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Come to the abode of Lord Shiva – Varanasi. One of the most ancient cities
in the world, Vanarasi has something in the air that spells divinity
itself with all its religiosity and reverence. Veneration for Varanasi or
Kashi has existed from time immortal attracting a lot of tourists from all
over the world in search of his share of salvation. The age old temples,
mazes of lanes and fat old bulls blocking the roads are all that seem to
take you century behind leaving your soul bewildered and awe inspired.
Pilgrims and devotees find this city the right place to raise their
spiritualism and sense of absolute being and hence travel from various
corners of the world to have a glance of the city.
The city finds mention in the age old Upanishads, epics and Indian
mythologies. The seven thousand years old hue of Varanasi presents a
kaleidoscope of pre-historic antiquity blending nicely with the heritage
of ancient time and also combining with the thread of present time. Hindus
believe that to die in the city attains instant salvation. As you take a
walk in the ghats and streets of Varanasi, you will find old people
spending their days in the holy city taking the names of Lord Vishwanath
(Lord Shiva) and hoping to end their lives here to make a move to the
heaven.
As We Follow The Legend
As the legend goes, once Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, grew a
fifth head to prove his superiority. On a stance of rage Lord Shiva cut
the excess head and eventually became a hunt of wrath, accused by the sin
of Brahman slaughter, considered as one of the deadly sins in Hindu
mythology. The sin clung to his body in the form of the head that he had
cut off and he was unable to get rid of it. Then Lord Shiva started for a
long pilgrimage in search of atonement. He was purified by the holy water
of the Ganges and was released of this heinous crime in the sacred land of
Varanasi. This is the reason that make Vanarasi, Lord Shiva's favourite
dwelling place in the earth.
Kashi
Vishwanath Temple
The temple is dedicated to the prime deity of Vanarasi – Vishwanath, an
identity of Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Golden Temple for its 15.5 metre high spire coated with one ton of gold plating and which is standing
gracefully in Varanasi. The temple was destroyed during various invasions
and was rebuilt by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in 1776. You can even offer 'puja'
in the temple and there are holy saints in the temple premises to help you
out. But it is always advisable to go for some authorized persons which
your guide will help you to find out.
At the temple gate you will have to go through a security checking and you
are requested to co-operate with the guards. You will have to leave your
mobile phone there. Any kind of baggage or food item is not admissible
inside the temple premises and hence you are requested to leave them in
your hotel or bus.
Banaras Hindu University
Established at the beginning of this century, Benaras Hindu University is
famous for having an excellent Sanskrit school. It has over 150,000 rare
manuscripts in its collection, which promotes the study of Hindu Shastras
inviting students from all over the country to live and study here. The
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum inside the university campus is one of the best
museums in India and deserves a close look from your side. The big statue
of Krishna holding Govardhana Hill, dating from the fourth century is no
doubt the prime attraction of the museum.
Sarnath
Sarnath situated at a distance of 8 km from Varanasi is one of the most
important sites of Buddhist circuits. It still holds the reminiscence of
Lord Buddha which is savoured by thousands of tourists every year coming
from different parts of the world. As you take a walk in the ancient roads
and lanes, you may have a spine chilling experience with the feeling that
Lord might had walked on the same road some thousand years back. The
Sarnath complex houses the remains of a Buddhist monastic settlement which
are till now alive with the fragrance Buddhist divinity. Dharma Chakra
Stupa is a must see place in Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first
sermon after attaining salvation. The area comes alive when the devotees
fill the ambience enchanting Sanskrit mantra. Once you are in Sarnath, do
not miss to visit the museum which contains some exquisite 6th or 11th
century Buddhist icons excavated from the site, which may just leave you
bedazzled. Don't miss to have the experience.
Shopping Delight
Benaras or Varanasi is the heaven of dazzling silk sarees and Indian
traditional musical instruments. The Beanarasi Silk Saree are the
inevitable part of any Indian marriage which are ornamented with thin wire
work. The tradition of using gold and silver wire in the saree make it
even more precious item which Indian women store and care for their whole
life. It won't be wrong to say that every Indian woman possesses at least
one Benarasi Saree. We recommend you to go to Government emporia or
authorized shops to get the best of Benarasi Silk.
From Sitar, Tanpoora, Veena and Tabla to modern Guitar and Keyboard, the
musical instrument shops of Varanasi are well stocked with good quality
musical instruments. You may have an instrument of life time from here.
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