Popularly known as cultural capital of India, Varanasi
(Banaras) is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the land of
spiritualism that attracts thousands of pilgrims round the year. Here, every
faith finds a belief, be it Buddhism, Jainism or Hinduism. The city located
on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges.
The life and activities in the city centres around the holy river. Life on
the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men,
women and children - come down to wash their sins away.
Varansi is the window into Indian culture, its heritage, history, belief
and the challenges faced to preserve the age old tradition. It has a rich
and unique style of art and form. The master craftsman of the land has made
it popular all over the world for aristocratic saris, textile, wooden toys,
ornaments and metal work. Varanasi presents a unique cultural fabric. There
is another interesting facet to Varanasi, where one can enjoy Benarasi pans,
Thandai, Gamcha, Bahri Alang and Mauj Masti. Music, drama and entertainment
are all synonymous with the city. Benaras has long been famous for its
music, both vocal and instrumental and has its own dance tradition.
Ghats
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Also known as the Golden Temple, Kashi Vishwnath Temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva - the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the
point where the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva
manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth's crust
and flared towards the heavens.
Ghats
The great river banks of Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and
nineteenth century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined
with chain of stone steps - the ghats - progressing along the whole of the
waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations
of the river level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is marked by a
lingam, and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the
holy city. Dashashwamedha Ghat
Dashashwamedha is Varanasi's most popular Ghat with, with rows of pandas
sitting on wooden platforms under bamboo umbrellas, masseurs plying their
trade and boatmen jostling for custom. Its name, "ten horse sacrifices",
derives from a complex series of sacrifices performed by Brahma to test King
Divodasa: Shiva and Parvati were sure the king's resolve would fail, and he
would be compelled to leave Kashi, thereby allowing them to return to their
city. However, the sacrifices were so perfect that Brahma established the
Brahmeshvara lingam here. Since that time, Dashashwamedha has become one of
the most celebrated pilgrimage spot in India, where pilgrims can reap the
benefits of the huge sacrifice merely by bathing.
Bharat Kala Bhawan, B.H.U
Ashramas
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Started in 1950 as a university museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan in
popular for its unique collection of miniature paintings. It has a rich and
diverse 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.
Maths & Ashramas:
Varanasi has been home to Indian philosophy, spiritualism and mysticism.
Therefore, the holy city is dotted with numerous Maths and Ashrams. At
Varanasi different religious outfits have their own Maths & Ashrams.
Many of these Maths and Ashrams have survived for centuries and have become
centers of spiritualism for various religious activities.
The rustic charm of the old city is reflected in the beautiful monuments,
temples and various seats of learning. Some of the other attractions of
Varanasi include:
| Banaras Hindu University |
Jantar Mantar |
| Ramnagar Fort |
Kashi Vidya Peeth |
| Museums & Arts Galleries |
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