Introducing Varanasi - The holy Indian city
The ancient name of this sacred Hindu city was Kashi and was known to be blessed with mystical powers. So holy is this city that people believed even dying in this town would directly take one's soul to heaven! Located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is also credited to being the oldest continuously living city in the world. The numerous bathing Ghats that dot the city and the endless beeline of devotees that throng every corner of the place lend a colorful aura to Varanasi.
History
Also known as Benaras, Varanasi is believed to have been founded by none other than lord Shiva himself. Naturally, this city has enjoyed both; religious and commercial significance for several thousand years. History mentions that this city has relatively remained peaceful and thereby enabling the spiritual domain to flourish, unconditionally.
Climate
A humid sub tropical climate prevails over Varanasi that characterizes very hot summers and mild winter days and very chilly nights. While fog is commonplace during the winters, dry summer winds called loo blows in the summers making the weather difficult to bear.
Attractions
The main attractions housed within the city of Varanasi are the bathing ghats. There are over 100 Ghats housed here that are a combination of cremation sites and bathing ghats that are visited by locals and tourists alike. Dashashwamedha ghat, Man Mandir ghat and Manikarnika ghat are a few of the most significant sites that one could visit here.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Also known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi, this temple was built in the late 17th century by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple complex houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of lord Shiva and a visit to this temple is a must for all Hindus as even a single glance of the Jyotirlinga can relieve one of sins
Durga Temple Also known as the monkey temple (there are large herds of monkeys present here), the impeccable designing on the Durga Temple exemplifies the Nagara style of architecture in the highest magnitude. The main idol of Goddess Durga is believed to have appeared here on its own, not that it was brought here from elsewhere. Every year, during navratri, the temple comes alive with devotes and onlookers who come here to seek the divine blessings of the deity.
Sarnath Located just a few km away from the main city centre of Varanasi, Sarnath is mostly visited for its Buddhist connection. Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon, after attaining enlightenment, here, in the very heart of Sarnath. There are a large number of Buddhist temples and stupas housed here that one could visit.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Also known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi, this temple was built in the late 17th century by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple complex houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of lord Shiva and a visit to this temple is a must for all Hindus as even a single glance of the Jyotirlinga can relieve one of sins
Durga Temple Also known as the monkey temple (there are large herds of monkeys present here), the impeccable designing on the Durga Temple exemplifies the Nagara style of architecture in the highest magnitude. The main idol of Goddess Durga is believed to have appeared here on its own, not that it was brought here from elsewhere. Every year, during navratri, the temple comes alive with devotes and onlookers who come here to seek the divine blessings of the deity.
Sarnath Located just a few km away from the main city centre of Varanasi, Sarnath is mostly visited for its Buddhist connection. Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon, after attaining enlightenment, here, in the very heart of Sarnath. There are a large number of Buddhist temples and stupas housed here that one could visit.
