Profile
John Doe
Explorer
3200 Points
Upcoming Trips
- 5 May - Mount Batur
- 15 May - Uluwatu Show
- 28 May - Rice Terraces
Explorer
3200 Points
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and India's spiritual heartland situated along the sacred banks of the River Ganges.
Stepping into Varanasi is like stepping back thousands of years into human history. Known locally as Kashi (the City of Light), this ancient maze of stone-paved alleyways, majestic riverfront stone steps (ghats), and lingering aromatic incense smoke forms the sacred heart of Hindu spirituality. Sitting majestically along the crescent-shaped western bank of the Ganges River, Varanasi offers an intense, soul-stirring sensory journey unmatched anywhere else on Earth.
Life in Varanasi revolves around its iconic ghats—nearly 84 stone steps leading down to the sacred waters of the Ganges. Every sunrise brings thousands of pilgrims to perform sacred baths, offer prayers, and perform ancient rituals.
Every evening at dusk, Dashashwamedh Ghat transforms into a dramatic amphitheater of light and sound for the Ganga Aarti ritual. Young priests dressed in traditional saffron robes perform synchronized movements holding heavy multi-tiered brass oil lamps, amidst chanting, ringing bells, and blowing conch shells. Watching this mesmerizing devotional ritual from a wooden boat on the river is an absolute must-experience highlight of any visit.
Beyond the riverbank lies an intricate network of narrow labyrinthine lanes known as Galis. Navigating these alleys reveals hidden shrines, artisan workshops, and sacred cows calmly wandering through. Key holy places include:
Varanasi is a foodie's paradise offering iconic North Indian street food treats. Indulge in warm Kachori Sabzi for breakfast, refresh yourself with creamy Lassi served in traditional clay cups (kulhad), and savor winter delicacies like Malaiyyo (foamy milk dessert infused with saffron and pistachios). Never leave without sampling the world-famous Banarasi Paan.
For centuries, the city has also been renowned for producing exquisite Banarasi Silk Sarees, woven meticulously with gold and silver brocades (Zari). Visiting local weaver colonies in Madanpura or Peeli Kothi gives fascinating insight into this delicate heirloom craft.
Just 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The peaceful grounds showcase the impressive Dhamek Stupa, ancient monastery ruins, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, housing the famous Ashoka Lion Capital.
Tucked within the vibrant, winding lanes of old Varanasi lies the sacred Kal Bhairav Temple, dedicated to one of the most fierce and powerful avatars of Lord Shiva. Known reverently as the Kotwal of Kashi (the police chief or protector of Varanasi), Lord Kal Bhairav is believed to guard the holy city against evil forces and ensure spiritual order.According to age-old tradition, every pilgrim visiting Varanasi must pay homage at this shrine to seek permission from the deity before beginning their spiritual journey in Kashi. The atmosphere inside the inner sanctum is charged with intense devotion. The silver-faced idol of Kal Bhairav is adorned with vibrant marigold garlands, and he is depicted holding a trident while seated on his divine vehicle, a dog.Devotees offer mustard oil, traditional sweets, and black protective threads called Ganda, which priest tie around wrists to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is widely regarded as one of the most revered spiritual sanctuaries in Hinduism. Located in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, meaning the 'Ruler of the Universe'.Standing gracefully on the western bank of the sacred River Ganges, the temple is an essential pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees worldwide. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath and taking a dip in the holy Ganges is believed to cleanse one's sins and lead to liberation (Moksha).The newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor seamlessly connects the temple complex directly to the historic ghats, offering a spacious, majestic, and serene experience for pilgrims traversing from Lalita Ghat directly to the inner sanctum.
Nestled near the southern end of Varanasi, close to the Banaras Hindu University campus, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple stands as one of the most spiritually powerful and beloved shrines in the holy city. The name Sankat Mochan translates to 'Reliever of Troubles,' and millions of devotees flock here seeking comfort, courage, and relief from life's obstacles.Unlike many of Varanasi's ancient, tightly packed riverbank temples, Sankat Mochan boasts a tranquil, open courtyard shaded by lush trees. The temple complex has a deeply welcoming, calming vibe where visitors often sit quietly on the floor for hours listening to continuous chants of the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand. One of the most unique aspects of the deity here is that Lord Hanuman faces directly toward the shrine of Lord Rama, portraying his eternal and selfless devotion.Key Highlights & ExperiencesDelicious Prasad: The temple is world-famous for its delicious, freshly made Besan ke Ladoo (gram flour sweet balls), which devotees offer to the deity and take home as blessed prasad.Friendly Monkey Troops: Hundreds of monkeys inhabit the trees and roofs around the complex. Considered symbolic attendants of Lord Hanuman, they are generally harmless if left undisturbed, though keeping snacks tucked away is advised!Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh: Every year around April, the temple hosts a world-renowned 6-day Indian classical music and dance festival. Legendary musicians and dancers from across India perform all night long as an offering to Lord Hanuman, open free to the public.Visiting this shrine offers a deeply moving glimpse into the authentic spiritual fabric of Varanasi, away from the intense hustle of the main ghats.