Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh also known as Kashi or Benares ,is considered the holiest among the Hindu pilgrim sites of India. By the holy river Ganges that can purge all earthly sins, Varanasi has a religious and spiritual significance no other place in India has for a Hindu. According to Hindu belief, dying in Varanasi is believed to bring salvation or moksha from the eternal cycle of life and death. With as many as 90 ghats that extend to about 6km by the River Ganges, this city has about 700 temples and shrines that uphold the Hindu rites and rituals performed for attaining salvation.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of the world dating back to the 7th century BC. Religion was always a part of its culture. So was learning and philosophy. It is also famous for its textiles especially fine cotton weaves and elaborate silk brocades. It also offers the traveller with collections of brocade saris, scarves and fabrics made in the Tibetan style.
The chief attractions of Varanasi for the traveller are the Viswanath Temple, Ramlila and Sunrise Boat ride. The Viswanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of the Universe as the name goes. The interior of the temple is decorated with floral carvings. Next to the temple, the ancient Jnana Vapi Well promises wisdom to those who drink the water from it. Legend has it that the idol of Lord Shiva that was placed in the original Viswanath Temple, which was destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, lies in this well.
A speciality of Varanasi during September/October months is the Ramlila, a play that narrate the story of the Indian epic Ramayana. Another is a sunrise boat ride across the River Ganges. The sight of temples enveloped in the soft morning light is surely an enchanting sight.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of the world dating back to the 7th century BC. Religion was always a part of its culture. So was learning and philosophy. It is also famous for its textiles especially fine cotton weaves and elaborate silk brocades. It also offers the traveller with collections of brocade saris, scarves and fabrics made in the Tibetan style.
The chief attractions of Varanasi for the traveller are the Viswanath Temple, Ramlila and Sunrise Boat ride. The Viswanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of the Universe as the name goes. The interior of the temple is decorated with floral carvings. Next to the temple, the ancient Jnana Vapi Well promises wisdom to those who drink the water from it. Legend has it that the idol of Lord Shiva that was placed in the original Viswanath Temple, which was destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, lies in this well.
A speciality of Varanasi during September/October months is the Ramlila, a play that narrate the story of the Indian epic Ramayana. Another is a sunrise boat ride across the River Ganges. The sight of temples enveloped in the soft morning light is surely an enchanting sight.
