Varanasi -The Spiritual Heart of India

Published 2 years ago

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Varanasi is renowned worldwide for being the oldest living city onearth. If you are looking for a destination to acquire insight into spiritualawakening, positive vibes, and a serene occasion, then Varanasi is the bestplace for your next tour. Varanasi, generally known as Kashi is famous amongstthe pilgrims for taking holy dips in the River Ganga.

It is a place that isknown for temples, the city of Lord Shiva, and the holy River Ganga streamsthrough it. The city has been one of the most famous travel locations in Indiabecause of its numerous ghats, popular temples, captivating rituals, anddazzling religious festivals. Varanasi is heaven not just for the admirers ofthe Hindu religion but also for the individuals seeking to land in a place differentfrom the regular tourist destinations.

Here's a list of reasons to plan the next trip to thisdivine city:

The Oldest City


The sacred city, which attracts millions to its prestigious ghats consistentlyto take a plunge in Ganga, is as old as the Indus Valley Civilisation.According to a new report, the city is supposed to be around 6000 odd years oldand is considered the spiritual capital of the country. However, the city isaccepted to have had settlements that go back to the Indus Valley Civilisationand not older to it.

The city gets its name from two rivers, Varuna and Assi,combined together to form Varanasi. There is additionally a belief that saysthat the city stands on the Trident of Lord Shiva. The city discovers its namein numerous Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, Puranas, the Ramayana, and theMahabharata.

Enchanting Ghats

The city got its name from the Ghats,Varun ghat to Assi ghat. The major attractions of Varanasi are its appealingghats. The city has in excess of 80 ghats all around the city and the ghatshave an appeal of their own, with fascinating stories about them. This can be a meltingpot, of all religions.

Being the intersection of the 3 famous heavenly riversof Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, the city is viewed as quite possibly themost auspicious place to perform numerous rituals and pujas at these ghats.Some of these ghats are even used for the purpose of cremation. Well-knownghats you can visit here are Assig Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Scindia Ghat, DigpatiaGhat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, and Man Mandir Ghat, and many more..


Enthralling Rituals 

Being a spiritual place for the Hindus,you have an opportunity to observe intriguing Hindu rituals and conventions atthis spot. Pilgrims visit here from time to time to perform different ritualsand perform pujas for different Hindu gods and goddesses.

If you wish to feelthe sacredness of this spot, you should visit the ghats in the morning as themorning rituals won't just captivate you but will cause you to feel blessed tohave arrived at this spot. Bathing in the Ganga and praying in the morning is veryusual here as it is accepted to purify one's spirit and body. A few customslike Tarpan which is a custom performed by offering water to ones' ancestorsand Daan which is performed by donating cash, garments, and sweets to the poorare extremely famous here.

Captivating Temples and Forts

The sacredness of Varanasi prevails dueto its ghats as well as numerous temples spread in and around the city. Thesetemples built in the ancient period pull in a huge number of pilgrims as wellas travellers consistently.

The city is known as the spot of Lord Shiva becauseof the renowned temple Vishwanath Temple which is viewed as the main temple ofthe city and quite possibly the most visited temple in India. Sarnath is arenowned holy town for the Buddhist pilgrims.

The city likewise has variousforts that were built during the Kingdom of Kashi. These forts exhibit thearchitectural expertise of the old time. Renowned forts you can visit areRamnagar Fort, Chunar Fort, and Chet Singh Fort. Architecture darlings can makesome incredible memories exploring these buildings here.

Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a spectacleof sorts and it draws in a huge number of international travellers and localpeople. Ganga Aarti is held each day, be it downpour or sun. A huge number ofenthusiasts accumulate at the ghats to observe this custom influenced byreligious beliefs. Ganga Aarti is performed by offering lit lamps or Diyas onthe banks of the river Ganga. Numerous individuals float little cup candles inthe river.


The whole atmosphere turns out to be incredibly entrancing andheavenly with the sound of bells and the air filling the smoke of incense andDiyas. If you wish to get yourself immersed in the blessed aura of thisheavenly custom, then you must visit Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat as theseghats perform the most astounding Ganga Aarti. You can even appreciate theAarti on a boat at Dashashwamedh Ghat.


Alluring Festivals and Fairs

Like all other sacred places, Varanasiis also well known for different religious celebrations and fairs held here.One of the most popular celebrations in the city is Mahashivratri which iscelebrated for one day. During this celebration, Lord Shiva is worshipped.Rituals of fasting, pouring water and milk on Shiva Linga on this day areancient conventions of the Hindus.


The celebration of colors 'Holi', paints thecity in different tones and shades, which give its ghats and alleys a fresh andvivid look. Festival of Holi draws in an enormous number of travellers who cometo watch the spot getting soaked in an ocean of various colours. Dev Diwalicelebration is another renowned celebration when the ghats are decorated with alarge number of lit Diyas.

Pocket-friendly Place

You will be astounded to know that thiswell-known sacred destination is perhaps the most financially savvy urbancommunities in India to live in. The expense of housing and food iscomparatively less expensive than other pilgrimage places in India.

There are aton of pocket-friendly accommodation choices accessible in the city. Numerousguesthouses, inns, and lodgings are accessible close to the ghats at moderaterates. Indeed, even the travelling costs in and around the city aresignificantly less than in other cities.

Tempting Cuisine

Varanasi offers anassortment of flavors and dishes when it comes to food. The city mostly offersvegetarian dishes aside from the territories inhabited by the Muslim peoplegroup. Varanasi is well known for its street food offering mouth-wateringdelicacies to savor. The smell of this tempting food draws in varioustravellers to different stalls across the city.

When it comes to food, as inmost different parts of the city, it is probably the best spot in the nation tosavor the absolute best chats in the country. The absolute most famous streetfood and drink things are Kachorisabzi, Jalebi, Baati Chokha, Peda, Rabri, ChooraMatar, Channa Dahi Bada, Laaiya Channa, Launglata, Golgappe, Lassi, Thandai,and Bhang, etc.

End-less Shopping

Being a budget-friendly place Varanasiis the best destination where one can shop without a lot of concern on one'swallet. Making the most of your visit to Varanasi would never be completewithout shopping the different handicraft things at different shops and stallsacross the city.

The old city is notable for its zari and brocade materials andgets their names according to the patterns woven in them. The saris are viewedas probably the best silk and have consistently kept the womenfolk excellent.You can search for Banarasi silk and brocade sarees and dress materials, glassbangles, rudraksha armbands and accessories, metal and copper things, woodentoys, precious stone Shivalinga, high-quality rugs, and numerous differentthings.

Charming Musical Events

varanasi music

Varanasi doesn't just touch your spiritwith its religious aspect but in addition with its enlightening and motivatingmusic. Varanasi is where a few styles of music were born. Varanasi is perceivedas the "City of Music" by UNESCO.

Traditional music echoes everywherehere, and in a real sense. You will doubtlessly be captivated by the sounds ofdifferent instruments like tabla, woodwinds, sitar, and sarods. A few musicschools teach hypnotizing melodic ragas.

There are additionally numerous musicschools in the city if you wish to become familiar with an instrument and thereare heaps of shops to get them as well. The most vivid encounters in the cityafter religion is quite possibly maybe music.

Fascinating Sadhus (Wise Men)

The spiritual city allowsyou to explore another side of Varanasi when you will see a lot of Sadhu babasor monks in and around the city. Their traditional looks with saffron capes andtangled hair will leave you speechless. Your longing for information on Karmaand Hindu religions can be satisfied with a conversation with these wise men ofthe city.

While some of them would be accessible to you for an intensediscussion about existence, karma, and dharma, there are the evasive ones too;the Naga Sadhus, who are difficult to interact with, usually avoid the glare ofgeneral society.

Varanasi is a destinationwhere lies the heart of the Hindus. The magnificence of Varanasi can never beexplained even in a million words. You need to visit this place once in your lifetimein order to unveil various mysteries this sacred place holds.

 


Category: Family Holidays

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