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Varanasi is the symbol of undying faith to million s
of devotees who throng the Ghats and temples of this holy city.
The significance of Varanasi/ Kashi can be gauged from the fact
that Hindus from different parts of India wish to spend their
last days in the eternal city to attain liberation. This very
facet of the holy city pulls curious westerners as well as
diehard devotees to her fold.
The Legacy of the Varanasi
The legend of Varanasi dates ages back. The city of Varanasi
finds mention in the great dauntless of Mahabharata and
Ramayana. Varanasi was a prosperous trade center when Buddha
came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometers away, to preach his first
sermon in 500 BC. The famous American novelist Mark Twain once
wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition,
older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put
together.
Historical
information about Varanasi:
The ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus since the days of yore,
Varan asi
is believed to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati, who stood upon this land at the beginning of time. Mark
Twain had rightly said "Benares is older than history, older
than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old
as all of them put together." The city has been a seat of
learning and civilization for more than 3000 years. For
centuries, the town has witnessed the flourish of knowledge,
philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts.
With the holy Buddhist pilgrimage spot of Sarnath being just 10
km away from Varanasi, the latter is also holy place for
Buddhists. Believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd
Jain Tirthankar
Ganga Aarti
Every evening at five, a magical aarti is performed at
Dasashwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the
best view. The presiding priests stand on a woode n
chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the
clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with
flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the
blazing camphor lamp and then the many- flamed aarti lamps are
raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river
reflecting the golden flames as Ganga accepts the worship
Vishwanath Temple
Aarti : There are five daily aartis at Vishwanath Temple.
Elven priests prepare the black stone linga for the aarti amidst
loud chanting . the linga is first bathed in the holy waters of
Ganga, and then anointed with sandalwood paste, and an
intoxicating concoction of cannabis or bhang, honey, ghee and
finally milk. It is decorated laveshly with garlands of
marigold, rose and jasmine, till the stone shaft is completely
buried. Finally, to the sound of conch shells, bells and drums,
the many-flamed oil waved before the god. the whole temple
precinct is suffused with the heavy fragrance of dhoop. the
ritual ends as the music reaches deafening crescendo that
reverberates down the lane
"The Ghats of Varanasi :
 Varanasi's
major tourist attraction are the long stretch of ghats, which
line the west bank of the Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead
down to the river. There are around ghats in Varanasi, each with
its own significance. Most Indians believe that anyone dying on
the banks of the river, in Varanasi, attains instant 'moksha' or
enlightenment.
Durga Temple : The eighteenth century Durga Temple is also
known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of the many
monkeys that live here. Durga is represented as the embodiment
of shakti or female power, clad in red, riding a tiger and fully
armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword.
Bharat Mata Temple : This unique temple has a huge relief
map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan
plateau installed instead of icons of gods and goddesses.
Alamgir Mosque : The Alamgir Mosque is also known as Beni
Madhav Ka Darera and is a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles
of the architecture. The mosque was built by Aurangzeb on the
site of the Vishnu Temple.
Tulsi Manas Temple : This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama
and is situated where the great medieval seer Tulsidas is
believed to have lived and written the great epic 'Shri
Ramcharitmanas'.
Vishwanath Temple : The temple is located in the premises of
the Banaras Hindu University and was by the Birlas. It was
planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and is open to all
irrespective of caste or creed.
Banaras Hindu University : The Banaras Hindu University is
one of the oldest educational centres in India which was built
in 1917. Its campus is spread over five square kilometres and
houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which has a fine collection of
miniature paintings, sculptures from first to fifteenth
centuries, old photographs of Varanasi and brocade textiles.
Excursions in Varanasi :
Varanasi has numerous excursion sites located nearby. Some of
the major cities are listed below.
Sarnath : Sarnath is a major Buddhist centre where
Buddha preached his message of the 'middle way' to nirvana after
achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. It is located 10 kilometres
from Varanasi and Ashoka erected the Famous Stupa here. Several
Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar lies about 51 kilometres from Gorakhpur, and is
famous for the Mahaparinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha. The town
was once celebrated as the centre of the Malla kingdom and has
many stupas and viharas that date back to 230 BC-413 AD |
