Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Varanasi-A Holy City in India
Kashi India
Kashi or Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, situated on the banks of the River Ganges. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back more than 3,000 years. Kashi is known for its spiritual significance and is considered one of the holiest cities in India. It is a major center of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Kashi city is home to many temples and ashrams, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important temples in India. The city is also known for its ghats or stepped embankments along the Ganges river, which are used for bathing, washing clothes, and performing religious rituals. The ghats of Varanasi are especially renowned for their cultural and religious significance, with many devotees visiting them to perform rituals and ceremonies.
Kashi Uttar Pradesh is also a major center of education, with several prestigious universities and institutions located in the city. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims from around the world, who come to experience the city’s unique blend of spirituality, culture, and history.
Weather Varanasi
Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate with three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer in Varanasi starts in March and lasts until June. Varanasi temperature-The temperature during this season ranges from 32°C to 46°C and the humidity levels can be quite high, making it feel very hot and uncomfortable. It is advisable to wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated during this season.
Monsoon in Varanasi starts in July and lasts until September. During this season, the city experiences heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Varanasi Temperatures during the monsoon season range from 25°C to 35°C. Winter in Varanasi starts in December and lasts until February. The temperature during this season ranges from 5°C to 15°C, with occasional fog and mist. It is advisable to carry warm clothing such as jackets and sweaters during this season. The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March, during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Places to visit in Kashi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a city with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Here are some of the top places to visit in Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the heart of Varanasi and is one of the most visited and revered pilgrimage sites in India. The temple has gold plating on its towers and domes. It is believed that the original temple was built by Lord Shiva himself, and the current structure was built in 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple complex consists of several small temples and shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Annapurna. The main sanctum sanctorum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, which is considered to be one of the twelve most sacred Jyotirlingas in India. Visitors to the temple are required to follow a strict dress code and remove all leather items, including belts and wallets, before entering the temple complex. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day, especially during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Navratri. The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is open from early morning until late at night, and visitors can witness the beautiful aarti (worship) ceremony performed by the priests every day.
Ganga aarti Kashi
Ganga Aarti is a popular ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the River Ganges in Kashi. It is a ceremony that involves the worship of the holy river and is a major attraction for tourists visiting the city. The Ganga Aarti is performed by a group of priests who offer prayers and chant hymns as they light lamps and wave them in unison, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing sight.
Also read- 5 Places That Make Sarnath Varanasi A Dream Destination
The Ganga Aarti takes place every day at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most famous ghats of Varanasi. The ceremony is usually held in the evening, just after sunset, and is attended by thousands of devotees and tourists who gather on the ghats to witness the ritual. During the Ganga Aarti, the priests chant hymns and offer flowers and incense to the holy river, seeking its blessings and thanking it for its nourishment and sustenance. The lamps used in the aarti are made of clay, and they are filled with oil and cotton wicks. As the priests wave the lamps in unison, the reflections of the lamps in the waters of the Ganges create a magical and enchanting sight.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous and bustling ghats of Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is believed to be the oldest and most spectacular ghat in Varanasi. The ghat is named after the ten horses (Dasa = ten, Ashwa = horse) that were sacrificed by Lord Brahma during a yajna (sacrificial ritual) performed here. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the ghat to welcome Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati to perform the Tandava dance.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is famous for its evening aarti (worship) ceremony performed by priests. The ghat is also popular for boat rides on the Ganges, where visitors can witness the aarti from the river and experience the beautiful view of the illuminated ghat and surrounding temples. The ghat is surrounded by several temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and is a hub of activity during festivals such as Diwali and Holi.
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is one of the most popular and vibrant ghats of Varanasi, located at the confluence of the Assi river and the Ganges river. It is known for its picturesque surroundings, cultural events, and lively atmosphere. Assi Ghat is named after the Assi river, which is believed to have originated from the mouth of a serpent king, Sheshnag. The ghat is a popular spot for morning walks, yoga sessions, and boat rides on the river.
Assi Ghat is also known for its cultural activities, with several events and festivals held throughout the year, including classical music and dance performances, poetry readings, and spiritual talks. The ghat is surrounded by several temples, including the Assi Ghat Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Varanasi and is frequented by devotees from all over the country. Visitors to Assi Ghat can also explore the nearby Banaras Hindu University, which is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. The university is known for its sprawling campus, beautiful architecture, and several museums and galleries.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most prominent ghats in Varanasi. It is known for its association with the Hindu belief of attaining moksha (salvation) by dying in Varanasi and being cremated at this ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is believed to be one of the two places in Varanasi where Lord Shiva himself resides, the other being the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The ghat is named after a sacred pond, Manikarnika Kund, which is believed to have been dug by Lord Vishnu himself.
The ghat is a hub of activity, with several cremation pyres burning around the clock, and people arriving with the bodies of their loved ones to perform the last rites. It is believed that those who die and are cremated at Manikarnika Ghat are freed from the cycle of birth and death, and attain moksha.
Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort is a magnificent fort located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River, across from the city of Kashi. It was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh, and it is one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in the region. The fort is known for its impressive architecture, which blends Mughal and Indian styles. It is spread over an area of around 6.8 hectares and comprises several structures, including a museum, a temple, a mosque, and a palace. The Ramnagar Fort Museum is the major attraction of the fort, which houses a vast collection of vintage cars, swords, guns, antique clocks, and other artifacts belonging to the royal family of Kashi. The Ramnagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the Fort premises.
Sarnath Varanasi
Sarnath is a small town located approximately 13 kilometers away from Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site and is renowned for being the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Sarnath is home to several Buddhist temples, monasteries, and stupas, many of which date back to the 3rd century BCE. The most famous monument in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, which is a massive cylindrical tower built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Apart from the Dhamek Stupa, other prominent attractions in Sarnath include the Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple is a famous temple located in Kashi, dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is named after the famous Hindu saint and poet, Tulsi Das, who wrote the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem that narrates the story of Lord Rama. The temple is believed to be built on the spot where Tulsi Das is said to have written the Ramcharitmanas, and the walls of the temple are adorned with verses and scenes from the poem. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden and has a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The architecture of the temple is impressive, with white marble walls and a multi-tiered shikhara (tower) that rises above the temple. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a marble idol of Lord Rama, and the walls of the temple are adorned with paintings and murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Rama.
Water park in Varanasi
There are several water parks in Varanasi where visitors can enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends. Some of the popular water parks are- JHV Fun City- JHV Fun City is a popular water park located on the outskirts of Varanasi. It has a range of water rides, including a wave pool, lazy river, and water slides. The park also has a range of other attractions, including a gaming zone, food court, and spa.
Jaunpur Water Park- Jaunpur Water Park is another popular water park located near Varanasi. It has a range of water slides, wave pools, and other water attractions. The park also has a restaurant and several other facilities.
Gautam Buddha Water Park-Gautam Buddha Water Park is located in the nearby city of Gorakhpur, around 100 km from Varanasi. It has a range of water slides, wave pools, and other water attractions, as well as several other facilities such as a restaurant and a gym.
Splash The Fun World- Splash The Fun World is a popular water park located in the city of Allahabad, around 120 km from Varanasi. It has a range of water rides and attractions, as well as several other facilities such as a restaurant and a discotheque.
How to Reach Kashi
Kashi Vishwanath mandir is a popular tourist destination and is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport to Varanasi- The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is the nearest airport. Varanasi airport is well-connected to major cities across India and several international destinations.
Varanasi junction railway station- Varanasi Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India and is well-connected to major cities across the country. Several superfast and express trains operate daily in Varanasi from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Varanasi is well-connected by road to major cities in the region, including Allahabad, Lucknow, and Gorakhpur. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir can also be reachable via the River Ganges. Several river cruises operate from Kolkata and Patna to Varanasi, offering a unique and picturesque way to experience the city.
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