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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS :
Ghats
Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats,
which line the west banks of the Ganges. An early morning river cruise
is a must. Ghats are the steps, which lead down to the river. There are
around 80 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. The Dasaswamedh
Ghat is the most significant ghat here, and conveniently placed at the
centre. The Manikarnika ghat is associated with Goddess Parvati, Lord
Shiva's wife. The five ghats where pilgrims are supposed to bathe in
order, and on the same day are Asi ghat, followed by Dasaswamedh, Barna
Sangam, Panchganga, and finally, Manikarnika, in that order. Manikarnika
and Harishchandra ghats are the ghats used primarily for the cremation
of the dead. Other main ghats include Kedar ghat, a shrine popular with
Bengalis; Mansarovar ghat built by Man Singh of Amber; and Panch Ganga
Ghat where the five rivers are supposed to meet.
Sarnath
It was here that the Buddha first preached his message of
enlightenment, 25 centuries ago. Saranath is only 10 km away from
Varanasi.
Vishwanath temple
The main temple of Varanasi, the Golden Temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva or Vishweswara. The original temple was located across the road,
but it was destroyed by Aurangazeb, who then built a mosque over it. The
present temple was built by Ahilya Bai of Indore in 1776. The new Mosque
has been built using columns from the original temple razed by
Aurangazeb. This mosque has minarets towering 71 meters above the
Ganges.
Durga Temple
The Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, was built in the
18th century by a Bengali Maharani and is stained red with ochre. This
small temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Shiva, is built in
the north Indian Nagara style, with a multicoloured shikhara or
umbrella.
The Bharat Mata temple
Carved out of marble this temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The
Tulsi Manas temple has been crafted from white marble, and has the
entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, is
considered to be the largest residential university in Asia. Within the
University campus, Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Kendra, the Museum
and Ramnagar Fort are interesting. The residence of Kashi Naresh (former
Maharaja of Varanasi) is situated across the Ganga at Ramnagar, 16 km
from Varanasi. The University houses a museum comprising exhibits like
palanquins, costumes, swords, sabres etc. The vibrant celebration of
Dussehra at Ramnagar is an event not to be missed. |
