Varanasi is situated on the banks of river Ganges, commonly known as Banaras or Kashi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Varanasi is 350 kilometers south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is a city of ghats rich with art, culture and traditions.
Varanasi is the world’s oldest city and is a major center for religious significance and historic remains. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and Jainism. As per Hindu mythology Varanasi is believed to be the city of Lord Shiva and is said to be placed on the trishul of Lord Shiva.
In Hinduism it is believed dying here and getting cremated along the banks of the "holy" river Ganges allows one to attain salvation.
Varanasi is an important industrial center and is quite famous for the Banarsi Silk and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. It is also famous for the Diesel Locomotive Works commonly known as DLW.
Varanasi leaves its marks with its myriad of shops, crowded streets, holy ghats, temples, chanting of mantra and bhajans all across the city. One gets mesmerized with the world famous Ganga Aarti along the banks of river Ganga. Banaras is famous fro its simple lifestyle with essence of ritual everywhere.
Other center of attractions are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Banaras Hindu University, Ramnagar Fort and Museum and many more.
It is believed that Lord Buddha after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya given his first sermon at Sarnath 12 kilometers from Varanasi.
Varanasi is of immense importance in Hinduism and the greatest poet of the era Tulsidas wrote the greatest epic Ram Charit Manas here in Varanasi.
There are several Hindu temples in Varanasi to name a few are Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Durga Temple.
Varanasi is also world famous for one of the largest residential universities Banaras Hindu University (BHU) which was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
Varanasi is well connected by Airways, Railways and Road with rest of the country. The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport, Varanasi and the nearest railway station is Varanasi Cant. Varanasi is well connected with State run roadways as well as Private Bus / Taxi operators.
Assi ghat is one of the most beautiful ghats of Varanasi. It is the biggest ghat. This is the place where river Assi meets Ganga.
Boating in river Ganga is one of the most memorable and pleasant, one must experience and never miss.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most lively and colorful ghat of Varanasi.
The temple of goddess Durga is from 18th century.
Ganga aarti at Varanasi is world famous. Aarti is performed daily at Dashashwamedh ghat by a group of priests in the evening.
Harishchandra Ghat is another cremation ghat and is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.
Though there are several temples in Varanasi and is also sometimes referred as city of temples, but the Kashi Vishvnath Temple is the most famous where Lord Shiva is present. The current temple was built in 17th century by Devi Ahalya Bai of Indore.
Manikarnika Ghat is the primary cremation ghat. It is said people cremated here will attain salvation.
The fort is of 17th century and is situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. Its a beautiful place to visit having mesmerizing views.
The temple is of Lord Hanuman. The temple is marked with presence of several monkeys.
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