Plan your next trip to Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Benares, is a large Hindu city that stretches along the Ganges River. Thousands of pilgrims and locals travel to its waterfront to perform daily ritual cleansing ceremonies, and its waterfront is dominated by long flights of stone ghats. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is Varanasi, also referred to by devotees as Kashi, the Luminous, or the City of Light, founded by Shiva.
It has preserved its religious life since the sixth century BC in one continuous tradition, in part by remaining outside the mainstream of political activity and historical development of the Subcontinent. It is the center of the Hindu universe and the geographic center of a religious geography that extends from the Himalayan cave of Amarnath in Kashmir to India’s southernmost point at Kanyakumari, Puri to the east, and Dwarka to the west.
One of the holiest of all tirthas, or “crossing places,” that give the devotee access to the divine and allow gods and goddesses to descend to earth, Varanasi is situated next to a ford on an ancient trade route. Throughout its history, it has drawn pilgrims, seekers, sannyasins, and students of the Vedas, including sages like Buddha, Mahavira (the founder of the Jain faith), and the great Hindu reformer Shankara.
With a long history, Varanasi is another holy city in India. It might be the oldest populated city ever discovered. Anyone who passes away in Varanasi is thought to be freed from the cycle of reincarnation, as it is known as the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction. According to legend, even a simple wash in the Ganges River can erase all sins.
Kashi was the original name of Varanasi in the Vedic era. Benaras, which is thought to be a variant of Varanasi, was the name used prior to 1956 when Varanasi became the official name. The confluence of the Varuna and Assi rivers gave rise to the name.
The most intriguing aspect of this mystical city is how its rituals are openly displayed along the numerous riverside ghats, which are used for everything from bathing to cremating the deceased. Along the river’s edge, you’ll also see people practicing yoga, receiving blessings, getting massages, shaving, and playing cricket.
The spiritual capital of India is Varanasi, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, also referred to as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras. One of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. The ancient city of Varanasi is dispersed throughout a maze of winding streets known as galis along the western banks of the Ganges. Temples at almost every turn engulf Varanasi, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular and the oldest of the lot. For good reason, Benaras is referred to as the city of Lord Shiva.
Varanasi is regarded as an lucky place to pass away because it is thought to bring moksha, or freedom from the cycle of life and death. The 80 or so ghats that border the Ganges are the city’s center of spiritual awakening. Be ready for the sights, sounds, and smells, and don’t forget to indulge in some hot chaat and cool lassi. However, just before dusk, the Ganga Aarti, a ceremony of incredible grandeur, starts to take place, putting an end to all the commotion and noise on the ghats.
Buddhists make a point of visiting this heavenly city as well. A portion of Benaras, where the first sermon of Gautam Buddha was delivered, is now Sarnath.
Things To Do
Go to the Ghats
The ghats are temples where many ashrams and holy saints reside, sadhus practice rituals, and families consult priests to bury their loved ones. They are beautiful structures in terms of architecture.
Try some of the regional specialties
Bhang (spiked milk), famous paan, traditional thalis, and the hot, sweet, and sour potato dish known as Benarasi Dum Aloo are all must-haves on any trip to Varanasi.
Wander through the winding alleyways
In the city’s endlessly winding streets and lanes, it’s simple to lose track of time and become lost. Discover some untapped resources for food and clothing while learning how the city is actually interconnected.
Travel the Ganges by boat
India is home to the renowned Ganges, but Varanasi is undoubtedly where it meets at its most interesting point. You will have the unusual opportunity to observe religious rituals from the waters as your boatman sails forward.
Take a Spiritual Walking Retreat
The physical and spiritual converge in Varanasi, where life and death reach their esoteric conclusions. Take a spiritual tour that is led around the city’s mysteries.