Best Travel to Varanasi
Varanasi is situated on a crescent like curve of the Ganga River. It has been one of the most important destinations for pilgrimage travel since times immemorial. Approximately 18 bathing ghats dot Varanasi where people take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga and offer prayers at dawn and dusk. Varanasi is also known as Kashi and has been sanctified by the presence of a Jyotirlingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva). Many hundreds of temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout Varanasi. The city is also famous for brass vessels and ornaments, wooden toys, Banarasi silk and the famous Banarasi paan (betel leaf).
Undertake a pilgrimage travel to Varanasi and make a journey into spiritualism with Best Indian Travel.
Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi was also known in ancient times as Kashi. In fact the complete name of the temple is Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. According to legend Kashi is the 'original ground' created by Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is but obviously dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed repeatedly during various invasions but was finally rebuilt in 1776 A.D. by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a witness and an embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and Gurunanak.
Tulsi Ghat - Tulsi Ghat is named after the famous 16th century poet Tulsidas, who spent many years of his life in Varanasi composing the Ramcharitmanas. Legend has it that when his manuscript fell into the Ganga waters it floated instead of sinking and disintegrating. The very first performance of the Ramlila (story of Lord Rama's life) was held here. A temple of Ram stands still stands on the Tulsi Ghat. The house in which Tulsidas died has been preserved and his samadhi, his wooden clogs, pillow and the idol of Hanuman which he worshipped as well as a piece of wood from the boat used by him to cross the Ganga are all still intact here.
Dassawarmedh Ghat - This is one of the main ghats of Varanasi. Dassawarmedh Ghat literally means the 'ghat of ten sacrificed horses'. It is believed that the sacrifice of ten horses was made by Lord Brahma to pave a path for the return of Lord Shiva after his period of banishment
Asi Ghat - The Asi Ghat is one of the five special ghats situated in the south of Varanasi, at the sangam (cojoining) of the Ganga and the Asi rivers. Pilgrims come here to bathe in a stipulated sequence during the Panchatirthi Yatra. The Asi River has been described as a dried stream in the ancient Hindu scriptures. The temple of Jagannatha lies close to the old route of the Asi River. According to the Kashi Khanda (a respected piece of Hindu literature) "All the other tirthas that girdle the earth are not equal to a sixteenth part of the tirthas at Asi confluence". This is also one of the famous sites for celebrating Surya Sasthi (the six day of the sun). The festival is held in the Hindu month of Kartika (Oct.-Nov.)
Bharat Mata Temple - For those who are true patriots the Bharat Mata Temple is a must see. A unique concept led to the building of the temple. It was gifted by the noted nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Shri Durga Prasad Khatri. Instead of the traditional Gods and Goddesses this temple is dedicated to Mother India. The temple houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India, which is intricately carved out of marble.
Ram Nagar Fort And Museum - The fort is the residence of the Royal Family of Varanasi. It is built close to the Asi Ghat. The interiors of the fort bears testimony to the wealth of the Maharajah of Varanasi and his continuing clout. The fort houses a small museum that displays horse-drawn carriages, old motor cars, palanquins, gilded and ornate silver howdahs (elephant seats), hookahs, costumes, armory, a collection of minute ivory carvings, an astronomical clock and hunting trophies. Across the courtyard, a separate section has been devoted to the Ram Lila procession and festivities, which are held during the festival of Dussehra held in the month of October. The museum remains open from 10 am to 5 pm.
