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Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest cities
of India. This city has found place in the Buddhist
scriptures as well the epic of Mahabharata. In Pali
language Varanasi was called Banarasi hence it got the
name 'Banaras'. Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or the
city of spiritual light. Kashi is the place where Shiva
and Parvati stood when the "time started ticking".
This ancient city of India is located on holiest river
of India--Ganga. This relation is unique and has
attracted thousands of pilgrims. One theory also goes
that Varanasi is located on the land between the river
Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi.
This town also has its place in history with many events
and incidents being related with it. From time
immemorial Varanasi has been the center of education,
religion, art and culture. For every visitor Varanasi
has different experiences to offer. The shimmering red
and golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls
on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the
pavilions all are an experience in themselves.
Chanting of Mantras, the hymns along with the fragrance
of incense in fills the air with mysticism which
entrails every person. The refreshing dip in the Ganges
with the splashing of water along the ghats-- in
Varanasi discovery and experience takes to the ultimate
bliss.
Not only for its temples, Ghats and Ganges Banaras has
produced many exponents of art, music, literature and
crafts. These people were not different from others but
it was the tradition of Banaras which moulded them in
the way they came out to be. Why only the luminaries,
Varanasi has excelled in the art of silk weaving. The
Banarasi silk sarees and brocades are cherished as
collector's items across the world.
As a eternal city with rich and vibrant past, it has no
exquisitely carved palaces, no impregnable fort no
architectural splendour but still the city has an
inherent charm of its own. The ghats dotted with temples,
the maze of alleys along the ghats, what ever Varanasi
has is enough to attract the visitor again and again.
The city which did not die even after being plundered
many times in is a true sense a fascinating area to
wander around.
Prime Attractions of Varanasi
<-- Religious Places -->
The Ghats Of Varanasi
In this ancient city of pilgrimage, the bathing ghats
are main attraction. People flock here in large numbers
every day to take bath and worship in the temples built
beside the river bank. Centuries old tradition to offer
puja to the rising Sun is still maintained.
St. Mary's Church
Situated in the cantonment area of Benaras (Varanasi)
the St. Mary's Church has a low tower, spire and
projecting poitico. Instead of windows tile, church has
louvred doors to the sides and hooded ventilation slots
beneath the cornice.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple / Gyanvapi
Mosque
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly
known as the golden Temple due the Gold plating done on
its 15.5 meter high spire. One tonne of gold donated by
Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating
of the spire. The temple was destroyed in the various
invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of
Indore.
Bharat Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one
kilometer from the Varanasi station. The temple is built
in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built
by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could
respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is
built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided
India in three dimension which has the mountains, plains
and oceans in right proportion.
Tulsi Manas Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is
built in the place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the
epic 'Ramacharitramanas' which provides us with detailed
description of the history and deeds of Lord Rama. Tulsi
Manas Temple was constructed by a philanthropist family
in 1964.
Durga Temple
Built in the 8th century, the Durga temple is one of the
most important temples in Varanasi. This temple is built
in Nagara Style. The shikhara of the temple is formed by
many small spires which are built one on top of the
other.
Nepali Temple
The King of Nepal had built this temple on Lalita ghat
in Nepali style. The Nepali temple is also called the 'Kathwala
temple'. The temple has some magnificent woodwork.
Tourist from all over the world come just to see this
temple which has no comparison with any other temple in
India. The workers who carved this temple out were
brought from Nepal. The wood used in the temple is also
found in Nepal. The specialty of this wood is that
termites do not eat this wood.
Shopping in Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras, since ages has been famous for the
handicraft items. The delicate and intricate work on the
sarees, carpets, wooden works are unmatched. The famous
Banarasi Silk Sarees and Brocades are every women's
dream.
The local silk weavers produce the silk which are in
demand not only in India but across the world these silk
items are in great demand. The Bhadohi carpets can match
the delicacy of weaving in any part of the world.
Banaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in the
Classical Music and Singing. These styles of singing and
music have been amply supported by the musical
instruments which are manufactured in Varanasi.
Apart from the Silk Sarees, Brocades and Carpets Banaras
also offers you Brassware, copperware, Ivoryware, stone
inlay work, Glass beads and bangles, wood and clay toys,
Zari work and exquisite gold jewellery. The main
shopping areas of the city are the City chowk, Godoulia,
Vishwanath lane, Gyan Vapi, Thatheri Baazar,
Dasashvamedh, Goldhar and Lahurabir. The Emporia and
Souvenir shops approved by the UP tourism are good place
to look for genuine and good stuff too purchase.
Climate in Varanasi
Varanasi has a extreme type of climate. Located besides
the Ganges Varanasi can be difficult place to visit
during the summers. Summers are very hot and
temperatures shoot up to 46 degrees and winter can be
cold with mercury dipping down to 5 degrees. This place
can be a really bad during the rainy seasons and is
advisable not to visit Varanasi during monsoons. The
best season to visit Varanasi during September to March.
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