A Brief History of Varanasi

Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is thought to be the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This site has been attracting pilgrims from all across India and the world for ages because of its mysticism. You’ll find ashrams, priests, and small streets filled with stores selling Banarsi silk saris in Varanasi, which is the India of your fantasies. Observing the rites of life and death on the Ghats is a fantastic experience in this city’s sacred geography. Walk through the narrow alleys or catch the sunrise from a boat for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pay homage to shrines along the way as you go around the city’s perimeter. A trip to the City of Light may become your favourite stop on the entire trip. There are many tourist places in Varanasi to roam around, we’ll tell you regarding some of the very famous among them.

Varanasi’s top attractions include:

1- Kashi Vishwanath Temple 

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in the holy city of Varanasi, is one of India’s oldest, richest, and holiest sanctuaries. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Varanasi. The magnificent temple honors the mighty Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas; hence its name, Kashi, is derived from Varanasi’s ancient name. Thousands of pilgrims come from around the world to experience its calming spiritual atmosphere and seek divine favors. With the sun shining down, the gold domes and spires shimmer in the light. This temple serves as both a pilgrimage destination and a significant historical monument. Around 5.3 kilometers separate Varanasi from the temple. Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi are ideal times to visit this temple.

2- Chunar Fort 

With its small size and strategic location, this fort has played an essential part in molding the history of India. Located on the little diversion between Varanasi and Prayagraj, It is known as Tilismi Quila, or the Magical Fort, because of its appearance in the book “Chandrakanta,” which takes place on its banks. Gangs of Wasseypur and other renowned films were also filmed here. This fort is about 32 kilometers from Varanasi. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the optimum time to go.

3- Assi Ghat 

Among the must-see attractions in Varanasi is the ghat of Assi. Students and tourists alike come to relax on this ghat to escape the bustling streets of Varanasi’s bustling alleyways. Before reclining on the ghat’s stairs, pilgrims bathe in the river’s holy waters and present flowers to the Shivlinga. Tulsidas, a respected saint, and poet, is said to have taken refuge here before he died. Relax in the shelter of the peepal trees that line the shoreline, or take a boat ride to take in the spectacular sunsets here. This ghat is around 7.2 kilometers from Varanasi. Shivratri is the ideal time to pay a visit.

4- Dashashwamedh Ghat

Ghat of Dashashwamedh is noted for conducting the most energetic and spiritual aartis on the Ganges, bringing guests to a state of transcendence. Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of Varanasi’s most popular tourist sites, takes its name from the tradition that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses, or Dashashwamedh, to perform a yajna on the site. Many boats may be seen floating in the river as well. A must-see on your itinerary in Varanasi for two days, it has a mystical atmosphere and religious significance. This fort is about 5.5 kilometers from Varanasi. The most significant time to come here is on Kartik Purnima, which falls on the 15th of April.

5- Kaal Bhairav Temple 

This ancient Shiva temple in Varanasi, India, is known as Batuk Bhairav Temple or Kaal Bhairav Mandir. This temple, located in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj (Varanasi), is highly revered by Hindus, especially in the area. Dedicated to Bhairava (Kaal Bhairav), a violent Shiva form who wears a skull garland around his neck and holds a peacock feathered club in his hand, the temple is called Kaal Bhairav. As both death and fate, the word “Kaal” is used. Even death is frightened of Kaal Bhairav. Even death is frightened of Kaal Bhairav, according to folklore. Kshetrapal Bhairav, another form of Bhairava, is depicted on the temple’s rear door. 5-kilometers is the distance between Varanasi and the Kaal Bhairav Temple.

6- Manikarnika Ghat

The etymology of Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi’s oldest riverbank and one of the city’s most revered tourist destinations, is shrouded in mystery. Devi Sati is claimed to have set herself on fire in Manikarnika Ghat, the birthplace of Rani Lakshmibai, the brave queen of Jhansi, in various religious and historical traditions. The Ganges River’s holy waters flow calmly alongside various Hindu deities’ temples. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Varanasi every year to fulfill the final rites of their deceased loved ones at this sacred destination. At the top of the stairs is a holy well believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva to retrieve Goddess Sati’s lost earring. Around 5.5 kilometres separate Varanasi from the Manikarnika Ghat.