[ Edit ] Overview

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Varanasi is situated on the west bank of the river Ganges and is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists (Sarnath). The ancient name of the city was Kashi and it was also called Benaras for some time. The name Varanasi means the "City between the two rivers" - Varuna and Assi.

Attracting a million+ pilgrims every year, the city lives and breathes traditional Hindu religion, rituals, and culture.  Hindus believe that Varanasi is an auspicious place to die given that his soul is released from the cycle of birth and death and that he goes to heaven. 

Bathing ghats, chillum-smoking sadhus, temples, sunset Ganga Aarti, cremation grounds where the fire never dies, narrow alleys, and throngs of pilgrims, sum up the Varanasi experience.

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[ Edit ] History

Rivaled only by Damascus (Syria), Benares is arguably the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.  The city has references in the great Hindu scriptures including the Rigveda, Ramayana and Mahabharata and in the Buddhist Jataka tales.  According to mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati came to reside in Varanasi after their marriage and that Lord Shiva never left the city thereafter.  Thus Varanasi is an important pilgrimage destination for Shaivites.

The city has been an important centre for religion and learning for over 2,500 years as well as a thriving trade center given its location.  Other religions too find importance in Varanasi.  Buddha gave his first sermon here (in the suburb of Sarnath) in 567 BC. Three of the Tirthankaras (disciples of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism) were born in Varanasi. 

Varanasi was repeatedly raided by Muslim rulers starting with Mahmud of Ghazni in 1033 AD through to Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.   Aurangazeb in particular played a significant role in destroying most of the ancient temples in Benares.  Sadly, even though Varanasi has 2,500+ year old history, much of what is seen today in the city is only about 250 years old (i.e. rebuilt since the earlier destruction).

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttar Pradesh, India

[ Edit ] Location

810 km from Delhi and 290 km from Lucknow Along the Ganga in eastern Uttar Pradesh

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Given its importance for pilgrimage, Varanasi can be visited throughout the year.  However, October to March is the most pleasant time of year to visit Varanasi.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0542

Sightseeing

Alamgir Mosque

Birla Temple (Vishwanath Temple)

Durga Temple

Gyanvapi Mosque

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Sarnath

The Ghats

Tulsi Manas Temple

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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