- Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" . According to the ‘Vamana Purana’, the Varuna and the Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be ‘Varanasi’, the holiest of all pilgrimages.
- The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘ created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion , it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself…. an experience in self–discovery… an eternal oneness of the body and soul.
- To every visitor; Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmer -ing across the Ganges… the high-banks ; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras alongwith the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – the land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss.
- Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi Silk Sarees and Silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.
- There are total 84 Ghats in Varanasi.
- Map Of Ghats
List of Important Temples.
THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is
Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. - ANNAPURNA TEMPLE
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- SANKATHA TEMPLE Near the Sindhia Ghat , there is a important temple of "Godess of Remedy" Devi Sankatha. Inside its premises there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also there is nine temples of nine planets nearby to this temple.
- KALBHAIRAV TEMPLE It is the ancient temple of Varanasi near the Head Post Office, VishesharGanj. God KalBhairav is believed as "Kotwal Of Varanasi" , without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.
- MRITUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE On the route of Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple this temple of Lord Shiva is situated . Just besides this temple there is a Well of much religious importance , whose water is said to be mixture of several underground streams and good for eliminating several diseases.
- NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed. - DURGA TEMPLE Commonly called the ‘Monkey temple’, it was built in the 18th century. Although it is one of the best-known temple. There is nice stonework done of the temple , it is the nice example of NAGRA Shilp. Godess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world. There is a pond adjacent to the temple call "Durgakund".
- TULSI MANAS TEMPLE
- Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place
Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.
- SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE
- Besides the Assi river stream, on the way of Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple this well known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as "Sankatmochan" the god who protects from the troubles. This temple is founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as "Monkey" temple, as lot of monkeys are there inside the premises.
- BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
- This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.
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- Apart from listed temples there are so many temples which are having importance in the history of Varanasi.
- How to Reach Varanasi
- Varanasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Very well connected by road, rail and air, the City of. offers convenient and comfortable traveling options to and from other cities of India.
- TOURIST OFFICE Regional Tourist Office/ Tourist Bunglow , Parade Kothi , Opposite Railway Station Phone : (542) 2208413, 2206638
AIR - Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a. direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra,. Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. The contact nos. of various airlines and other information are :
* Indian Airlines. Ph: (0542)-2502527,2502528,2502529 * SpiceJet 09871803333,18001803333 Website www.spicejet.com
RAIL ( Visit Indian Railways: www.indianrail.gov.in & www.irctc.co.in )- Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahbad, Lucknow, Dehradun… the city has direct rail connections. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station Enquiry number
135. Some important trains from Varanasi station are Kashi Vishwanath Express (Varanasi-Delhi), Shramjivi Express (Patna- Varanasi-Delhi), Farakka Express (MaldaTown-Varanasi-Bhiwani), Mahanagri Express (Varanasi-Mumbai), Pawan Express (Varanasi-Mumbai), Sabermati Express (Varanasi-Ahamedabad), Ganga-Kaveri Express (Varanasi-Chennai), Purva Express (Howrah- Varanasi-Delhi), Himgiri Express (Jammu-Varanasi-Howrah), Siyaldah Express (Varanasi-Jammu Tawi), Marudhar Express (Varanasi / Agra /Jaipur). - From Mughal Sarai Station: (16 Km. from Varanasi) Train from Mughal Sarai Station are Rajdhani Express (Howrah – Mughal Sarai- Delhi), Toofan Express (Howrah- Mughal Sarai- Delhi), North East Super Fast Express (Delhi –Mughal Sarai-Guwahati), Magadh Express (Delhi- Mughal Sarai – Patna) ROAD
- Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH29 to GoraKhpur is connected literally to the rest of the country by good motorable, all – weather roads. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Napal) 386 km., Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorkhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand. LOCAl TRANSPORT
- Taxis: Private taxis are available from travel agencies, hotels, etc., auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and three wheelers are also readily available. But on some routes specially the old Varanasi areas of temples and markets, one way traffic is maintained. And on that routes autorikshaws or big vehicles are not permitted. Tourist should aware on hiring private vehicles, usually cars/taxis/four wheelers are charged for 4,8,12 hours or for full day, with kilometer limit, for 8 hours the rate is between Rs. 500-800 for 4 seated cars. The rate of autorikshaw and rikshaw is about Rs.2 /= per Km. The tourist are advised to fix the fair before traveling.
- Morning Tours and Evening Tours are Organized from the Tourist Bungalow( Parade Kothi- Opposite Railway Station) and the Govt. Of India Tourist Office, Cantonment.
- LEFT LUGGAGE FACILITY
- Left luggage facility is available at both the Varanasi and Mughalsarai railway stations(24 Hours)
- Varanasi is having very good facility for accommodation, So many five star hotels and deluxe lodges are present there for tourist accommodation.
- Shoppers Destination in Varanasi
- Varanasi has, since times immemorial, been hailed as a premier centre for some of the finest handicrafts. The most renowned craft of the city is silk weaving. ‘Baranasi Sarees’ produced by local craftsman are among the most preferred, not only in India but across the world. Brass-ware, copper-ware, ivory work , glass bangles, wood and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. Bhadohi Carpets and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions.
- SHOPPING
- Banarasi Saree
- Handicrafts of Varanasi
- Varanasi is famous for it silk weaving, and Banarsi silk are a part of every gril’s trousseau. Banaras brocades are prized the world over. Brass-ware, Copper-ware, Wooden ,Clay toys and Exquisite gold jewelery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. The hand-knotted carpets Mirzapur and Bhadohi and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is also famous for its ‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel life is also a speciality. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gail, Golghar and Dalmandi. Some Of the leading Dealers and Manufacturers are as follows:
- Address. 1/88. Gola Ghat, Ramnagar Varanasi-221008 Banarasi Silk Saree Tanchhua Patola Warp - Katan ( Mulbery Silk) 20*22 Width - Katan ( Mulbery Silk) 20*22 Length of Saree - 5.50Mts-5.65Mts. Width of Saree - 45"-46" Colour - Fast Price - Rs.2700.00
- Diamand Silk Co-operative Society Ltd. Development Commissnor for Handioom Govt. of India (Ministry of Textiles) (Under Export Promotion Plans) Add. (Handloom Complex) J.11/63-101.Nati Imli Bunkar Colony Varanasi-221002
- GRAND INDUSTRIAL CO_OPERATIVE SOCIETY ltd. Phone:2331555,2336036,2336376,-A.26/1-A-11.Hasanpura,Varanasi-221001.
- Diamond Silk Cooperative Society Ltd. Handloom Complex J.11/63-101 Nati Imli Bunkar Colony Varanasi-221002
- Jalan's Showroom , Bansfatak Varanasi.
- Jalan's Showroom, Kabira Complex, Durgakund Varanasi
- GOVT. EMPORIA
- UPICA, Nadesar
- U.P. Handlooms – Lahurabir & Nichi Bagh
- Tantuj-Bengal Emporium, Dashashwamedh Road
- Handloom House, Sigra.
- Places of Interest
- THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
- Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
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- BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
- The Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by special efforts of Nationalist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Today it has grown into one of the biggest universities of India.
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- BARAT KALA BHAWAN, B.H.U
- Started in 1950 as a university museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan in famous for its unique collection of miniature paintings. It has a rich collection of Rajasthani paintings, Pichhawai’s, pahari painting, Nepalese & Tibetan Thankas, Company paintings as well as paintings of contemporary artists, illustrated Mrigavati, Kalpa Sutra, Chora-Panchasika, Laura-Chanda, Shah-nama and some pages of Humza-nama Are the proud possessions of this museum.
- MAHARAJA BANARAS VIDYA MANDIR MUSEUM, RAMNAGER
- Ramnager fort was originally built by Maharaja Balwant Singh (1740-70 AD.) The Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum is housed in the Ramnager fort itself. The museum collection mainly Comprises of textiles, pieces of decorative arts, arms & armours, utilitarian objects, means of transport-old bagghis, palkis & haudasivories, furniture & manuscripts.
- KASHI VIDYA PEETH
- The Kashi Vidyapeeth was set up in 1920 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta to provide alternate education arrangement discarding that of the British. It soon became a center of national education with Hindi as the medium of instruction. Acharya Narendradev, Babu Sampurnanand, Babu Sriprakash & many more Luminaries of the time have been associated with this institute.
- MUSUEMS & ARTS GALLERIES
- Archaeological musuem Sarnath open 09:30 am.- 5 pm. Friday closed. Ramnager fort museum, open 10 am.-5 pm. Closed on Friday. Bharat Kala Bhawan B.H.U. open 10:30 am.- 4 pm. Clossed on Sundays & university holidays. Archaeological museum, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University open 10 am. – 5 pm. Clossed on Sunday & university holidays.
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- RIVER FRONT (GHATS)
- The spectacular 4 km sweep of the Ghats is unique sight, best viewed at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life is almost panoramic detail unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotees-swelling to thousands on auspicious days –perform rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwamedha ghat, where boats are available on hire.
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- DURGA TEMPLE
- Godess Durga is considered as the goddess of Strength and Power. This temple was built in the 18th century with red stone work. A fine example of Nagara art. This temple falls on the main route from Railway Station to BHU, just before Tulsi Manas temple and Sankatmochan temple.
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- TULSI MANAS TEMPLE
- Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls.
- SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE
- Lord Hanuman temple, who is known to be the 'Sankatmochak' is just 300 meters from Tulsi Manas Temple. It is an ancient temple considered as built by Goswami Tulsidas himself.
- NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE
- Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.
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- ALAMGIR MOSQUE
- An amalgamation of Hindu-Muslim religious sentiments, this mosque is also known as " Beni Madhav ka Darera". Curiously, the entire lower portion of the mosque is retained as a Hindu temple.
- BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
- This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.
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- JAIN TEMPLE
- The Famous Jain Saint Shvetambar temple is there just on the way from Railway Station to BHU, before Bhelupur street.
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- CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER TIBETAN STUDIES.
- The only institute of its kind in the world, imparting education in the Tibetan language, it was Est. by the Dalai Lama in 1971. Presently located at Sarnath, the institute has a rare collection of Buddhist texts, Tibetan manuscripts and other journals.
- Apart form that Sarnath & Chunar is very easily accessible from Varanasi.
For more information one can also visit the website : varanasi.nic.in
