Varanasi Temple

Varanasi is considered as the oldest living cities in the world. It is situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is the holiest place for Hindus. This holy city is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges. This city is also called as Benaras and Kashi. The city is famous for its religious significance and many temples. Some of temples in Varanasi are ancient and some are newly built temples. Varanasi temples deserve the attentions of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

Some of popular temples in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple : The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the heart of Varanasi, the cultural capital of India. It stands near the Daswamedh Ghat on the western ghat of the sacred River Ganges. It is the centre of faith for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the holiest temples for Hindus.

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Durga Temple : The Durga Temple is situated at the Durga Kund – a manmade lake. It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Durga – the Goddess of Power. This beautiful temple is very famous among locals. This temple is also known as the Monkey Temple because the presence of many monkeys. This beautiful temple was built in the 8th century.

Sankat Mochan Mandir : The Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of the most sacred temples situated in Varanasi. On Tuesdays and Saturday, the large campus of temple is filled with devotees to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman.

Tulsi Manas Temple : The Tulsi Manas Temple is one of the most famous temples and tourist attractions of Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Ram and engraved with verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanasa – the Holy epic of Ramayana. The temple is also called as the Birla Temple because it was built by the Birla Family. The temple is situated next to the famous Durga Temple. The temple is built in white marble and covered with lush lawns and green parks.

Bharat Mata Temple : The Bharat Mata Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Mother India. Located in the campus of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, this beautiful temple does not have idols of any god or goddess. It has only a large relief map of India. The map is beautiful carved out of marble. The marble map of India depicts the model of undivided India depicting mountains, plains and oceans. This beautiful temple of Bharat Mata was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation. Today it is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi and India as well.

Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi is one of the ancient cities of India. It is the oldest living cities in the world. It is widely famous for its religious significance, temples, culture, history, and Banaras ghats. Many of travellers come to Varanasi especially to visit the Banaras ghats at holy river Ganga to observe the ancient culture and tradition of India. There are about 81 ghats in Varanasi for different purposes. Some are bathing ghats and some are dedicated to deities. Some of important Banaras ghats are Assi, Tulsi, Daswamedh, Manikarnika, Panch Ganga, etc. A walk across the ghats leaves an everlasting experience on the visitors' mind.

Daswamedh Ghat : It perhaps the most famous Banaras ghat in Varanasi. It is one of the most important busiest ghats in Varanasi. According to Hindu faith, it is the ghat where Lord Brahma (the creator of the world) sacrificed ten horses (Das Medh). That’s why the ghat is called Daswamedh Ghat. This ghat is also popular Hindu pilgrimage site. Here one can see the temple of Hindu goddess Shitla. Visitors can also enjoy boat ride from this holy ghats. You should not miss evening aarti at Daswamedh ghat.

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Assi Ghat : It is situated at the southernmost part of Varanasi City where river Assi meets the holy river Ganga. The ghat is on the way to Manikarnika Ghat. It is a clay-baked ghat and known for religious significance. There is a huge lingam under a Pipal Tree. The lingam is called Asisangameshvara or the "Lord of the Confluence of the Assi". According to Hindu Faiths, it is believed that, it is necessary for pilgrims to bathe at this ghat before worshiping the lingam.

Manikarnika Ghat : Manikarnika Ghat is basically a cremation ghat. There is also a temple of Manikarnika Devi. There is also a small shrine of Goa Vishnu. This ghat is also called Jalasi Ghat.

Tulsi Ghat : According to Hindus, this is the sacred ghat where Tulsi Das, (16th century poet) spend many years to compose the holy epic Ram Charit Manas. There is a temple on this ghat dedicated to Lord Ram.

Panch Ganga Ghat: As the name suggest, this ghat is the place where five rivers are considered to meet. Alamgir Mosque is located at this ghat. The mosque was built by Aurangzeb.

Man Mandir Ghat : Man Mandir Ghat is renowned for its splendid observatory built in 18th century, which is outfitted with a number of elaborate widow casings. This ghat was built by Maharaja of Jaipur. It is popular among pilgrims as they offer homage to the Lord of Moon, Someshvara, at this holy ghat.

Lalita Ghat : This holy ghat is located to the north side of Manikarnika Ghat. It is known for Ganga Keshava Temple located on this sacred Banaras ghat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is also a Nepali Temple built in wood. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

History of Varanasi

Featuring as an important religious centre and hub of learning throughout history, Varanasi has a long and fascinating past. Said to be the one-time home of the God Shiva, the city is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus, evidenced by the hundreds of temples and the mention of the city in the ancient Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

For centuries, Hindus have travelled from far and wide to bathe in the Ganges, an act that is thought to cleanse the bather of their sins. Hindus also believe that dying in the city stops the cycle of rebirth. Many pilgrims collect a vessel of Ganges water to take back home; drinking this in your dying moments is thought to ensure your soul goes to heaven.

It is however not just Hindus that feel a strong connection with the city. The Buddha came to preach at Sarnath, just 10kms away, in 500 BC and designated Varanasi as a pilgrim site. Today, Buddhist pilgrims come to the ancient city to see the site of the Buddha’s first sermon. Jains and Muslims have also helped to shape the religious character of Varanasi and both religions also have sites of religious importance here.

The diverse religious combination in Varanasi has unfortunately been a source of conflict in the past and has on occasions led to the destruction of some of Varanasi’s most ancient temples, with most of the religious structures that are visible today dating from the 17th century onwards. Aurangzeb, the last Mughal ruler, is particularly remembered for his religious intolerance and defilement of many of Varanasi’s Hindu temples in the 17th century.

Also known for its silk making industry, Varanasi, ‘the cultural capital of the world’, is at the forefront of silk sari production and you will find many quality tailors throughout the city. A centre of learning too, the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University in 1915 has attracted thousands of young scholars to the city and the university is now classified as the largest residential university in Asia.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives.

Varanasi City

Varanasi is known as the oldest living city in the world. It is also the culture capital of India. The place became the center for fairs and festivals by virtue of their cultural and religious importance. Festivals are celebrated almost every month. The celebration symbolizes life at its best with the dedication of Varanasi’s beliefs.

Varanasi is commonly known as Banaras or Banares. The city became the center for learning and civilization over 3000 years ago. Its culture is greatly associated with the river’s religious traditions. It has been the symbol for Hindu renaissance and devotion to the gods. People believed that the Ganges River has the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hence, a person who dies on Varanasi would achieve freedom and salvation.