About Varanasi
Varanasi’s – The soul of India, Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C.
Varanasi, Banaras, Benaras, and Kashi are all four names that represent the same city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the holy cities for Hindus. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva.
Why Varanasi is called the “Death Place”
In India, Varanasi is considered a holy city. Millions of Hindus believe that people who die here, in this city on the Ganges, are lucky. Because if they are cremated here, they can break the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi will attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirthSati’s eye or earring is believed to have fallen at Varanasi, establishing Vishalakshi as a Shakti Pitha.
How To Reach Varanasi:- Step-by-step Travel Plan And Best Time to Visit Varanasi
- By Air
Domestic flights
Economic class 3000 to 10,000 one-way tickets from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata
Business class:- 15,000 to 30,000 - By train
Sleeper class:- 300 to 600 for basic slipper tickets from cities like Delhi and Kolkata
First class AC:- 3000 to 5000, depending on the distance - By bus
Non-AC buses 300 to 800 for buses from nearby towns like Allahabad
AC bus:- 700 to 1500
Luxury buses:- 1200 to 2500 for longer roots or Deluxe buses
The best period for visiting Varanasi is from October to March
when the weather is not so hot, and it is dry. November to February is the peak season
when crowds and higher prices are expected. The rainy season is from late June to September
Winter (November to February)
These are the best months to visit Varanasi as the weather is excellent, and the average temperature ranges between 5-16 ° Celsius.
What to wear:- light woolen or a jacket for early morning and evening. You must wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs
Summer (March to June) Avoid if possible
March to June is the hottest time of the year, and visiting Varanasi during these months is not advisable as the weather remains hot and humid. Temperature 25°C to 45°C.
What to wear:- you should wear light-colored, cotton clothing to keep cool and absorb sweat
Monsoon(July to October)
July to October are the months when the weather in Varanasi is pleasant. The city receives moderate to heavy rains, and the skies are usually cloudy and overcast. The level of the Ganga rises, thus alluring people to spend time by the ghats and soak in the peaceful view.
What to wear:- carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Kashi Vishwanath temple the heart of Varanasi:-
Its ancient name, Kashi, was associated with a kingdom of the same name 2,500 years ago.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the heart of Varanasi and is believed to be where Lord Shiva bestows moksha (salvation) to devotees. The temple holds significant spiritual importance for devotees who say that a visit to this sacred site can help attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death)
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is popularly known as the Golden Temple due to the gold plating of its spire. One tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating, as well as in three domes, each made up of pure gold, donated in 1835
What is the Speciality of Kashi Temple
Then, Shiva, who likes to live in cemeteries, decided to come to Kashi and make it his abode. Along with Shiva came his parivar devatas, and they settled down in Kashi.
When Aurangzeb planned to destroy the temple, Shiva’s idol was hidden in a well called the Well of Wisdom
India is a land of spiritual enlightenment, and these 12 Jyotirlingas are integral to that. Each Jyotirlinga has its unique significance, and people believe that those who visit all twelve will be blessed with peace, happiness, knowledge, wealth, and prosperity.
Temple opening and closing Timings.
- Opening Time:- 3:00 am
- Closing Time:- 11.00 pm
Aarti timing at Kashi Vishwanath temple
- Mangala Aarti (Early morning Aarti) time 3:00 a.M. 4:00 a.M.
- Bhog Aarti
- Time: 11:15 am- 12:20 pm, Sandhya Aarti
- Time: 7:00 pm-8:15 pm, Shringar Aarti
- Time: 9:00 pm- 10:15 pm, Shayana Aarti
- Time: 10:30 pm- 11:00 pm, This is the final aarti, marking the closing of the temple for the day
Unique Temples In Varanasi Worth Visiting
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas, who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa. Thousands of people queue up in front of the temple every Tuesday and Saturday to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god known for his devotion and strength
Note: The temple is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The morning aarti begins at 4:00 am, and the evening aarti is at 9:00 pm
- Durga Temple
Durga temple, also known as the Monkey temple (because of the large number of monkeys), is situated in the Durga Kund, Varanasi. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is revered in Hinduism as a symbol of divine power and protection.
Note: Morning Time, 05:00 am to 12:00 pm Evening Time, 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm Durga Temple, All Days Open.
Morning Aarti at 8:00 am and Evening Aarti at 7:00 pm
- Annapurna Temple
After seeing Devi Parvati’s heart melt, the animals, birds, and human beings suffered and begged for mercy from God. She was embodied as Devi Annapurna. Anna means “food,” and Purna means “filled.” She set up a kitchen in Kashi, also known as Varanasi, and fed everyone. In Hinduism, Goddess Annapoorna, or Annapurna Devi, is the Goddess of food. She is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
Note:- Temple opening time is 4:00 am, closing timing is 11:00 pm
Aarti timing Morning Aarti 5:30 AM, Evening Aarti 7:00 PM
- Tulsi Manas Temple
Built in 1964, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is particularly noteworthy for its association with the epic Ramcharitmanas, written by the poet Tulsidas. Tulsi Ghat is one of the ghats in Varanasi. It is named after poet Tulsidas, who lived there while he wrote the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa.
Note:- opening timing is 5:00 am, closing timing is 9:00 pm
Morning Aarti 5:30 am. Evening Aarti 7:30 p.m.
Famous Ghat of Varanasi:- Best Ghats For Aarti and Rituals
The city has 84 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremonial ghats, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the Ghat to welcome Lord Shiva. Dashashwamedh Ghat is a main ghat in Varanasi located on the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple. There are two Hindu legends associated with the Ghat. According to one, Brahma created it to welcome Shiva, and in another, Brahma performed 10 Ashwamegha Yag and Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna. - Manikarnika Ghat
According to Hindu mythology, lord Shiva and Parvati took the form of flames at this Ghat. It is also associated with the story of King Harishchandra. The scriptures suggest that the name ‘Manikarnika‘ came when the ‘Mani’ of Shiva and the ‘Karnika’ of Parvati slipped off while bathing in that Kund and fell in it.
This Ghat is famous for the body’s cremation and burning. - Assi Ghat
It is one of the peaceful ghats at the southern end of Varanasi, sought after for its splendid sunrise views and peaceful calm. According to a mythological tale in Hinduism, Goddess Durga threw her sword after killing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The place where the sword landed resulted in the emergence of a river, which was then called Assi.
According to the Vamana Purana, the gods created the eight-kilometer-long river alongside the Varuna River. - Harishchandra Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat in Varanasi is associated with truth, moral values, and life cycle in Hindu mythology. The most famous of these stories is the one mentioned in the Markandeya Purana. According to this legend, Harishchandra gave away his kingdom, sold his family, and agreed to be enslaved to fulfill a promise he had made to the sage Vishvamitra.
Satyavadi Harishchandra’s story is the best example of teaching the importance of being honest and truthful. - Kedar Ghat
According to Hindu mythology, taking a dip in the Ganges at Kedar Ghat purifies the soul and washes away sins. Kedar Ghat‘s name is from the Kedar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the famous legend, Kedar Ghat has been associated with the mythological episode of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati.
People believe that the Pandavas constructed the temple here during Mahabharata times. This temple and Ghat are considered sacred, and bathing at Kedar Ghat is supposed to clear all evil from the soul.
Vaishno Devi Yatra: A Complete Guide for First-Time Pilgrims
What is the story behind Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi symbolizes removing darkness and ignorance, bringing light and wisdom to the world.
Why Ganga Aarti never stop in Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi will never stop because, in a way, it is an act of respect and thanksgiving to Ganga, who is considered a goddess. To stop the aarti would be an act of disrespect toward her, snapping people’s spiritual bond with this river.
Even in wretched times, like heavy rain or COVID-19, aarti continues sometimes in a less complicated way. This portrays the people’s unbreakable faith in the river and its power to purify and bless.
The Ganga Aarti is way above just a ritual; it’s a gesture of paying homage to the river, keeping the bond strong, no matter what happens.
Note: In Varanasi, Ganga aarti is performed both in the morning and evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Here are the routine timings:
Evening Ganga Aarti
Timing: 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm (adjusts according to season)
Morning Ganga Aarti
Timing: 5:00 am to 6:00 am (depending upon the season)
The aarti is performed in the morning at sunrise; it is quiet, has minimal crowds, and is therefore peaceful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Varanasi is a city of history, culture, and spirituality. Known as the “City of Lights,” it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. People visit to see the famous Ganga Aarti, explore the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and enjoy the peaceful vibe by the river.
Varanasi is where ancient traditions and daily life come together. It’s a place where you can feel connected to something bigger, whether through the temples, the ghats, or the busy markets. Varanasi is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for culture, peace, and a unique experience.