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Varanasi is a holy settlement that rests on the banks of sacred Ganges. This alluring city is known as the land of Shiva as it has numerous temples dedicated to him. Varanasi has a spiritual legacy that is running down from over 3000 years and rhetorically is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The enormous vicinity of Varanasi is filled with the fragrance of incense sticks and the holy chants sung in praise of the creator of the world. Boasting the magnificent architectures and temples, Varanasi is truly captivating. If you desire to take a tour of the holy settlement then this post will surely help to guide you through the tourist places in Varanasi.
The New Vishwanath Temple is a magnificent architectural masterpiece. Located in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, this splendid shrine was constructed by the well known Birlas and is also known as Birla Mandir. The vast expanse of New Vishwanath Temple houses 7 small temples in its vicinity. The marbled walls of the temple are carved with the sacred verses from the Bhagwad Gita.
Located near the Lalita Ghat, the Kathwala Temple is a popular temple in the holy settlement of Varanasi. This splendor was constructed in the early 19th century by a Nepali king Rana Bahadur Shah and is also known as the Nepali Mandir. Its entire structure is made up of termite proof wood and stones in a majority. The sanctum of Kathwala Temple gloats an idol of Lord Shiva. Kathwala Temple is a replica of Pashupati Nath Temple in Kathmandu.
The USP of Kashi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Constructed 3500 years ago, this shrine is considered extremely sacred by the Hindus because it one among the 12 jyotirlingas. The structure of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is simply awe-inspiring with enchanting carvings on the exterior and interior walls. The presiding deity in the tranquil sanctum of this temple is Lord Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga.
The Tulsi Manas Temple is an alluring temple located in Varanasi. Made up of white marble, the ambiance of Tulsi Manas Temple is ethereal & is dedicated to Lord Rama. The interior walls of the temple are carved with sacred texts from Ramcharitmanas. It is said that Goswami Tulsidas translated Valmiki Ramayan from Sanskrit to Awadhi at this place and this temple is commemorated in his memory.
The original name of the Monkey Temple is Durga Temple. It is another awe-inspiring splendor in the holy township of Varanasi. This temple is surrounded by a larger population of monkeys and is popularly known as Monkey Temple. Constructed in Nagara style and having enchanting interiors, this shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga & it is believed that her idol appeared on its own in the sanctum of the temple.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is a well recognized ghat perching on the sacred river Ganges. Being the oldest & most popular ghat, one can see many sages, devotees and others offering their prayers here. The evening prayers are a must watch event when this ghat gleams with the diyas and the atmosphere gets filled up with the holy chants in praise of River Ganga.
Assi Ghat is a ghat that is located at the confluence of River Ganga & Assi in southern side of Varanasi. This ghat is a recreational point and one can often see the foreign students and researches near it. The Assi Ghat is navigable and frequent boat services are offered to the visitors. Even some scenes of the movies like Raanjhana have been shot in the location of Assi Ghat.
Manikarnika Ghat is not exactly a tourist spot in Varanasi. This is a ghat where the funeral of the dead takes place, so, this ghat is a main cremation ground in Varanasi. Manikarnika Ghat is deemed as the ghat where the dead can attain moksha. On the other hand, it is an acclaimed Shakti Peeth among the Hindus. Every day, hundreds of devotees flock to this ghat and offer prayers in this Shakti Peeth.
The Shivala Ghat is an architectural marvel that stands on the holy waters of Ganga. The term Shivala means 'abode of Shiva' & Sanjay Vikram Shah, a Nepali king, constructed an awe-inspiring temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on this ghat. The sanctum gloats a large Shivalinga in the premises of temple & is flocked by a large number of devotees daily.
The Gyan Vapi Well is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi. It is located in the premises of a mosque that was built by Aurangzeb after vandalizing the some portion of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. People acclaim that the original & ancient Shivalinga of Kashi Vishwanath Temple was kept safe in this well from the humiliating and violent acts of Aurangzeb.
Bharat Kala Bhavan is a museum that lies in the premises of the well-established B.H.U. This ancient museum, established in 1920, is a famous tourist destination in Varanasi and houses a prehistoric and impressive collection of Indian paintings. All the intrigued paintings, including Mughal miniatures, date back between 11th and 20th century. This museum also gloats the splendid life size sculptures of Shiva-Parvati as well.
Perched on the other bank of Assi River, Ramnagar Fort is a 17th century enchanting marvel. It has served as the residence to the royal family of Varanasi for 400 years but is in a ruined position today. Despite in not-so-good position, the fort is captivating and lures the visitors on a large scale. One can see the swords, shields, jewellery and the family tree of the royal family inside the fort.
Without any doubts, Varanasi is one amid the tranquil places where an individual can get close to the lord almighty. Whether it is about getting educated about the Hindu scriptures or learning about the truth of human life, Varanasi allows you to envisage everything from the grass-root level. If theres a city that defines the spirituality in true colors, it is none other than Varanasi.
