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Destination Guide India > Varanasi
DESTINATION
GUIDE INDIA - VARANASI
ABOUT VARANASI
CITY
Varanasi is one
of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate
pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city, is
to attain instant salvation. Varanasi is the tract of holy
land lying between the Ganga and the Assi rivers. The Assi
River also flows into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi,
the city of light since one of the twelve 'Jyortinglinga's is
installed here. Varanasi has been a great cultural centre,
especially in the fields of music, learning and the craft of
silk weaving.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES - VARANASI CITY
GHATS :
 The
spectacular 4-km sweep of the Ghats is a unique sight, best
viewed at dawn, in that ‘soft first light’ when the river and
Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life in almost panoramic detail
unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of
devotees-swelling to thousands on auspicious days-perform
rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by
Dashashwamedha Ghat, where boats are available on hire.
KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE:
Also known as the Golden temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Varanasi is said to be the sight of the first Shivlinga.
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the original temple and
Rani Ahalyabai of Indore built the present temple in the 18th
century. The Temple is open only for Hindus.
GYANVAPI MOSQUE:
Aurangzeb near the present Vishwanath
Temple built it.
DURGA TEMPLE:
Commonly called the 'Monkey temple' it was built in the 18th
century. Only Hindus are allowed to visit the temple.
TULSI MANAS TEMPLE:
Built by a family of Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to
Lord Rama. It is situated at the place where Tulsidas lived
and wrote his Ramacharitmanas.
RAM NAGAR FORT AND
MUSEUM: A 17th century
fort Ram Nagar is the home of the Maharaja of Banaras, who is
revered as the representative of Lord Shiva in the city. The
Museum has unique collection of furniture, palanquins,
costumes, coins and weapons.
BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY:
Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan
Malaviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture,
music and also Sanskrit it is developed into a modem academic
centre of various disciplines. It is believed to be the
largest residential university in Asia.
NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE :
Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern
place of worship planned by
Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas
HOW TO REACH
VARANSI
» Air : Varanasi is
connected by air with Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta,
Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhubaneshwar and Kathamandu.
»
By Train: Varanasi is an important railway junction
having train connections with all major cities of India.
»
By Road: Varanasi is well connected by road to rest
of the country.
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