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One of the holiest of all Indian cities, Varanasi, Banaras or Kashi is said to be the spiritual capital of India. One of the oldest and continously inhabited cities of the world devotees throng this place in milions every year to pay their homage to Lord Shiva and wash away their sins. A bath in the holy Ganges is supposed to purge you off all your sins. It is widely believed that anyone who dies or cremated in Kashi will attain moksha, or the person would be eternally liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Hence it is also called the Mukti Sthala (Place of liberation). Other than its religious side, Kashi is also famous for silks and brassware. Banarasi silk sarees are famous across the country. Catch the sights of the ghats in Kashi, get acquainted with 'death tourism' and see Kashi beyond religion in this photo feature.
The Abode of Shiva
Welcome to Varanasi or Benaras or Kashi, 'the enlightened city', the favourite city of Lord Shiva according to the holy Puranas. It is known as the spiritual capital of India. Kashi is situated on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Pic credit: Edson Walker
The holiest city in India
Arguably the holiest city in India, Kashi has found mention in holy scriptures since ancient times. People from even outside India come to its shores to experience its holy fervour.
Attain Moksha
It is one of the oldest continously inhabited cities in the world and it is believed that anyone who is cremated here after his death attains moksha or mukti.
Holy dip
It is also believed that anyone who takes a bath in the waters of the Ganges is purged of all sins.
Origin of the name
The name Vārāņasi possibly originates from the names of the two rivers: Varuna, still flowing in Varanasi, and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat.
Death Tourism
Varanasi is perhaps the only city in the world that also offers what can be called ‘death tourism.' Visitors flock the Manikarnika Ghat where dead bodies are cremated in full view before their ashes are immersed in the Ganges
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Speaking to the Lord
The Aartis or religious prayers which take place here on the banks of the river every evening are famous and are a sight to behold even for non-religious people.
Manifold Devotion
Devotees throng the banks and sit and chant prayers to the accompaniment of the prayers of the temple priests.
Pic credit:Arian Zwegers
Festivals Galore
Maha Shivaratri is one of the important religious festivals celebrated here in the month of February or March.
The Ghats of Kashi
The river banks at Varanasi are lined with endless number of stone steps - the ghats which , big or small, have their own significance. Each of these ghats are marked by their own lingams. Some of the famous ghats areDashashwamedha Ghat, Chauki Ghat, Dhobi (Laundrymen's) Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Scindia ghat
Pic Credit:
Religion and more
While the ghats are the hub of religious activities, there are many which are also used by people practicing yoga and meditation.
Pic credit:nevil zaveri
Be Blessed
Holy men, some real and many unreal, frequent the banks of the river too and many stay on the ghats too.
Pic Credit:Christine Boose
Meet a Naga Sadhu
In this picture a lady is worshipping a Naga Sadhu, reputed to be some of the feircest Sadhus who are folllowers of Lord Shiva. They are characterised by their long knotted hair and naked bodies smeared with ash.
Sadhus again
Some are not so photo friendly!
Pic Credit: Jai Kapoor
Evening splendour
Evenings here are a visual treat as the ghats are a collage of lights, prayers and incense sticks.
Pic credit:Christine Boose
Kashi: A must for Hindu pilgrims
A trip to Kashi is one of the most essential things on the list of millions of elderly Hindu pilgrims in India
Pic credit:jose pereira
A famous visit
Such is the fame of Kashi, that from time to time famous personalities have come here. Pictured here is the First Lady of US, Jacqueline Kennedy, during her state visit to India in 1962.
Phot Credit: US Embassy Delhi
Other than Religion
Apart from religious activities, a lot of things happen on the ghats. This person is having his head tonsured before taking part in the cremation of some relative.
Pic credit:R Barraez D´Lucca
And the fight begins!
This is not an uncommon sight too! You will come across wrestlers sparring near the ghats or exercising in the morning. Kashi is also known for its Indian style wrestlers and 'akharas' (training halls).
Pic credit: Ahron de Leeuw
Check me out!
This would be the typical interior of an Akhara. The Akhara used by wrestlers have dirt floors to which water, red ochre, buttermilk and oil are added.
Pic credit:Christine Boose
Other attractions in Kashi
Right opposite the ghats, is the scenic Ramnagar fort. This fort was built in 1750 by Maharaja Balwant Singh. The famous Ramleela which happens in the month of September and October is held here. During the monsoon season, the fort is accessible across the river by ferry service only. Boat ride to the fort from Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi takes about an hour. Check out more attractions here.
Pic credit: Adam Jones
Banaras Hindu University
It is popularly known as BHU and is one of the largest residential universities in Asia
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Shopping in Kashi
Banarasi silks and brocades are famed across the country. Brassware, copperware, wooden, clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. Hand-knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions.
Photo credit: Wiki Commons
Pan, Mangoes and other delights
Banaras is also famous for its ‘ Langda Aam', a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Best places to shop
Beware of hustlers and rickshaw pullers who will try to lead you to shops from they get commissions.
Here are the best areas for particular shopping needs
Brass - Thatheri Bazaar
Jnana Vapi and Vishwanatha gali's temple bazaar - for silk and brocade jewellery
State run emporiums in Godaulia, Lahurabir and the Chowk and handloom outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar and Neechi bag, and Mahatex in Godaulia assure you of fixed price and quality.
Head to Varanasi
Go to Varanasi for a brush with the divine. For details on where to stay check this out and if you are interested in knowing more about the mighty Ganges river, read here.
Pic Credit: nevil zaveri
