Varanasi Travel Guide

Situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganga, the “eternal city” is one of the world’s oldest living cities. Also called Banaras, the city has been a renowned centre of learning and civilization and the capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Often visited by destructive blows from Muslim invaders, Varanasi lost many of its ancient temples through the centuries. But even today, the city has about 1500 temples, the most important and famous of them being the ‘Vishwanath Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Countless people bow in reverence and pray for eternal freedom of the soul at this sacred city.

A sure way of attaining Nirvana or salvation, believe the Hindus, is to die in this Holy city. Proud of its 100-odd ghats on the river front, the city attracts a large number of pilgrims coming for a dip or bringing the dead bodies of their dear ones to be cremated here. Varanasi is also renowed for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi Silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

Kashi Vidya Peeth
The Kashi Vidyapeeth was set up in 1920 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta to provide alternate education arrangement discarding that of the British. It soon became a centre of natoinal education with Hindi as the medium of instruction. Acharya Narendradev, Babu Sampurnanand, Babu Sriprakash & many more Luminaries of the time have been associated with this institute.

Museums & Arts Galleries
Archaeological musuem Sarnath open 09:30 am.- 5 pm. Friday clossed. Ramnager fort musuem, open 10 am.-5 pm. Clossed on Friday. Bharat Kala Bhawan B.H.U. open 10:30 am.- 4 pm. Clossed on Sundays & university holidays. Archaeological musuem, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University open 10 am. – 5 pm. Clossed on Sunday & university holidays.

River Front (Ghats)
The spectacular 4 km sweep of the Ghats is unique sight, best viewed at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life is almost panoramic detail unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotees-swelling to thousands on auspicious days –perform rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwamedha ghat, where boats are available on hire.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.

Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum, Ramnager
Ramnager fort was originally built by Maharaja Balwant Singh (1740-70 AD.) The Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum is housed in the Ramnager fort itself. The museum collection mainly Comprises of textiles, pieces of decorative arts, arms & armours, utilitarian objects, means of transport-old bagghis, palkis & haudasivories, furniture & manuscripts.

Banaras Hindu University
The Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by special efforts of Nationalist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Today it has grown into one of the biggest universities of India.

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