Exploring Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of India
Posted on 2 August, 2023 by Ira Das
India's spiritual capital is largely regarded to be Varanasi, sometimes referred to as Kashi. The city, which has long been a hub of study and spirituality, is thought to have been created by Lord Shiva. Hindus regard the Ganges River, where Varanasi is located, as holy, and it is home to numerous old temples, holy places, and ghats.
Pilgrims and spiritual seekers frequently travel to the city to take baths in the Ganges and participate in numerous rites and festivities. There are around 80 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance and history. They constitute a prominent feature of the city.
Many historic and famous temples, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the most significant and revered temples in India, are also located in Varanasi. The Durga Temple, the Sankat Mochan Temple, and the Tulsi Manas Temple are a few further noteworthy temples.
Varanasi is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many tourist places to visit. You can book Uttar Pradesh religious tour packages to explore Varanasi as well as famous religious places in Uttar Pradesh.. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Dashashwamedh Ghat: It is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The name "Dashashwamedh" means "the place where ten horses were sacrificed" and it is believed that Lord Brahma performed a ten-horse sacrifice (yajna) at this ghat. The ghat is known for its evening aarti ceremony, which is a daily ritual performed by priests to pay homage to the river goddess.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: It is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the heart of Varanasi. It is considered one of the most important and revered temples in India, and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple has a long history and is thought to have undergone numerous reconstructions over the years. The Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the current building in the 18th century.
Every day, thousands of people visit the temple, and during the busiest times of the year, it may get extremely busy. Before entering the temple, visitors must take off their shoes and should dress modestly. Inside the temple, photography and videography are prohibited.
Manikarnika Ghat : On the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most revered and important ghats. It serves as the city's primary cremation ghat and is regarded by Hindus as one of India's holiest sites.
Hindu mythology holds that the sacred pond known as Manikarnika Kund was made when Lord Vishnu excavated a trench at the ghat and filled it with his perspiration. It's also thought that the pond's name, "manikarnika," came from the goddess Parvati dropping her earring into it.
Manikarnika Ghat is a unique and powerful experience that provides a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural traditions of India. It is a place of immense significance for Hindus, and visiting it can be a humbling and thought-provoking experience.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): At Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a public institution that was established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a well-known nationalist and advocate for education. It is one of India's biggest and most prominent institutions and has been designated an Institute of National Importance by the Indian government.
More than 20,000 students live on the 1,300-acre BHU campus, which is very large. The institution provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in the humanities, sciences, engineering, management, law, and medicine.
The university is renowned for its gorgeous and famous structures, such as the iconic Rajiv Gandhi South Campus and the expansive Central Library, one of the largest academic libraries in India with over 1.3 million books.
Visitors visiting BHU are welcome to take a campus tour with a guide to see the campus' lovely structures and gardens. In addition, the university is home to a number of eateries and coffee shops where guests may try regional fare and unwind in a serene setting.
Sarnath: One of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage places in the world is Sarnath, a little village outside of Varanasi. Since Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon there after being enlightened, it is regarded as the origin of Buddhism.
Visitors to Sarnath are welcome to explore the town's numerous historic and cultural landmarks on a guided tour. The area is also home to a number of yoga and meditation centres where guests can study Buddhist philosophy and meditate in a serene setting.
Overall, Varanasi is a city that is steeped in spirituality, culture, and history, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India's rich spiritual heritage. You can book Varanasi tour packages to explore this spiritual city.