Varanasi

Amongst the oldest living cities in the world, is also the holiest of Hindu Pilgrimages. Thousands of devotees come here daily to the Banks of the River Ganga to take a ritual dip and cleanse their souls and to worship at its many temples. It is not just important for Hindus, but has links with Buddhism and Jainism as well.

It was at Sarnath close by, that Buddha preached his first sermon and Lord Mahavir also revealed his Jain Philosophy at Kasi – nearby. Varanasi is to Hindus what the Vatican is to Catholics.

 

Place to See

Varanasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations as such: instead, the experience is in watching the spectacle of life and death on the river and meandering through the alleys of the old city.

• Vishwanath Temple - also known as the Golden Temple, security is tight making entrance difficult and sometimes completely off limits to foreigners. No bags, cellphones or pens are allowed. They can be deposited in the shops by the temple entrance. The temple was destroyed multiple times by Mughal invaders and was re-constructed by Hindu kings who followed them.

• Kaal Bhairav Temple - is the temple for Kaal Bhairav - a dreadful form of Lord Shiva symbolizing death. Its a tradition to buy black threads, keep it in the shrine and then wear it on the arm, wrist or around the neck as a protection against evil forces.

• Nepali Hindu Temple - A small golden temple, built in Nepali architecture, near Lalita Ghat

• Alamagir Mosque - overlooking Panchganga Ghat, it's a great place for a bird's eye view of the area.

• Man Mandir Observatory

• Tulsi Manas Temple

• Durga Temple

• Banaras Hindu University - a very green and peaceful campus. Few actually know that this University was built during Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. This is the largest residential university of Asia, having approx. 124 independent departments. You also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside university. There is also a Vishwanath Temple bulit by Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya.

• Ram Nagar Fort - the fort of the King of Kashi

• Gowdi Matha Temple - The devi at this temple is supposed to be the sister of the lord Kashi Vishwanath. Its a tradition to visit her just before you leave Kashi. You buy sea shells at this place and offer them to the God saying that the virtues of donating the shells goes to her while you keep the virtues of having visited the holy shrines in Kashi and bathing in the ganges. The trip to Kashi is expected to yield results only after completing this custom.

Content courtesy: Wikipedia & WikiTravel