"Benaras is Older than History, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" - Mark Twain
Do you want to visit a place where the old lanes and experienced saints reside? A place that has seen the generations live by? The pious land of Varanasi or Kashi is popularly called Benaras. Facts suggest that Varanasi is the oldest city in the world. It is popularly believed that Lord Buddha achieved his moksha or salvation around 528 BC in a place called Sarnath which is just 10km away. The Ganges or the river Ganga is one of the major attractions in the city. Here is my humble attempt to help you get the best of Varanasi tourism when in India.
It was the month of July, the season of rains in India when I decided to leave for this celebratory land. It was a time when I was in the middle of a spiritual crisis. Having heard long tales and mystical instances of Varanasi tourism from my Grandma, I decided to give myself some lone time and experience some spiritual healing. It was a Sunday when I boarded the Neelachal Express from Jamshedpur around 8 in the evening and reached Varanasi station around 12 hours later. This train journey was one of the most special journeys of my life.
The cool winds of the ghats and the divine prayers being played on loudspeakers left me feeling refreshed. I quickly grabbed a cup of tea from the nearby stall and sipped its savory sips while checking out the skeptical looks, inviting smiles and crowded landscapes in front of my eyes. On my way from the station to my hotel room, I was not leaving a chance to soak in every bit of fun, knowledge, inspiration, and spirituality the city had to offer. Playful monkeys, the crowded street with narrow lanes and the swishing of the divine Ganges were as divine and sweet as the scent of that incense stick which my mother lights every evening. Getting into the hotel, I quickly freshened up and headed out to experience the authentic Varanasi tourism.
Top 5 places in Varanasi you'd love to visit
You just can't miss:
If you've ever read about Indian history and Mythology then you must have come across Shiva. Shiva is the creator and destructor of the universe in Hindu mythology. Legend foretells that Varanasi was born out of a tumultuous fight between Bramha the God of Creation and Shiva. Similarly, there are a plethora of tales and stories about Varanasi in Hindu culture which makes Varanasi Tourism the most sought-after spiritual destinations in India. In fact, there is something about the Varanasi Sun, the melodies breeze of the Ganges and the dingy lanes of spicy vegan Benarasi food that leaves an indelible mark on every tourist who sets foot in this pious land.
My favorite destinations in Varanasi which I think you'd definitely like
#1. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
- Stepping into Varanasi and having heard tons of stories about this holy temple, I diligently put this on the top of my checklist.
- Besides that, It is a popular Hindu belief that you must start your day with the blessings of the lord. Having stood the test of time and standing erect in spite of countless challenges, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is a seat of awe.
- This Varanasi temple traces its roots back to the times of Puranas. It is a popular Hindu belief that a person attains Moksha or liberation after visiting this holy temple.
- There I was trying to sincerely pray and seek redemption for my wrongdoing in front of the pious Jyotirlinga.
Source: nithyanandatimes.org
#2. Manikarnika Ghat
- It was a lazy afternoon at work when I was finishing my lunch.
- When I reached my cubicle I was surprised to see a brochure of Varanasi tourism left on my table. There I was trying to assimilate the source of that when the stunning landscape on the cover of the Varanasi tourism brochure was continuously staring at me.
- On googling I found that there are a whopping 87 ghats in Varanasi. That was the time when I started browsing photos of the Ganges in Benaras and since then I have been itching to visit a ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.
- According to popular Hindu belief, a soul receives Moksha when it is cremated here. I sat there for a while pondering over the endless cycle of life and death.
- Brooding over the immense silence I found myself getting the clarity and spiritual enlightenment I was craving for.
Source: skyscanner.net
#3. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- After a heartful and divine experience at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Manikarnika Ghat, I wanted to cleanse more of my fears. Hence I stepped into this Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
- "Sankat Mochan" means "reliever of troubles" and there I was praying in front of Lord Hanuman with his favorite prasad "Besan ke laddu" and incense sticks in my hand.
- The divine ambiance of the temple coupled with the sweet sound Assi river flowing alongside made me weep tears of inexplicable emotions in front of the Lord.
- Legend has it that this temple was formed by the famous Hindu saint and writer - Goswami Tulsidas around early 1500.
Source: holidayiq.com
#4. Kashi Chaat Bhandaar
- After a day full of holy experiences and soul-searching meditations by the ghat, it was time to indulge in some fun for my foodie's stomach.
- Kachori and Chaat are one of the most special delicacies and prime things to eat in Varanasi.
- Munching on the delicious Kachori along with a kulhad(Mud Pot) of Chai(Tea) left me feeling happy and satisfied.
- I was convinced that this is one of the best places to eat in Varanasi.
Source: migrationology.com
#5. Dashashwamedh Ghat
- As the sun was setting and the air was getting cooler, I reached this beautiful ghat on the banks of Ganges - the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- The colorful evening aarti coupled with the divine sounds of the ringing bells and sweet prayers left me drenched in the pristine colors of spirituality.
- Furthermore, the hypnotic smell of incense sticks filled my soul with limitless bouts of divinity. The evening aarti truly bears testimony to the name of the city - Kashi. "Kas " means "Shining" in Sanskrit and hence Benaras is popularly called "The City of Lights".
- This stunning display of lights is a predominant endeavor to promote Varanasi Tourism in the country.
Source: misswithmigratorywings.com
Hence this was my special experience in the land of spirituality, mysticism, and divinity. Boarding the train back home I was filled with a heart full of optimism and light to blissfully savor each moment of my life. Besides finding a shore for my negative and gloomy thoughts, I also wrapped myself up in the warmth of Godly spirits. This experience will also have a special place in my life. I hope and wish that you visit Varanasi and experience Varanasi tourism at its finest.
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