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Varanasi Travel Guide
Varanasi Travel Guide
Area : 73.89 sq. km.
Altitude : 80.71 mts.
Temperature
Summer : Max 43 ºC, Min 32 ºC.
Winter : Max 15 ºC, Min 5 ºC.
Rainfall : 111 cm
Languages : Hindi, English and Local dailects.
Named after the confluence of two rivers, Varuna and Asi, the city is centered on the ghats that line the waterfront, each honoring Shiva in the form of a linga -- the rounded
phallic-like shaft of stone found on every ghat. Cruise the waterfront at dawn and you will witness the most surreal scenes, when devotees come to bathe, meditate, and
perform ancient rituals to greet the sun. Or even come at sunset, when pundits (priests) at Dashswamedh Ghat perform arti with complicated fire rituals, and pilgrims light
candles to float along the sacred waters.
The festive magic never ends in Varanasi. If Poornima cleanses, Maha Shivratri blesses. If Holika-Dahan is a celebration, Dhrupad Mela is a revelation. One does not require
making his itinerary according to the dates and months of the festivals. One can come and enjoy the festive season anytime of the year here.Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of
ghats, which line the west bank of the Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river.
There are around 100 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.
History
Varanasi is supposed to be the oldest city in the world, and had the distinction of being an ancient city even at the time of the Buddha. On the eve of the rise of Buddhism in
the 6th century b.c., the kingdom of Kashi was one of the 16 Janapadas (great nations) that occupied the territory from the Kabul valley to the banks of the Godavari. This
placefeatured in the itinerary of almost all the Chinese travellers. Fa-Hsien and Huien Tsang visited it in the 4th and 7th century a.d., respectively. Varanasi was the capital of
the Gahadavala king, Jaichand, who, according to contemporary Muslim historians, was the most powerful Indian king just before the establishment of the Muslim rule in
India. Under the Mughals, it formed part of the province of Oudh.
Ghats of Varanasi
The Asi River meets the Ganga at Asi Ghat. There is a lingam under a peepal tree and a marble temple of Asisangameshwara (lord of the confluence of Asi). An ancient
tank dedicated to sun worship, the Lolarka Kund (pool) lies 15 metres below the ground and is approached by a steep flight of steps.
The Tulsi ghat, dedicated to the 16th century poet saint Tulsidas is crumbling. Further north is the Harishchandra ghat, one of the two important cremation grounds in
Varanasi. Named after the king Harishchandra, it is considered the most sacred cremation ground. The Kedar ghat has links with the Kedarnath shrine located in the upper
reaches of the Himalayas. The dhobi ghat is a washerman’s area, while the Chausathi (64) ghat has a shrine dedicated to Chausath Yoginis, the multiple manifestations of
the female force Durga.
The Dashashwamedha ghat is the busiest bathing ghat in Varanasi. The ancient king Divodasa was said to have performed the Dashashwamedha Yajnya (ten horse
sacrifice) here. This pleased Brahma, the creator, so much that he established the Brahmeshwara lingam. Boats can be hired at this ghat for a tour of the riverfront. It is also
the most popular site for Hindus to perform ancestor worship rituals, and the entire ghat is lined with umbrella covered stalls where Brahmin priests undertake pujas
(worship). The Man Mandir ghat, built in 1600 by Maharaja Man Singh of Amer, has a very interesting observatory. Built in 1710 by the kings of Jaipur, it is similar to the ones in
Jaipur and Delhi. There are numerous instruments used for astronomical calculations and is open to visitors from 09:30 am till 05:30 pm. The Dom Raja’s house is next door,
with painted tigers flanking the terrace. Doms are the untouchables, who handle the corpses at cremation grounds. Though the Doms belong to a lower caste, their services
are invaluable for the dead to be released from their physical bonds and so the leader of the doms is given the title of `Raja’ or king.
Museum
Located in Sarnath at about 10 km from Varanasi, the Archaeological Museum houses the capital from the Ashokan pillar, the symbol of which has been adopted as the
state emblem of the modern India. The museum also has the figures and the sculptures from the Mauryan, Kushana and Gupta periods discovered during the excavations at
Sarnath.You can have a look at the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath and many images of Hindu Gods dating from the 9th to 12th centuries.
Varanasi Saris
Religiosity apart, Varanasi is also noted for its saris. Banarasi saris are some of the most sought-after ones throughout India because of their extraordinary weave and
texture. The place is also famous for silk weaving, embroidery and metalwork. The local silk weavers produce the silk which are in demand not only in India but across the
world these silk items are in great demand. The Bhadohi carpets can match the delicacy of weaving in any part of the world. Banaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in
the Classical Music and Singing. These styles of singing and music have been amply supported by the musical instruments which are manufactured in Varanasi.
Temples
Durga Temple : It is rumoured that there are more than one thousand temples in Varanasi. One of the most beautiful multicoloured temples is the Durga Temple, situated 8 km away in
Osy. This temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, built by Rani Bhabani in the 18th century, on the model of the Nagara architecture stands apart in a class of its own. The
temple has been built in such a wa.y that the five apexes have merged into one another, signifying the fact that the five vital elements namely, earth, water heat, air and
atmosphere or space have merged with the Creator (Hraluna) becoming one. This place is infested with monkeys which are a menace, creating a lot of problems for visitors.
And so this temple is also known as Monkey Temple. Adjoining the temple there is a sacred kunda for bathing for the pilgrims.
Tulsi Manas Temple :
The Tulsi Manas Temple built in 1964, in memory of the creator of the Ram Charit Manas is another spot attracting pilgrims from far and wide. Tulsidas used to live here
while composing the immortal Ram Charit Manas in Hindi. The whole script of the Ram Charit Manas has been engraved on marble here. In the 1st floor of the temple, the
various stories of the Ramayan are exhibited through movable dolls. It is really very interesting. This temple is open for every body.
Bharatmata Temple : The Bharatmata Temple on Vidyapith Road, is really something different. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1936. The speciality of this
temple is that in place of idols of the gods and goddesses, the relief map of India is engraved on marble and'it is open to visitors of all kinds. The Bhairavnath temple, a few
yards away near the town hall is like a guard to Kashi. Adjoining this temple is the Dandyapani temple and Kamrup. It is rumoured that anyone who cannot see his or her
reflection in the waters of the well is destined to die. There are also the temples of Sri Ganesh, Annapurna, Sukreswar, Sanaischar.There is a saying that those coming to
Kashi should inform the Lord Ganesh before leaving Kashi.
Varanasi Fair & Festivals
Budddh Purnima : Celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha, this festival is celebrated with gaiety and rare abandon. A large fair is held at Sarnath and the relics of the Buddha are taken out for a public display on a procession, on this day.
Bharat Milap : Celebrating Lord Ram's return from exile after 14 years and His reunion with His brother Bharat, the festival is held one day following Dussehra.
Dhrupad Mela : Dhrupad Mela march A 5-day music festival of Dhrupad is perfomed by renowned artistes at Tulsi Ghat. It is very popular among foreign tourists.
Hanuman Jayanti Janmotsav : Janmotsav of Lord Hanuman is celebrated at Sankat Mochan Temple for 5 days with the cultural and musical programmes by artists from all
over India.
Mahashivratri : On this day every Shiv Mandir is decorated. In Varanasi a marriage procession of Lord Shiva is taken out starting from Mahamritunjaya temple, Daranagar to
Kashi Vishwanathan temple via chowk.
How to Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Very well connected by road, rail and air, the City of. offers convenient and comfortable travelling options to and
from other cities of India.
By Air : Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a. direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New
Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra,. Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. For travel reservations contact Indian Airlines.
By Train
: Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahbad, Lucknow, Dehradun… the city has direct rail connections. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station Enquiry number 135.
Some important trains from Varanasi station are Kashi Vishwanath Express (Varanasi-Delhi), Shramjivi Express (Patna- Varanasi-Delhi), Farakka Express
(MaldaTown-Varanasi-Bhiwani),Saryu-Yamuna Express,(Muzzafarpur-Varanasi-delhi), Mahanagri Express (Varanasi-Mumbai), Pawan Express (Varanasi-Mumbai),
Sabermati Express (Varanasi-Ahamedabad), Ganga-Kaveri Express (Varanasi-Chennai), Purva Express (Howrah-Varanasi-Delhi), Himgiri Express
(Jammu-Varanasi-Howrah), Siyaldah Express (Varanasi-Jammu Tawi), Marudhar Express (Varanasi / Agra /Jaipur). From Mughal Sarai Station: (16 Km. from Varanasi) Train from Mughal Sarai Station are Rajdhani Express (Howrah – Mughal Sarai- Delhi), Toofan Express (Howrah- Mughal
Sarai- Delhi), North East Super Fast Express (Delhi –Mughal Sarai-Guwahati), Magadh Express (Delhi- Mughal Sarai – Patna).
By Road : Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH29 to GoraKhpur is connected literally to the rest of the country by
good motorable, all – weather roads. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km.,
Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Napal) 386 km., Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorkhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri
Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand.
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