Tahir Shah, a popular Pakistani musician, wrote beautifully about Varanasi- “Enlightenment, and death which comes before it is the primary business of Varanasi.”
Twisted words, but he delivered the essence that Varanasi is a place for enlightenment. Therefore, one should visit Varanasi at least once in a lifetime.
If you are planning to visit Varanasi, we suggest not to miss these places-
The Monkey Temple
The Monkey Temple of Varanasi is dedicated to Goddess Durga. People believe that the shrine emerged from the land itself and it is not man-made. The temple confines to the Nagara form of architecture. But why is it called the monkey temple?
Well, because of an excessive population of monkeys in the temple premises and the surrounding area, the temple got its name. Don’t worry, the monkeys are not menacing here.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
This is the oldest Ghat (number of steps leading down to the river) in Varanasi. When you visit Dasaswamedh Ghat, please make it a point to attend the evening aarti there. After the aarti, the devotees leave the earthen lamps in water. The fleet of lamps in water is a mesmerizing scene. Though the ghat is always full of devotees, saints, beggars, but is worth paying a visit.
Manikarnika Ghat
This is a holy cremation ground of Hindus. People believe that the dead cremated here reaches the heaven directly. The place has a mythological significance as well. When Lord Shiva was taking his dead wife Sati (Parvati) to the Himalayas, one of her ornaments fell at this place. Goddess Parvati got her name Sati when she sacrificed her life.
The place could feel smelly and it is not a pleasnt place. Yet could be a different travel experience.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi is one of the 12 sacred temples of Lord Shiva, called Jyotirling. People believe the temple to be more than 3500 years old.
Panchganga Ghat
At this place, river Ganges converges with the four other rivers- Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhupapapa. This makes an overwhelming view of nature’s wonders.
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