Varanasi being the oldest city of India and world’s oldest populated city is also known as Kashi and Benares. This city is considered as one of the most popular pilgrimage places of the Hindus filled with lots of beliefs and ritual prayers. The Hindu pilgrims believe that Holy River Ganges, the purified water, cleans the souls of sinners. They believe that this place is the heavenly place to attain ‘moksha’ which means no cycle of rebirth.
On the Ghats of the river Ganges, many people who are in their death beds are awaiting for their death as they want their cremation to be done on the river banks. The belief in this is that they will not again take a new birth after their death and their soul will reach directly the feet of the God.
The old city of Varanasi is a stretch away from the River Ganges. Though the old city is the most populated one, the interesting part of the city is the Dasaswamedh Ghat. This Ghat is the busiest and the centre of all ghats among the 100 other ghats on the banks of river Ganges.
Transport facilities to reach Varanasi
You can reach the Dasaswamedh Ghat, the old city which is on the west side of the Varanasi railway station or Varanasi Cantonment by catching a auto rickshaw outside the station. The bus terminal is also very close to the old city. The distance between the old city and the airport is 16 miles.
Places to visit and rituals to follow in Varanasi
The holiest temple of India is the Kashi Vishwanth Temple of Varanasi which is also known as the Golden Temple. Lord Shiva is the main god of this place who is known by the name Kashi Viswanath. The Durga temple, the temple of Goddess Durga is also another famous temple of the city. Due to the increasing number of monkeys found hanging in this temple, it is also known as the Monkey Temple. An auto rickshaw ride of about 8 miles from Varanasi is the Sarnath where a stupa is found. This is the place where Lord Buddha gave his religious preaching to his followers in the Deer park.
To get an amazing view of the ghats and the temples ride on a boat and go around on the river Ganges during the time of sunrise. The live showcase of the cremation will be seen on the ghats of ‘Manikarnika’ with more rituals. It is the place of cremation and ashes were found in that place. The Kedar ghat is the place for taking bath.
During the evening hours, a holy prayer will be held in the Dasaswamedh Ghat with more bangs and sounds. A ceremony of prayers, chanting, bell ringing, banging of drums will go on. More lights through lamps and camphor lighting rituals are shown to the River Ganges as a part of performing ‘Puja’ or ‘prayer’ to Holy River Ganges.
The place to stay in Varanasi
You can rent a Ganpati guest house or Shiva Kashi guest house where you can have a view of the river Ganges. Towards the north of the Varanasi railway station, you can find some international hotels to stay. Lahurabir is also the place close to the railway station with budgeted hotels and three star hotels.
Visit Varanasi at least once in your life time to enjoy the soul stirring holy prayers and rituals.
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