ABOUT VARANASI

VARANASI: THE CITY OF SPIRITUAL REBIRTH

It's often said that arriving in Varanasi can be a little overwhelming. One is greeted by chaos, colour and the feeling of stepping back in time. With its history dating back to 1400B.C., Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is dripping in history and spirituality.
Mark Twain in his inimitable prose says: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. I find that the site of the town was the beginning-place of the Creation. It was merely an upright “lingam,” at first, no larger than a stove-pipe, and stood in the midst of a shoreless ocean. This was the work of the God Vishnu. Later he spread the lingam out till its surface was ten miles across. Still, it was not large enough for the business; therefore, he presently built the globe around it. Benares is thus the centre of the earth.”

THINGS TO DO

A boat ride across the sacred Ganges, perfectly captures the spirit of Varanasi. Countless candlelit paper boats with flowers carrying people’s prayers, float their way across the waters. Countless pilgrims take a holy dip in the waters, others meditate in solitude and the rest bow their heads in prayer along the Ghats. As the sun goes down, the evening ritual of worship, called the Ganga Aarti, unfolds.

Here are a few key things that you must try out while in Banaras:

Explore BHU

The Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed University established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. With a campus, spanning across 1300 acres, and buildings as majestic as forts, it houses a few totally amazing sights you wouldn't expect to find over here, like

One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it is said that Tulsidas, (the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanas) founded the Sankat Mochan temple.

Established in the 1970s, the Sankat Mochan festival continues the practice of performance in temples that is today quite rare. Performing in Sankat Mochan – no matter what the performance or who the performer (Muslims perform each year at the festival) – is considered a form of shringar, or “decoration” for the god in question, as well as hazri, or attendance in the god’s court, and shraddha and prem, or respect and love for the god.

There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. Located in the heart of Varanasi, it stands on the western bank of river Ganges. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe. The current temple was built in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore; the 800kg of gold plating on the tower and dome was supplied by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore 50 years later.

No single picture can justify the chaotic yet serene beauty of the Ghats. The dream place of every Shutterbug, two of the must-visit ghats are the Assi Ghat and the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Both serve as a wonderful place to linger and people-watch while soaking up the atmosphere. Every evening at 7pm an elaborate ganga aarti ceremony with puja, fire and dance is staged here. With a bit of planning, this can be combined with a boat ride for an amazing experience!

Explore on Foot

The narrow lanes crowded with cows, bulls, speeding bicycles is a fantastic experience. One look at the old buildings and you are drawn to its culture and tradition. It is an adventure plus a lifetime opportunity with a terrific photo chance to passage down these ancient alleys of history. Plus, all the gallis either run towards or parallel to the ghats, so you'd never be lost in this gripping city.

The Food!

Check out:

And loads of restaurant, about which you can consult from the students, according to your needs.

Approx 10 kms away from Varanasi lies the oldest site museum of the Archeological survey of India. Located right next to the excavated site, this museum has over five galleries and sculptures, artifacts dated from the 3rd Century BC to the 12th Century AD.

Right across the main hall is Shakyasimha gallery. Here, you can find most special pieces in the museum sandstone Lion Capital of the Mauryan Pillar, which became the national emblem of India. The sites like the Tree where Buddha attained nirvana, the first sermon to his 5 disciples are all fascinating even to a non Buddhist.