VARANASI - A HOLY CITY IN INDIA
The ancient name of Varanasi was Kashi. It is also known by the name of Benaras. Kashi is the oldest living city in the world. It is also the religious Capital of India. This holy city is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It rests on the left bank of the holy river Ganges.
PLACES TO VISIT
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlings, the holiest of Shiva temples.The main deity is known by the name Vishwanath or Vishweshwar, meaning 'ruler of universe'
2. Tulsi Manas Mandir
This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is where the great medievel seer Sh. Tulsidas lived and wrote the epic 'Shri Ramacharitmanas'. Verses from Tulsidas' epic are inscribed on the walls.
3. Kaal Bhairav Temple
It is situated near the main Post Office, Vishesharganj. God Kaalbhairav is believed to be the "Kotwal of Varanasi". Without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.
4. Sankat Mochan Temple
It is situated by the Assi Ghat on the way to the Durga mandir and the new Vishwanath mandir. It is believed that temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Lord Hanuman.
5. Durga Temple
It is situated in Ramnagar of Varanasi. This temple is devoted to Hindu deity Durga. The temple has a large stone built pond in it.
7. Ramnagar Nagar Fort
It is located on the eastern side of Ganges river, opposite to Tulsi Ghat.
8. Ashoka Piller
It is situated in Sarnath. Ashoka pillar is 15.24 m in height that has four lions on its capital and it is now treasured in the museum.
9. Thai Temple
It is located in Sarnath. The temple has been built in Thai architectural style and houses a sandstone statue of Buddha in Abhay Mudra in its sanctum.
10. Sar Nath
Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village one km away from Sarnath is the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and there is a temple dedicated to him in Sarnath.
FAMOUS GANGA GHATS IN VARANASI
1. Dashwamedh Ghat
2. Assi Ghat
3. Manikaranika Ghat
4. Tulsi Ghat
5. HarishChander Ghat
6. Man Mandir Ghat
7. Darbhanga Ghat
8. Scindia Ghat
BEST TIME TO VISIT VARANASI
Best time to visit this city is from October to March. Some of the major festivals and cultural events also take place during this period.
HOW TO REACH VARANASI
BY TRAIN
Varanasi is well connected with all major railway stations in India. There are two railheads nearby, namely Varanasi junction and the Kashi junction. Many express trains connect Varanasi with Delhi and Kolkata.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is Babatpur, 22 km from Varanasi and 30 Km from Sarnath. Direct flight for Varanasi are available from Delhi, Agra, Khajurao, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar airport.
BY ROAD
Varanasi, on NH 2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NHZ to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur is well connected to the rest of the country by good motorable roads
No comments:
Post a Comment