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Why Is Varanasi A Place Of Pilgrimage?

Varanasi, also famous as Banaras and Kashi, is one of the holiest cities present in India. This city is regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities present in the whole wide world. In fact, it is reckoned as the religious capital of India. One intriguing question that arises in this context is that how did this city get this label. This blog seeks to unravel this mystery and explicates how this city went on to become a place of pilgrimage.

  • It is believed that Buddha gave his sermon on first turning of the wheel of Dharnma, in Varanasi (kasha in the Buddhist scripts). This is why this site is considered as a “site of spiritual luminance” and is revered by Buddhist pilgrims.
  • Varanasi is positioned in South-Eastern part of UP, between the two tributaries of River Ganga that is Varuna to the north and Asi to the south, giving the city its name. Varanasi is the hub of religious tourism in India and every Indian tries to visit this place at least once in his lifetime. Varanasi is also stated in Holy Scriptures like Puranas, Buddhist texts and in the Mahabharata.
  • The most interesting part of this religious city is that life revolves around the sacred river Ganga and its Ghats. On the banks of river Ganga, life begins before dawn, when a great number of pilgrims visit the river for the holy dip, believing that the revered river will purify them, washing their all sins away.
  • A typical day begins with the recitation of morning prayers and the ringing of temple bells. You will find Brahmins reciting shlokas (verses) from ancient Hindu scriptures and priests performing different types of holy rituals.
  • Varanasi is a city of life and death. While the burning Ghats situated at the edge of River Ganga remind people that life is mortal, it is paradoxically believed that dying in Varanasi guarantees a break from the cycle of life and death. Thus, Varanasi is considered the Gateway to Moksha or nirvana.
  • Other than this, Varanasi is associated with numerous myths. It is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is said that Lord Shiva walked here at the beginning of time with his consort Goddess Parvati. It is believed that this place is a blessing, which is given by them and the tourists who come here experience all their desires getting fulfilled. Some legends also say that it’s in this city that Lord Krishna set fire on his imposter and it is also believed that after defeating Ravana, Lord Ram came here for penance.
  • Varanasi is also known as the city of temples and has many famous, antique temples such as Bharat Mata Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, etc., which are quite known among people. Even the Ganga Aarti performed in the evening invites thousands of tourists from all around the world.

This makes Varanasi India’s very own Medina, a major place of pilgrimage, which draws swarms of believers throughout the year.

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Unexplored Places To Visit In Varanasi

Varanasi, which is regarded as the city of Lord Shiva, has its own charisma and serenity. This beautiful place, which is situated on the banks of River Ganga, has a lot to offer to its visitors. From famous temples to the tantalizing street food, Varanasi is a complete package of fun. For people who are planning a trip to Varanasi, there are plenty of jewels hiding in this city. This blog brings out the unexplored places that you must visit that will definitely add extra charm to your trip.

Ramnagar Fort

This fort is famous for its Mughal styled architecture. Located on the eastern bank of River Ganga, it was constructed in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. This place is now the residence of the Maharaja (present king) of Varanasi, Pelu Bheru Singh. This fort is a delight to watch as it has the amazingly carved architecture with numerous intricate designs, which will leave you spellbound.

Dhamek Stupa

Located in Sarnath, Dhamek Stupa is a quite massive structure, which originated in Buddhist era. It is that particular spot (Rishipattana which literally translates as “where the Rishi arrived”) where the Buddha delivered the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples after achieving enlightenment. This Stupa has delicate carvings of Gupta origin, which are beautiful. It also has an Ashokan pillar with intricate edicts.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum is an archaeological museum, which was constructed in 1920. This museum is a great place to visit as many political leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi have visited here. They even praise the artifacts – paintings, textiles, costumes & personal items – present in the museum.

Banaras Hindu Unversity

Varanasi is visited by a lot of tourists for the sacrosanct temples that it has. Other than that, Banaras Hindu University is a must visit if you are in this place. It is a public central university, which was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malviya, the remarkable Indian educationist who also contributed immensely to India’s freedom struggle. Thousands of students come every year to study there.

Alamgir Mosque

The Alamgir Mosque, also called Beni Madhav Ka Darera or Aurangzeb’s Mosque, is definitely worth a visit in Varanasi. This mosque was built in the 17th century by Emperor Aurangzeb. The architecture depicted by this mosque represents a mesmerizing culmination of Indo-Islamic styles of construction and is definitely worth seeing.

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Places to Visit in Varanasi at Night

Situated in the pinnacle of spirituality, Varanasi is the Mecca of India. This quaint town, which is believed to be the most ancient surviving city of the world, is the nucleus of religious tourism in India and draws incalculable pilgrims from across the country.

  • Take a Trip to the Ganges Ghat

The city of Varanasi is fed by Ganges River. This river is believed to be one of the holiest rivers in the country due to its association with the trinity Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Ganga Ghat is famous for its evening Aarti, which happens daily. This is truly one mesmerizing site wherein visitors gather every night around the Ganga Ghat and offer their prayers to the river. You can also take a boat ride in this river with your family and friends.

  • Seek Divine Blessings in the Temples of Varanasi

Take a few moments to indulge in some soul-cleansing meditative moments and offer your prayers at the temples of Varanasi. So sacred are some of these temples that they find mention in the sacred Hindu literature. Some of the prominent temples in this city of temples include Vishwanath Temple, Nepali Mandir Temple and Sarnath Temple.

  • Satiate your Shopping Desire

Shopping in Varanasi is a great thing that you can do in the wee hours of twilight. Be it silk saris or ornate jewels, Varanasi has plenty to offer. Chowk and Vishwanath Gali are two famous shopping arcades of the city.

  • Visit the Alamgir Mosque

Exquisitely designed with intricate motifs, this impressive mosque overlooks the Ganges. Legend has it that it was built during the reign of Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, after he demolished the original Vishwanath Temple (which was built by Beni Madhur Rao Scindhia) in a spate of his puritanical measures to promote Islam. Overlooking the Panchaganga Ghat, this Mosque was named Alamgir to honour Aurangzeb.