’. But what people always remember this ghat for is the ‘Ganga Aarti’ Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Every evening many people throughout the world witnesses this through the broadcast. But the live experience is otherworldly and can’t be described in mere words.
Also, you can enjoy sunrise boat tours and enjoy the beauty of Ganga so closely. Also, many Hindu sages can be seen performing last rites and other rituals on this ghat in Varanasi.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Rama and his great devotee Lord Hanuman. This temple was constructed in the 1900s. Credit for this temple goes to famous revolutionary Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple in Varanasi is particularly famous among locals and many pay their respects here.it is believed that Lord Hanuman is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and has protected Varanasi. Indian Sweet ‘Ladoo’ is quite the talk here which is distributed in the temple. Also, Be conscious with your stuff as there are many monkeys around the temple to amaze you with their mischief. Although they’re harmless if not bothered Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Assi Ghat
One of the two most famous ghats of Varanasi, Assi Ghat is placed at the conjunction of Holy Ganges and Assi river. There is an old Peepal tree which hosts a large Lord Shiva’s ‘Shiva Linga’ under it.
Assi ghat leaves a distinctive mark on the heart of visitors and is the lifeline of locals. Many locals and tourists of Varanasi gather here in large groups to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Mostly it is visited by nearby students of Banaras Hindu Vishwa Vidyalaya.
On 24 November 2014 a tourism promotion program ‘Subah-e-Banaras’ was started here. It includes a boat tour along with rising sun shining over the horizon. All this creates a mesmerising sight. You Can enjoy Vedic knowledge sessions here in the morning and also entertain yourself with ‘Yoga’. Assi Ghat is surely a place to visit when in Varanasi.
Tulsi Manasa Temple
Tulsi Manasa temple of Varanasi gets its name from great Indian saint and poet Tulsidas. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and his life. Constructed in 1964, it is built-in Shikhar style architecture. Quality of this temple which stands out even at a glance are the various inscriptions from Tulsidas Ram Charit Manas on the walls of the temple.
Various activities relating to Lord Rama’s life and Ramayan are conducted here. They are a source of great entertainment and knowledge. Several parts from Ramayana also have been displayed on the upper floor of the temple.
You should visit Tulsi Manasa Temple of Varanasi in the month of Sawan (July-August) when there’s a special puppet show related to Ramayana and is quite fun and enriching for everyone.
In short, if you describe Varanasi as a movie, it’s not limited to one genre or theme. Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi is a fusion of progressive times, with an example of BHU and still retains the essentials of its core in the form of culture, diversity, peace, traditions and knowledge. Experience of the Varanasi is such that you’re bound to find an elixir for your soul and nirvana from all your worries, stress and limitations. Varanasi is limitless, so is the human spirit, and that’s what you’ll love about this city.
