Known formerly as Kashi or Banaras, this ancient city set on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi gets its name from the two tributaries of the Ganga, Varuna and Assi, between which it is situated. This enchanting city is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva. One of the oldest cities in the world and the most important pilgrimage site in India. Varanasi or Banaras, with its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water's edge, is one of the most picturesque cities in the east. The main attraction here are the Ghats (wide stairways, descending from the buildings down to the water's edge), each with its own significance. Since the sixth century BC, this city has been a center of learning and the tradition has been kept alive in a continuous tradition. Most Indians believe that anyone dying in Varanasi attains instant enlightenment. For the western tourist, Varanasi is an ideal window to view thousands of years old Indian cultural traditions. No other place in the world has this timeless quality or such a holy and soulful atmosphere. The Golden Temple, which is the main temple of Varanasi, is dedicated to Shiva or Vishveswara (Vishwanath). The original temple was located across the road, but it was destroyed by Aurangzeb who had built a mosque over it. The present temple was built by Ahilya Bai of Indore in 1777. The Mosque of Aurangzeb, has been built using columns from the original temple razed by Aurangzeb. This mosque has minarets towering 71 metres above the Ganges. The Durga Temple was built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani in the Nagara Style. It is painted red with ochre. The temple has the typical five spires (symbolizing the elements) merging into one (Brahma).
PLACES TO VISIT IN VARANASI:-
Vishwanath temple
The Vishwanath temple, or Golden Temple, is the most sacred temple in Varanasi and is dedicated to Vishveswara-Shiva as lord of the universe. The original temple was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and the present temple was built in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore . 800kg of gold plating on the towers, which gives the temple its colloquial name, was provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore some 50 years later.
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi has long been a centre of learning and that tradition is continued today at the Benaras Hindu University (BHU) built in 1917. It is considered to be the largest residential university in Asia. It was founded by the great nationalist Pandit Malaviya as a centre for education in Indian art, music, culture and philosophy, and for the study of Sanskrit. The five sq km campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan which has a fine collection of miniature paintings, sculptures from 1st to 15th centuries.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Only 150m south of Durga Temple is the modern marble shikhara-style Tulsi Manas Temple, built in 1964. Its two tier walls are engraved with verves and scenes from the Ram Charit Manas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana. Its author , poet Tulsi Das, lived here while writting it.This Temple is on the spot where Saint Tulsidas composed the Ramayana in Hindi (The Ramacharitamanas).
Durga Temple
The Durga temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi and is built in the 18th century, by Bengali maharani and is stained red with ochre . This temple is built in north Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). The shikhara of the temple is formed by many small spires which are built one on top of the other. Durga is the 'terrible' form of Shiva's consort Parvati, so at festivals there are often sacrifices of goats. It is commonly known as Monkey Temple due to many frisky monkey that have made it their home.
Ram Nagar Fort & Museum
On the opposite bank of river, this 17th century fort is the home of the former maharaja of Benaras. It looks most impressive from the river, though the decrepit planking of the pantoon bridge you cross to reach it is somewhat of a distraction. During the mansoon access is by ferry. The intresting museum here contains old silver & brocade palanquins for the ladies of the court, gold-plated elephant howdahs, an astrological clock, marcabre elephant traps and an armoury of swords and old guns.
Bharat Mata Temple
Dedicated to 'Mother India', this temple has a marble relief map of India instead of usual images of gods & goddesses. The map is said to be perfectly in scale, both vertically and horizontally. the temple was opened by Mahatma Gandhi.
