The holy city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a holy city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is situated on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, as it is believed that a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges can cleanse one’s sins and lead to salvation.
History of The holy city of Varanasi
Varanasi has a rich and vibrant history that dates back more than 3000 years. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva founded the city and it is said to be his home. Varanasi was also an important center of learning in ancient India, with scholars and students from all over the country coming to study at its universities.
During the medieval period, Varanasi came under the rule of the Mughals, who built several magnificent buildings and monuments in the city. The British also had a significant presence in Varanasi during the colonial era and many of the city’s institutions and landmarks were established during this time.
Travel Information
Varanasi is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road and is easily accessible from major cities in India. The nearest airport is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is located about 26 kilometers from the city center.
Varanasi is also known for its ghats, which are a series of steps leading down to the Ganges River. These ghats are used for religious purposes, including bathing, cremation, and prayer. The most famous ghats in Varanasi are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat.
Other popular tourist attractions in Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, the Ramnagar Fort, and the Banaras Hindu University. Visitors can also take boat rides on the Ganges River to see the city from a different perspective.
When visiting Varanasi, it is important to be respectful of the city’s religious and cultural traditions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering temples, and refrain from eating meat or drinking alcohol in public areas.
On the banks of the River Ganges in northern India lies colorful holy city Varanasi, it has been important cultural, historic and religious center for more than 5,000 years, presided over by Shiva Varanasi is the most important Hindu pilgrimage site in the world, the ghats or stone steps along the river banks are the main focus of religion, here is ritual to bath in the water and perform PUJA to the rising sun, here many old and sick Hindus come to the city to die surviving their last days, also on the River Ganges are funerals, their bodies are burnt on funeral pyres and the remains are tossed into the water, Dasashvamedh Ghat offers good views of the river and all the hustle and bustle along the banks, other special ghats are the Asi, Barnasangam, Panchganga and Manikarnika, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a home to the shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, this temple is the place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus and it is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi, Sarnath is a place of great meaning to Buddhists, it is place where Buddha preached his first seramon and revealed the eight gold path, Ashoka the great Mauryam emperor erected magnificent stupas including Dharmarajika Stupa to honour Buddhas presence, Archaeological Museum at Sarnath displays many ancient relics, among them countless images of Buddha and Budhisatva. See the holy city of Varanasi pictures …
