What is Varanasi best known for?
Also popular by the names Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is a pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. It is believed that the one who gets deceased here, gets free from the continuous circle of birth and rebirth. River Ganga flows through the city and is believed to be the holiest river of India. A symbol of philosophy, cultural heritage, the art and craft depicting the thousand years old Indian traditions have flourished here. An evolution of spiritualism, Sanskrit language, yoga, and other mythologies is associated with Varanasi.
The best-known places in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: It is viewed as one of the most popular Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Upanishads. The temple is located on the western bank of the sacred river Ganga and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: It is located on the banks of River Assi dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman. It was built back in the 1900s by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
- Assi Ghat: It is set at the confluence of the Ganges and the ancient river named Assi. The place is one of the five pilgrimage sites of Kashi. There is also a Shiva lingam of Lord Shiva under the Peepal tree on this ghat.
- New Vishwanath Temple: This temple is located within the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and many other Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Tulsi Manas Temple: The temple was built in 1964 and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple was named after the saint-poet Tulsi Das. It is believed that this is the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in the Awadhi dialect of the Hindi language.
- Durga Temple: It is located on the bank of the River Ganga. Durga Temple was built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen, and the temple is painted red with ocher. It is said that the idol of Virajit Devi Durga appeared on its own in this temple, but it was not built.
- Kedar Ghat: It is probably one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. Baba Kedar Nath as well as Mata Parvati are seated in the Linga form on this ghat.
- Kaal Bairav Temple: The temple, one of the oldest and historic temples in Varanasi, is dedicated to the most aggressive and destructive form of Lord Shiva. It was built in the 17th century AD, which is said to relieve all the problems of its devotees.
- Bharat Mata Mandir: It is a remarkable temple devoted to Mother India. The temple was the brainchild of Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter. It was built in 1936 and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Ramnagar Fort: The fort and museum are crumbling ruins located opposite the Tulsi Ghat. This fort was built in Mughal style architecture in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh. The fort also has a museum known for its rare collection of old American cars, ivory work, medieval costumes, and a huge astronomical clock.
- Chunar Fort: It dates back to the 16th century, which is revealed by the Mughal emperor Babur's outpost. The graves of some of his soldiers still exist at this place. It is said that this fort is divinely blessed.
Airport in Varanasi
IndiGo offers many flights to and from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. Check out goIndiGo.in to know more about the flight schedule.
- Airport address: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Shahganj, District, Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh 221006
- IATA code: VNS