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crescendo of temples rises from the water's edge; the air is filled with
soothing chant of saffron-
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clad priests. Everywhere there is an unceasing stream of pilgrims in
search of prosperity in this life, Nirvana in the next. This is
Varanasi, the oldest living city, which enshrines the very essence
of Hinduism. It is said to be the first created spot on earth, and
according to legend, in existence for over thousands of years.
The ancient seat of learning in India, Varanasi is picturesquely
situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the
holy Ganges. The name of this
holy city is compound of the names of two streams, |
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| the Varuna
and the Asi, which still flow in the north and south of the city
respectively. Also known as Kashi- City of Light, it attracts
thousands of pilgrims to take the holy bath on the banks of the most
sacred river
Ganges
and pray in one of the 1600 temples spread out in the city or to die
here. According to Hindu belief, dying at Kashi ensures release from
the eternal cycle
of birth & rebirth. |
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The approx five km of riverfront is a moving spectacle both at sunrise and
at sunset. The rounded
umbrellas of the priests break up the serried lines of steps leading down
to the water's edge. A boat ride on the river Ganges at sunrise is
totally a spiritual experience. The shimmering red and golden water of
the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples,
the Ashrams, and the pavilions; pilgrims, waist deep in water, offer
salutations to the Sun before taking the cleansing dip,
seers |
| meditating on the holy ghats,
chanting of Mantras, women washing clothes… discovery and experience
takes to the ultimate bliss. At dusk, lighted oil lamps and flowers
brighten the water |
surface as they are set
afloat- isn't it enchanting?
Besides the ghats is
the fascinating maze of alleys, full of small
colourful shops selling rich brocaded
silks, brassware and all the articles essential for worship. These narrow
lanes will lead you to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Varanasi. The spire of
this most venerated temple is gilded with gold leaf. Also worth
visiting are the Tulsi
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Manas Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple,
dedicated to 'Mother India' which instead of any customary goddess houses
a relief map. of
India carved in marble.
It is not just the Hindus who venerate Varanasi today, for the city has
links with Buddhism as well. It was at Sarnath close by that Buddha
preached his first sermon nearly 25 centuries ago. Here, the |
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Dhamekh Stupa is
India's oldest existing monument while the Lion pillar which forms the
basis of the design of India's national emblem is at the Sarnath Museum.
The new Mulagandha Kutivihar temple houses a remarkable life-size
golden statue of Buddha and beautiful frescoes.
From times immemorial Varanasi has been the center of education, religion,
art and culture. Hundreds of students flock here from all over India to learn
Sanskrit. Benaras Hindu |
University, one among the largest
residential universities in Asia, is situated here.
Varanasi boasts of exquisitely worked silk
saris and brocades, which are
cherished as collector's items across the world. There are also a variety
of indigenous handicrafts including brass and
copperware, glass bangles, wood and clay toys, jewellery, wall hangings,
woodcraft, carpets, lampshades, and mask of Hindu & |
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Buddhist deities.
Isn't it tempting? You can mix the divine experience of meandering
through narrow lanes of the old city with the excitement of shopping- Best pastime! |
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USEFUL INFORMATION |
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Getting there &
away |
Varanasi is well
connected by air from Delhi, Agra,
Khajuraho, Mumbai and Kathmandu.
It is also well linked with the major cities by rail & road. |
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Further Connections |
Allahabad,
Khajuraho, Patna, Bodhgaya, Lucknow |
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Temperature |
Summer:
(Max.) 43 degree C, (Min.) 32 degree C
Winter: (Max.) 15 degree C, (Min.) 5 degree C |
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Best time to visit |
From October till
March. |
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Important
|
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1. |
Wear woolens
for boat ride at sunrise, as it is quite cool early in the
morning. |
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2. |
Photography of
cremation site is prohibited. |
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3. |
Put your shoes
off before entering in any temple complex. |
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4. |
Beware of the
thugs and pandas (priests), mainly interested to get hold of your
money by any means. |
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TOURS TO VARANASI |
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