Planning to take a pilgrimage this vacation? How about the holy city of Varanasi?
The virtuous Varanasi on the banks of Ganga-Ganges is one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists in India.
The two steams flowing through the city namely, Varuna and Assi lend their name to Varanasi. The city of spiritual light, Varanasi was earlier called the ancient living city of Benaras. Varanasi has been the center of education, religion, art of culture since ages. Varanasi indeed offers the incredible India at its religious and cultural zenith.
Pilgrims flock to the holy land of Varanasi and follow the age-old tradition of bathing and performing puja at the ghats. For the pilgrims the list of must visit temples include the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas temple, Vishwanath temple, Golden temple et al. For the holy dips Varanasi offers an amazing array of ghats for you to take your pick like the Tulsi Ghat, Dandi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Assi Ghat etc. Besides the religious spots Varanasi boasts of the Alamgir Mosque or the Beni Madhav Ka Darera. The structure reveals an amazing amalgamation of the hindu and mughal styles or architecture. You will be surprised to know that the mosque was earlier the Vishnu temple. The Bharat Mata temple happens to be another landmark in Varanasi since it is dedicated to Mother India unlike other temples.
The Benaras Hindu University or BHU is a landmark in Varanasi. It university was founded by Pt. M.M. Malviya and has the largest residential university is Asia. The observatory of Jantar mantar is another place worth a visit at Varanasi. Though it is the gharanas of Indian classical music that are equally popular.
The brocades and the saris in silk along with the bhadohi carpets make up the best souvenirs from the holy city of Varanasi. The chanting of the hymns, the sweet fragrance of incense sticks and the magnificent views of the great Ganges offer the best combination of the sights, sounds and smell for the golden memories of the unparalleled Varanasi.
