Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, is the oldest and sacred city in India. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, this city is world famous for its cultural heritage, religious significance, and lively environment. Varanasi is not not just a city, but an experience. Every street, ghat and temples have a different story in itself

History and importance  

The history of varanasi is more than 3,000 years old, and is counted among the oldest inhabited cities in the world. According to mythological beliefs, it was settled by Lord Shiva. It is an important center of Hinduism, as well as its major contribution in the development of Buddhist and Jainism.

Best Places to visit in Varanasi 

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and is a major religious center in India. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Ganges, it is a city of temples, ghats and spiritual importance. Here are some of the best places to travel in Varanasi:-

 Ghats :-

1. Dashshwameh Ghat

Dashshwameh Ghat is a famous place situated on the banks of Ganga. It has religious and historical importance. According to Kashi Khand, Brahma came here and performed Ashwamedha Yagya. There’s a temple of Prayageshwar here. This is the land on which the Bharshiv kings performed the yagya. In 1929 during the excavation, many yagya kund were found here.

2. Manikarnika Ghat 

Manikarnika Ghat is a famous ghat located on the banks of river Ganga in Varanasi. It is believed that at one time, Lord shiva was passing through there carrying the dead body of Maa parvati. Then the earrings of goddess parvati fell there and from that time the name of this place became Manikarnika. It is believed that by cremating any dead body here, one attains heaven. This Ghat is built by Goddess Ahilyabai, which is a very famous Ghat. Maniakarnika Ghat is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

3. Raja Ghat 

Raja Ghat was built by Rajarao Balaji in 1720, after that, in 1965, the Uttar Pradesh government got this Ghat rebuilt. The stairs of this Ghat are made of red stones. Deepotsav is also organized at this Ghat which is dedicated to Ganga. Raja Ghat was built in the 18th century by Raja Balwant Singh who was the famous king of varanasi. The natural beauty of this Ghat is very famous. Thousands of pilgrims come there in Varanasi. 

4. Assi Ghat 

This Gaht is the most famous Ghat of Varanasi. Like other Ghats, thousands of people come to this Ghat. It is believed that Goddess Durga, after killing two demons Shumbh and Nishumbh, threw her sword on this Ghat and the river on which this sword had fallen is known as Assi River. When Gnaga and Assi river meet, this Ghat is known as Assi Ghat. 

5. Ganga Mahal Ghat 

Ganga Mahal Ghat of Varanasi wa sbuilt in 1830 century by Narayan dynasty. There was a palace on this Ghat due to which this Ghat is known as Ganga Mahal Ghat. Situated on the banks of river Ganga, this Ghat is used for educational institutions and universities. This Ghat is also one of the famous Ghats of Varanasi. 

6. Lalita Ghat 

Lalita Ghat was constructed in the beginning of the 19th century  by the king of Nepal. This Ghat was named after the hindu goddess Lalita. This Ghat has been constructed in the northern area of Varanasi. A very beautiful temple was built on this Ghat, which houses the Lord of Pashipatishwar. Pashupatishwar is a form of Lord Shiva. Tourists come to this Ghat from far and wide for painating and photography. Apart from the temple of Lalita Gauri, Nepali temples are also built on this Ghat. 

Temples: 

1.Kashi vishwanath Temple 

This is one of the most important temples in Hinduism. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is built on the banks of the Ganga river. Vishwanath temple is located in Vishwanath street, varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that visiting this temple leads to salvation. In olden times, Varanasi was known as Kashi, hence the name of this temple is also the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

2.Durga Temple 

This temple is dedicated to hindu Goddess Durga, the goddess of power. Durga temple is located near Durga kund, hence the name of this kund is also Durga kund. The architecture of this temple is very beautiful. Durga temple is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in hinduism.

3.Annapurna Temple 

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the Goddess of food and nourishment. It is located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple and is a popular place for pilgrims to offer prayers. There are pictures of many deities on the walls of this temple. Some idols are also installed in this temple. 

4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God. It is located near the Assi Ghat. This temple is near Banaras Hindu University. 

5.kalbhairav Temple 

This temple is dedicated to Lord Kalbhairav, a fierce from of Lord Shiva. It is located near the kotwali and is known for its tantric rituals. 

Things to do in Varanasi 

There are a lot of things to do in varanasi, including visiting temples, ghats, and museums, and you can also take a boat ride on the Ganga.

Other activities-

. Take a boat ride on the Ganga 

.Visit local markets

.Try street food

.Visit Ruchika Art Gallery 

.Visit Ramnagar Fort 

Famous Food in Varanasi 

Varanasi is also known by the name of Banaras. It is famous for the history of this city as well as food. There’s a lot of food items you must try when you visit Varanasi. Here are some food items:-

. Kachori Sabji 

. Tamatar Chaat 

. Choora Matar 

. Malaiyyo

. Rabri Jalebi 

. Banarasi Paan 

. Dahi Chutney Golgappe 

. Laaiya Channa

. Chena Dahi Vada 

Significance of Varanasi 

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a holy city for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is known for its many ghats where Hindus perform religious rituals. Varanasi is a major pilgrimage destination and is considered to be a place of spiritual significance. 

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