About
Varanasi is an Indian city situated on left bank of River Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is also commonly known across the globe as Banaras, Kashi and Beneras. It is regarded as a holy place by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. If you go by figures, Varanasi is amongst the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world.
Since Varanasi is situated on the left bank of the River Ganges, the city has as many as 84 Ghats that lay between the confluences of two rivers namely Varuna in the North and the Asi in the South. The riverfront of the Ganga is spread over a huge arc line of 6.4 Km in the city of Varanasi.
As per the Hindu mythology, each Ghat along the river Ganga represents nearly one lakh organic species. Another mythology states that with taking bath in any of them means a pilgrim completing the final part of a cosmic journey. There also exist ninety-eight sacred waterfront spots in the city of Varanasi.
If you are planning to visit and view the Ghats of Varanasi, the best option for you will be to charter a boat and then see them directly from the river. Some of them are also known as burning ghats, as human bodies are being cremated here before placing their ashes in the Ganges.
Some of the famous Ghats in the city include Panchganga, Adikeshav, Assi, Dasavamedha, Narad Ghat, Tulsi Ghat and the Hanuman Ghat.
Architectures in Varanasi
Architecturally, Varanasi has a typical appearance. You’ll come across run down homes and shanty towns that are laying in contrast to startling temples & homes of Maharajas. What will impress you more is simply walking down the Ganges and looking up & down the river. Structures lining the river are sure to be reminiscent of Venice, Italy, without any glitz. Although towering structures of Varanasi are old, they are truly mind-blowing.
Darbhanga Ghat
Following this amazing view from the Ganges, you can also pay a visit to Darbhanga Ghat. This trip is surely going to leave you startled. Massive structure at the Ghat is home to Maharajas of Dharbhanga (a city in Bihar). It reeks of mysticism, power and Varanasi culture of previous times.
Varanasi, also known as the Religious Capital of India, has been amongst the most popular tourist destinations of the world. Experts believe that if you’re looking for a place where you can get very close to the Indian culture of the past, your stop should be Varanasi.
One of the reasons why Varanasi has become an Indian place of high importance, when it comes to religious and cultural grounds, is due to its proximity to the River Ganges, Holy River of India.
Varanasi is believed to be founded by Hindu Goddess Shiva. The city, actually, is considered a Mecca for individuals, who seek for religious enlightenment. Indians, who come to the river thousands in number, seek cleansing themselves in its waters every morning. This huge gathering makes way for an explosion of colorful dresses and activities. What goes on after the morning rituals are sure to amaze you more!
Being the holiest city for Hindus, most of Hindu faiths believe that dying in Varanasi can bring enlightenment to a soul. Thousands on a regular basis pay a visit to the city in the later part of their lives for this purpose. Hindu temple and charitable institutions take in multitudes of elderly on a regular basis. Although not as frequent as it was done in the past, deceased are openly cremated on pyres overlooking River Ganges.
Varanasi Culture
Varanasi culture is closely related to River Ganges and the religious importance of the river. It has been the main cultural & religious centre for people living in Northern India for several thousands of years. Its residents mainly converse in Kashika Bhojpuri, which has its close relation to Hindi language. The city is often referred by its resident and tourists as ‘holy city of India’, ‘city of temples’, ‘city of lights’, ‘religious capital of India’, ‘cultural capital of India’ and ‘city of learning’.
Names that have made Varanasi popular
Varanasi has the credit of developing Benares Gharana, a popular Indian classical music form. It was the home to prominent Indian writers, poets, philosophers and musicians, whose works targeted in promoting the actual image of Indian culture to everyone across the globe. Kabir, Munshi Premchand Jai Shankar Prasad, Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla and Ustad Bismillah Khan: all resided in Varanasi. Ramacharitamanas, one of pillars of Indian literature, was written by Tulsi Das in this Holi City. Again, Sarnath hosted the first sermon of Gautama Buddha, preacher of Buddhism.
Several proofs suggest that Ayurveda, a popular medicinal form, has originated in Varanasi.
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi is also home to Banaras Hindu University, which is one of the biggest in the whole of India. Several students from all corners of the world crave to be a part of this university.
When it comes to being a travel destination, the peaceful and religious atmosphere prevailing in the city going along with several monuments and places of historical importance is enough for a tourist to be left spellbound.
