Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Indian cities. Also one of the holiest of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and Jainism, it is believed that those who die here are sure to find salvation. Located on the banks of the river Ganga, pilgrims from all over India travel to Varanasi to bathe in the holy waters. With the inflow of pilgrims, the city became an important trade centre and today, it is known for its Benaras silk sarees. Also knows as ‘the land of the sacred light’, the city has always been associated with philosophy and wisdom.
The riverbanks at Varanasi are lined with an endless chain of stone steps known as ghats. Many of them are associated with legends and you will see pilgrims, Brahmin priests perform their ablutions here. Most of them are used as bathing sites, whereas others are used for cremations. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn, when pilgrims perform pujas to the rising sun and at sunset when the main Ganga aarti takes place.
Dashashwamedha Ghat
Varansi’s most accessible and popular bathing ghat, Dashashwamedha means ‘ten horse sacrifices’. The name comes from the legend that Brahma performed a series of sacrifices here. This is where the Ganga aarti takes place.
Manikarnika Ghat
This ghat is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. According to legend, Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra (prayer of the crossing) in the ear of the dead.
Harishchandra Ghat
This is a smaller cremation ghat and is second in importance to Manikarnika ghat. However, it is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also known as the Golden Temple. The shivalinga in this temple is the main focus of pilgrims in Varanasi. While, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times, the current stands on the western bank of the Ganges and was built in 1777 by Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore. The original temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb, who constructed the Jnana Vapi Mosque on its site.
Jnana Vapi Mosque
Built on the foundations of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, stands the Jnana Vapi Mosque. Also known as the Great Mosque of Aurangzeb, simple white domes tower over the Jnana Vapi (Wisdom Well).
Durga Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is believed that the temple was built in the Nagara Style in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. According to legend, the statue of Goddess Durga appeared in the temple on its own. It is believed that the Goddess protects the holy city, Varanasi. During Navratri, one will find several Hindu devotees visiting the temple.
Shopping
Varanasi is known for its silk weaves, so make sure you pick up some exquisite Benaras sarees. You can also shop for brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys, musical instruments, hand-knotted carpets of of Mirzapur and gold jewellery. You can head to Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar, which are the main shopping areas of Varanasi. If you’re looking for brass, the best area is the Thatheri Bazaar. Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gall with its Temple Bazaar is the place to be forfor silk brocade and jewellery.
Food
For a taste of the Benarasi flavours, a must-try is the sweet and sour 'Langda aam', a variety of mango available in summers and the fragrant 'Benarasi paan'. Head to Kashi Chat Bhandar for tamatar ki chaat, palak ki chaat and to Pehalwan Lassi Bhandar for some delicious lassi.