"Lord Vishwanath's Blessing Banaras"
Om Namah Shivaya
Lord
Vishwanath's Blessing Banaras
Banaras
is located in the south eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is
well connected by rail, air, road to all the major cities of the country. The
city is set on the bank of the river Ganga which is the holiest river according
to Hindu religion. The best time to visit Banaras is from November to February.
One may walk around the city without feeling exhausted in winter season. The
average temperature during winter is 5 degree Celsius.
It
is one of the seven sacred spots for the Hindus.
Where
the eternal light intersects the Earth, it is known as “Kashi”. The synopsis of
the city put forward beautifully, one may call it Varanasi, Banaras and Kashi
the city has a calling for each. What drove me to the city is my deep rooted
sync with Lord Shiva or Kashi Vishwanath as one may call it. I went Banaras
along with my family 18 months back. My trip of Banaras is very nice.
Banaras inhabits the
oldest civilization of the world. Its civilization dates back to 2000 BCE.
Banaras has been continuously inhabited since then. Banaras exhibits a unique
combination of Spirituality, Art and its world famous Ghats. Banaras is
believed to be the centre to attain Moksh or Salvation. It is this
combination that has a magnetic pull for tourist both Domestic and
International.
Banaras was famous for
the production of perfumes, Ivory works, sculpture and fabrics. The Banarasi
silk still rules the heart of every Indian woman and equally fascinate the international tourist.
Banaras has a significant
importance to Hindus because it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
stood when time started ticking for the first time. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Along with Kashi Vishwanath temple there are other
temples such as Durga Temple, Sankatmochan Temple and Bharat Mata Temple. The
famous Ramcharitramanas was composed by Goswami Tulsidas in Banaras. The soil
is blessed with feet of Buddha who gave lecture on the first s of the Wheel of
Dharma during 528 BCE.
During the Banaras tour there
are a few things you can consider. stroll on the ghats, witness a cremation,
take a boat ride at sunrise along the holy Ganga, sunrise and sunset aarti, Banaras
Hindu University and Sarnath trip.
As we all know Banaras is
famous for the ghats. Dashashwamedh ghat is the main and the busiest ghat.
Assi ghat and Kedar ghat are also equally intresting.
Cremation by burning the body is a ritual performed by the Hindus and yes it is the most bewitching part of the tour to Banaras. The pyre burns almost 24 by 7 at m
Manikarnika
ghat and Harishchandra ghat.
Witnessing a burning body aquaints you to the basic fact that after death body
is reduced to ash hence learn to be humble and lead a simple yet inspirational
life. Burning of body is scientifically the most hygienic way to dispose the
body.
Watching the sunrise is wonderful while taking a boat ride in the holy river. The boat ride cost nothing more than 150-200 (INR). While taking a ride one will notice the ritual of life and death being performed on the same ghat.
Furthermore, Banaras is also referred to as the''City of Music'' by UNESCO. The city is famous for its classical music. It is not uncommon to hear the strains of a sitar, shehnai or the beats of a tabla in the streets of Banaras. After all, this is the home of music maestros like Bismillah Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar. Not only did these pioneers give Varanasi a distinct musical identity, their popularity spanned over international boundaries, bringing scores of music enthusiasts here to learn instruments. Classes apart, the city is famous for handmade instruments. You can find several shops along Bengali Tola.
The city also
offers various temples and some of them are hundreds of years old. Moreover, it
is a great place for those who love exploring architecture.
On the other
hand, if you’re a foodie and love to experience food in various places, this
city is for you. Banaras is an excellent place to try some mouth-watering
street food.
Street foods
of Banaras represent the true essence of the city’s culture and cuisine.
Banarsi Paan is the most recommended when in Varanasi. Try Mallaiyo, Kachori
sabzi, Jalebi, Tamatar Chat, Laung-Lata and you will fall in love with the city
again and again.
Explore Tourist Places Of
Banaras
BANARAS TEMPLES
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi
Vishwanath Temple is considered to be one of the divine temples in India which
is located on the western banks of the sacred river Ganga and is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to
Shaiva Philosophy, Kashi Vishwanath temple is a central part of worship for a
very long time.
The temple has
been destroyed and reconstructed various times in history. The last framework
was destroyed by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor. Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai
Holkar of Indore reconstructed temple in 1780.
It is believed
that a visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganga lead one on a path to
Moksha. Therefore, Hindus from all over the world try to visit this place once
in a lifetime. During special festivals such as Shivaratri, Kashi Naresh visits
the temple for worship.
As it is one
of the most famous temples of Varanasi, it attracts around 3,000 devotees on a
daily basis. The small temples around Kashi Vishwanath temple are Kaal Bhairav,
Virupaksh Gauri, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu and Vinayaka temple.
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan
Hanuman Mandir was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet-saint Sri
Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is dedicated to the Hindu God
Hanuman. Situated on the banks of the Assi river, It is believed that anyone
who visits the temple and offers prayer with dedication, Lord Hanuman, the
reliever of worries, relieved his/her worries. The temple attracts a lot of
devotees every Tuesday and Saturday.
3. Maa Annapurna Temple
Maa Annapurna
Temple is yet another one of the most famous Hindu temples in Banaras.
Annapurna Dei is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is
worshipped as the nourishment and provider of food. The temple features two
idols of the goddess, one idol is made of gold while the other one is made up
of brass. The brass idol can be seen any day of the year. On the other hand to
see the gold idol you need to plan your visit on Annakut day i.e, the day
before Diwali.
4. Kaal Bhairav Temple
Kaal Bhairav
temple is one of the ancient temples of Banaras and speaks about the aggressive
form of Lord Shiva. Located in Visheshar Ganj, Kaal Bhairav Temple is
just 10 minutes away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Kaal
Bhairav is considered as the guardian of the city and one needs permission from
the idol before they leave the city.
5. Durga Kund Temple
Durga Kund
Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is situated next to a rectangular Kund.
Back in the 18th century, the Durga Kund temple was built by Rani Bhabani of
Natore. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess has appeared on
its own in the temple. Durga Kund Temple portrays the famous Nagara style of
architecture.
7. New Vishwanath Temple B.H.U.
The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to the great Lord Shiva. Not only
is it located in the heart of the cultural capital of India - Banaras, but its
divinity is multiplied by the holy river Ganga that flows by its side. Banaras
Hindu University is hence home to one of the biggest tourist attractions in the
city of Banaras, the grand New Vishwanath Temple. Visiting this temple gives
the worshipper the space to put himself in the hands of God, at his disposition
and listen to the voice in his heart.
The peace and calm of the temple help you forget the distractions of
daily life. The positive aura in the air compels one to surrender himself in
the gentle caress of the Almighty. The very famous Jyotirlinga of Shiva,
Vishweshwara, is believed to have immense and unending power.
BANARAS GHATS
1.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Dasaswamedh
Ghat is the primary ghat in Banaras on the River Ganga and as the name implies,
it is commonly believed that Lord Brahma performed the ritual of Dasa
Ashwamedha (10 horses) sacrifice. It is situated close to Vishwanath Temple and
is the impressive Ghat in Varanasi. As mentioned earlier, this is the primary
ghat where Ganga aarti is performed every evening. The view and feeling of
Ganga aarti cannot be expressed in words.
In addition to
that, everyday pilgrims come here to perform various rituals and religious
activities. There are a lot of people who visit every day in the morning to
meditate at the ghat because of the beautiful environment, fresh air and a
spectacular view of the sun rising. Some also come here daily to offer prayer
to their Lord and take a holy bath in the river Ganga.
Assi Ghat is
situated on the confluence of the River Ganga and Assi. Situated in the south
of the city, Assi Ghat is famous for Shivlingam placed under a peepal tree. The
importance of the Assi Ghat can be seen in the Puranas. A large number of tourists
come here to witness the spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise at the
Ganges. As it is closer to Banaras Hindu University, hence it is frequently
visited by students.
Assi Ghat, Banaras
3.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika
ghat in Banaras is famous for the cremation by the Hindus and is one of the
oldest ghats. If you want to witness the cremations and funerals, you can pay
your visit to Manikarnika Ghat, but do not take photos.
Watching the
funeral can be a difficult and emotional experience. But the more you will understand
the Hindu culture, the less difficult it will be. It is believed that, when
Lord Shiva was carrying Sati to the Himalayas, the ornament worn on her ear
fell down. It is a common belief that those who are cremated here get Moksha.
Sunrise and Sunset Aarti: There is a small aarti which is performed at the
sunrise on the banks of the Ganga. Similar aarti is performed in the evening
and it is a mesmerizing sight. One can see huge crowd gathered on the banks
with people from all walks of life gathering for this ritual with ardent
faith. The aarti is performed by the Pandits in such a fashion that their
movements are synchronised with each other. The lamp used to perform the aarti
is seven layered and quite big. One must attend the ganga aarti and soak in the
experience.
Ramnagar Fort: As the name suggest it was ancestral home to the Maharaja of
Benaras which was originally built in the 17th Century. Though
the fort is not maintained and is crumbling to pieces it offers a stunning view
of the ghats over the sunset.
Ramnagar Fort Banaras
Banaras Hindu University: Banaras Hindu University is an internationally
reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Banaras. This Creative
and innovative university was found by the great nationalist leader, Pandit
Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr
Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India record. The area of the
main campus of this premiere central university is 1300 acres, having well
maintained roads, extensive greenery, a temple, an air strip and buildings
which are an Architectural delight. B.H.U. more
than 30000 students residing on campus, it is the largest residential
university in Asia.
Jantar
Mantar
The Jantar Mantar observatory, constructed in 1737, is located
above the ghats along the Ganges, and is adjacent to the Manmandir and Dasaswamedh Ghats and near the palace
of Jai Singh II of Jaipur. While less equipped than the
observatories at Jaipur and Delhi, the Jantar Mantar has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows
measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person.
Sarnath: As
mentioned earlier Banaras was also a place where Buddha gave his first sermon
after attaining enlightment. It is one of the 4 important sites on Buddhist
circuit.
Away from the hustle
bustle of the city this place offers a breath of fresh air with the ruins of
stupas, temples and monasteries. Dhamekh stupa and monastery is the place where Buddha
gave his first sermon, there is also large Chaukhandi
Stupa from the 5th century where Buddha met his first disciples
which was later topped by a large Mughal tower, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar is the
place where the Buddha’s first sermon is chanted daily at
sunset.
Apart from this one can
also visit the Akhada’s the Bull shop, arrange a meeting with the Facebook
baba, Kashi Labh Mukti Bhavan, Saint Ravidas temple and Aghori Ashram.
Dr. Mayank Chandrakar is a writer also. My first book "Ayurveda Self Healing: How to Achieve Health and Happiness" is available on Kobo and Instamojo. You can buy and read.
For Kobo-
https://www.kobo.com/search?query=Ayurveda+Self+Healing
The second Book "Think Positive Live Positive: How Optimism and Gratitude can change your life" is available on Kobo and Instamojo.
जय बाबा विश्वनाथ.....
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