State : Uttar Pradesh
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
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.
Place to See
The Ghats Of Varanasi
In this ancient city of pilgrimage, the bathing ghats are main attraction.
People flock here in large numbers every day to take bath and worship
in the temples built beside the river bank. Centuries old tradition
to offer puja to the rising Sun is still maintained.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as
the golden Temple due the Gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high
spire. One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been
used in the gold plating of the spire. The temple was destroyed
in the various invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai
of Indore. .
Bharat Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one kilometer from
the Varanasi station. The temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi
Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This
temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens
could respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is built
in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimension
which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.
Nepali Temple
The King of Nepal had built this temple on Lalita ghat in Nepali
style. The Nepali temple is also called the 'Kathwala temple'. The
temple has some magnificent woodwork. Tourist from all over the
world come just to see this temple which has no comparison with
any other temple in India. The workers who carved this temple out
were brought from Nepal. The wood used in the temple is also found
in Nepal. The speciality of this wood is that termites do not eat
this wood.
Banaras Hindu University
The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed
University and is situated in Varanasi . The great nationalist leader,
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University
in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role
in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played
an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period
of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning
in India.
Fairs & Festivals
Buddh Purnima: Sarnath (May)
This festival is celebrated in May to mark the birth of Lord Buddha.
An occasion of gaiety and rare abandon, on this day a large fair
is held at Sarnath and relics of the Buddha are taken out in a procession.
Bharat Milap (Oct - Nov), at Nati Imli
At Nati Imli, Ram’s reunion with his brother Bharat is celebrated
on the day flowing Dussehra. A major event at Varanasi, this festival
is attended by the Maharaja of Kashi in all his regal finery. .
Mahashivratri
Though celebrated all over India as a major Hindu festival, Mahashivratri
has a special attraction of its own at Varanasi. Especially worth
mentioning is the marriage procession of Lord Shiva which is taken
out beginning from Maha-mritunjaya temple, Daranagar to Kashi Vishwanath
temple.
How to Reach
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. For travel reservations contact
Indian Airlines.
Train : 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),Saryu-Yamuna
Express,(Muzzafarpur-Varanasi-delhi), 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).
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.