Top 10 Places to Visit in Varanasi | Places To Visit In Varanasi : – Varanasi possesses one of the most extensive and beautiful riverfronts in India. With kilometres of ghats, or steps, leading down to the holy waters of the Ganges, this is the perfect place for a religious bathing experience. As you make your way up from the water’s edge, you’ll encounter an abundance of shrines, temples, and palaces that rise layer upon layer, each more impressive than the last.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Ramnagar Fort
- Durga Temple
- Banaras Hindu University
- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Dashaswamedh Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh one of the holiest places in the country. The existence of temple is believed to be over 4000 years on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is known to be one of the Jyotirlingas. The central dome of this temple is covered with gold plating which also leads it to be called the ‘golden temple’. The complex of the temple consists of a series of small shrines, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures and is a masterpiece of traditional Indian architecture.
The Dhamek Stupa
Embrace the Marvellous Shrine of Lord Buddha
Approximately 13 km northeast of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is the village of Sarnath, home to the Buddhist stupa known as Dhamek. It is thought that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment in this particular space. It is one of the most sacred locations for Buddhists. The Dhamek Stupa is a sizable brick and stone cylindrical stupa. Its base measures 28 meters in diameter and it has a height of 43 meters. With a stone fence and four doorways, the stupa is adorned with statues of seated Buddhas around it. The harmika, a typical element of many Buddhist stupas is thought to symbolize the buddha’s seat. The walls are decorated with carvings and reliefs that represent scenes from buddha’s life and significant moments in Buddhist history.
The Banaras Hindu University
Excellence in Education and Diversity in Culture
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a public central university located in Varanasi. Shri Madan Mohan Malaviya founded it in 1916 with the help of Maharaja of Darbhanga. BHU in total has about 35000 students from in and around the world today. The institution has constantly earned a reputation for having a strong academic standard and has been termed as one of India’s top universities. It is comprised of more than 140 departments divided into 6 institutions, which provide programs in a variety of academic fields including the humanities, social sciences, law, engineering, and medicine. In accordance with the culture of Varanasi, BHU is surely one of the places that are a must-see on every visitor’s list.
Ramnagar Fort
Experience the Grandeur of Intrinsic Artwork
The Ramnagar Fort is a majestic sandstone building constructed by Shri Kashi Naresh Pelu Bheru Singh in the 18th century that stands towering along the riverbank by the Ganges. As you take a stroll through the fort, you’ll witness some of the biggest and oldest astronomical clocks, carved balconies, pavilions, and open courtyards, that are sure to leave visual imprints of the ancient times in the viewer’s minds. The fort also has a Durbar Hall and a Reception Chamber that is constructed in the Mughal style with Chunnar Sandstone in hues of creme that are adorned with ornamental balconies, pavilions, and a sizable courtyard. The fort contains two magnificent temples, one honouring Lord Vishnu and the other the great guru Veda Vyasa, the author of the renowned Indian scripture Mahabharata.
Assi Ghat
A Place Where You Feel the Magic of Ganga
According to the Kashi Khand, Assi Ghat is Assi “Saimbeda Tirtha,” which indicates that anyone who takes a plunge there just once in their lifetime will receive punya of all the Tirthas. The focal point of Assi ghaat, Varanasi is a Shiva lingam, a phallic depiction of the Hindu deity, which is located beneath a revered peepal tree. This ghaat is also mentioned in the Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Padma Purana, Agni Purana, and Kashi Khanda of holy ancient Hindu literature and is therefore one of the best nearby places to visit in Varanasi. It is known to draw hundreds of pilgrims each day who, after bathing in the river Ganga, come to worship Lord Shiva.
Manikarnika Ghaat
Where the Cycle of Life and Death is Celebrated
Considered to be one the most oldest and sacred ghats, the Manikarnika ghaat is also known as the main cremation site in Varanasi. This ghaat is named after the Hindu goddess Parvati. According to many legends, this ghaat was created by Lord Shiva who dug a pit to find water for his wife Parvati to bathe, where she lost one of her earrings (Manikarnika) on the spot.
It is believed that to die in Varanasi and to be cremated at Manikarnika ghaat is to attain instant moksha or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. The ghaat is a well-liked tourist destination and is well-known for its religious and cultural significance.
Dasaswamedh Ghaat
Embrace the Beauty of Spirituality
The Dasaswamedha ghaat, Varanasi is one of the most revered locations in the city and is among the oldest and most significant ghats in Varanasi. Named for the fabled horse sacrifice that Lord Brahma carried out to welcome Lord Shiva, this ghaat is famous for the daily evening Agni Pooja performed there by a group of priests who are devoted to Lord Shiva, the River Ganges, Surya, Agni, and the entire cosmos. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic and vibrant riverfront scenery where many groups of rishis and sadhus are observed engaging in religious activities.
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