Varanasi It is said
that the holy city of Varanasi was created by Lord shiva, the cosmic Lord.
Varanasi has always been a popular centre for learning and civilization, and
the place is specially sacred for the Hindus. Because of the heritage
attached to the city, Varanasi has become a popular tourism destination and
therefore it boasts of presence of large variety of cuisines as well as a
good range of handicrafts, specially silk.
The river Ganga is the most important attraction of Varanasi and the Ghats
on the southern bank of it attract the most of the crowds including the
devotees as well as the tourists. The devotees perform their holy rituals on
the Ghats in the belief that they'd get eternal salvation. You can either
choose to mingle with the crowds on these Ghats or alternatively go on a
cruise to get a panoramic view of what's happening on the Ghats.
Varanasi Destinations
» Kashi Vishwaanath Temple - This temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also called the Golden Temple because of the
Gold plating done on the spire of the temple which was donated by Maharaja
Ranjit Singh. It was destroyed in various invasions and was renovated by
Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.
» The Ghats of Varanasi - The ancient city of
Varanasi's main attractions are the Ghats situated on the banks of river
Ganga. People come here every day in large numbers to take bath in the holy
waters and to worship in the temples built on the banks of the river. People
also worship the rising sun which is an ancient tradition.
» Jantar Mantar - It is an observatory built by
Jaisingh like those built in Delhi, Jaipur etc. It was built in 1600 and the
measurements are still as exact as any other modern instrument might be.
» Banaras Hindu University - It is one of the oldest
educational institutions in India and is an internationally reputed
University. It was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the year 1916.
The university played an important role in the independence movement of
India.
Sarnath
Sarnath
is among the most sacred of places for the Buddhists from across the world.
It is said that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining
enlightenment here in Sarnath. The buildings and monuments of Sarnath were
built by the emperor Ashoka. It was Ashoka who spread the message of
Buddhism all across the world and Sarnath held a special place for him. In
its glorious days it used to be a major centre of learning for the
Buddhists.
Sarnath Destinations
» Chowkhandi Stupa - You can see this monument even
from a distance and it is squarish in structure. The Chowkhandi Stupa stands
on a small hillock. It was here that the first five disciples of Buddha had
first welcomed him.
» Dhamek Stupa - This stupa is built in stones in
the lower portions whereas bricks have been used in the upper portion. The
architecture and sculpture of the stupa is of excellent quality.
» Ashok Pillar - It is a 20 meter high structure
though the condition of it has deteriorated with time. There are four lions
on the Ashok Chakra which is situated on top of the pillar out of which only
three are visible at a time. It has now become the national symbol of India.
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