Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and located in the holy city of Varanasi, India. This temple is located in a maze of small narrow streets, in a place called Vishwanath Gali, and you can’t even see it - it is surrounded by houses on all sides. In addition, it is difficult for a foreigner to get there.

To even look at its golden roof, tourists climb to the third floor of the store in the neighboring building. The shrine of the temple - the Adi Visheashvara lingam, is located in a silver-framed recess in the floor; it is always decorated with flowers, and a silver cobra curls around it, the hood of which protects it from above.

The temple complex itself consists of a series of smaller temples located near the river in a small passage known as Visvanatha Galli. The main object of veneration, the jyotirlinga, is placed on a silver altar and is 60 centimeters in height and 90 centimeters in circumference. The complex has small temples for Dhandapani, Avimukteshvara, Vinayaka, Virupaksha and other deities.

Durga Temple

The Durga temple is also known as the "monkey temple" due to the large number of monkeys living around it. The temple is one of the most important sacred temples of Varanasi dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that the goddess has been guarding this place for many centuries and protecting the city of Varanasi from enemies.

The temple was built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani in the Nagar style (Indian style of temple architecture) on a rectangular tank called Durga Kunda. The building is painted red and has a multi-level spire.

According to legends, the real statue of Goddess Durga was not made by a man, but it appeared on its own. In Hinduism, Goddess Durga is considered the embodiment of Shakti or feminine power. The statue is depicted in a red robe riding on a tiger.

Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during Navratri or other convenient times.

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Bharat Mata Temple

The Bharat Mata Temple was built in 1936 according to the design of Shiv Prashad Gupta.

This temple hosted the inauguration ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most prominent leaders of the movement for Indian independence from Great Britain. Bharat Mata Temple is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. Traditionally, she is depicted as a woman wearing a yellow or orange sari holding a flag. The statue, which is located in the temple, is made of marble.

For tourists, in addition to the history of Indian culture itself, the temple will also be interesting because it contains a huge relief map covering the entire Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau. The map is made in such a technique that you can accurately distinguish the mountains and rivers you are interested in.

Durga Temple is one of the most popular temples in Varanasi.

The temple was built in honor of the goddess Durga, who, according to one opinion, acts as the wife of Shiva. The Durga Temple in Varanasi worships the Mother Goddess in her wrathful warrior form.

The temple is located in a picturesque location and is adjacent to a swimming pool called Durga Kund. The red walls of the temple create a special impression. An interesting fact is that people call the temple “Monkey Temple”, because a large number of monkeys often gather around it, which greatly attracts tourists who do not miss the opportunity to take wonderful photographs.

Ancient city of Vaishali

The ancient city of Vaishali, in Varanasi, belongs to one of the sacred places highly revered by Buddhists, because it was here that Buddha himself stayed three times. Here he delivered his last sermon, in which he spoke about his upcoming departure. At this place, at the behest of King Ashoka, an 18-meter column was built, topped with a life-size lion statue.

Vaishali's attractions include an ancient 4th-century black stone temple dedicated to the god Shiva, another ancient temple with many deities, an artificial pond for ritual ablutions before coronations, and a Buddhist monastery where the Buddha himself stayed during his visits to Vaishali.

In the vicinity of Vaishali, two burials of the remains of Buddha, the so-called Buddha stupas, were found. Some of the prophet's ashes are here and now.

Art gallery in Varanasi

The art gallery in Varanasi has been open since 1988.

The gallery consists of four interconnected halls, which display extensive collections. The gallery has more than fifty thousand exhibits.

Fans of contemporary art will also be interested in visiting this gallery - exhibitions of young artists are regularly held here.

The art gallery in Varanasi is recognized as one of the best and allows you to deepen your knowledge of fine arts.

Avrangzeb Mosque

Avrangzeb Mosque is the largest mosque in Varanasi. It is located in the eastern part of the city.

The building was built in 1669 in honor of the triumph of Islam over Brahmanism, and in 1780 it was reconstructed. The building is square in shape with three domes, each supported by columns.

The building is attractive to tourists because it is a wonderful observation deck - from its top there is a beautiful view of Varanasi and the surrounding area.

Suburb Sarnath

Sarnath is considered a sacred place for Buddhists, because it was here that Buddha Shakyamuni delivered his first sermon on the four noble truths, which form the basis of Buddhist teachings.

The suburb was formerly known as Mrigadava (Deer Park). Legend has it that even deer came to listen to the Buddha's speeches, as evidenced by the modern architecture of the city: on the roofs of many houses there are figures of deer depicted on the sides of the wheel of Dharma.

At the site of the first sermon, stupas remained: “Lion Capital” - the coat of arms of India, stupas of Dharmarajika, Kanishka and Guptas, Dhamekh.

Sanratha is home to an archaeological museum highlighting ancient Buddhist sculptures and relics that have been excavated by archaeologists in and around the city. A statue of a meditating Buddha dating back to the 6th century AD is considered a unique monument.

University in Varanasi

The Hindu University in Varanasi opened in 1916 and is considered one of the best institutions of higher education in India, as well as one of the city's popular attractions.

The university offers various educational programs: in Indian philosophy, art and culture, music, Sanskrit and many others. Here everyone will find something to suit their interests. About fifteen thousand students study at the university. Currently, this is a modern platform for students and young scientists from all over the world. The Hindu University also has a huge area - the main campus alone occupies five and a half square kilometers.

However, the university is interesting not only for its high level of education. Tourists who have chosen Varanasi will be interested in visiting the university museum. Its collection contains more than one hundred and fifty thousand ancient manuscripts written in Sanskrit. The museum also has an extensive collection of sculpture and miniatures, which spans the era from the 1st to the 15th centuries.

The most popular attractions in Varanasi with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Varanasi from our website.

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TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Varanasi is a city region in northeastern India. This city is as important to Hindus as the Vatican is to Catholics. The place is considered a holy city for Buddhists and Jains. The population of Varanasi is almost one and a half million people. The city is interesting, beautiful, noisy. And here's what you can see here.

University in Varanasi (Banaras Hindu University)

The Hindu University was opened in 1916. Today this university is considered one of the best universities in India, and since the university building is beautiful, it is one of the main attractions of Varanasi. Approximately 15,000 students study at that educational institution, and the university is also a platform for students and young scientists from all over the world. The university building is huge - for example, the main campus is located on an area of ​​5.5 sq. km. Inside the university building there is a museum that will be of interest to tourists. The museum offers an exhibition of 150,000 ancient manuscripts written in Sanskrit, as well as magnificent collections of sculptures and miniatures dating from the 1st to the 15th centuries.

Durga Temple (Shri DurgaTemple)

This is one of the most popular temples in the city. The cathedral was built in honor of the goddess Durga, the wife of Shiva (according to some opinions). It is believed that the goddess has been guarding the temple for many centuries and protecting the entire city from harm. Durga is also considered the embodiment of feminine power. A statue of a goddess in a red robe riding on a tiger can also be seen in the temple. The temple was built in the 13th century by the Bengal Maharani in the Nagar style (Indian style of temple architecture). The temple, with red walls and a multi-level spire, is located in a beautiful location, and is adjacent to the rectangular Durga Kund pool. The building is impressive, I must say! By the way, the temple is also known as the “Monkey Temple”, as monkeys constantly climb and run around the temple, begging for food from tourists. Thousands of pilgrims come to this temple during Navratri and beyond.

Address: 27, Durgakund Rd, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Birdopur

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The temple dedicated to Shiva is located on one of the narrow city streets, in a place called Vishwanath Gali. The temple is surrounded on all sides by houses, and at first you can even walk past it without noticing it. Another point: it’s a bit difficult for foreigners to get into the temple, but it’s worth a try. The beautiful temple with a golden roof is impressive. If you don't get to the temple, at least go up to the third floor of the neighboring store. The shrine of the temple - the Adi Visheashvara lingam is located in a silver recess in the floor 60 centimeters in depth and 90 centimeters in circumference, and it is always decorated with flowers, and around it is a silver cobra. The temple consists of several small temples near the river - temples of Dhandapani, Avimukteshvara, Vinayaka, Virupaksha and other deities.

Avrangzeb Mosque

This is the largest mosque in Varanasi. She can be found in the eastern part of the city. This mosque was built in 1669 in honor of the triumph of Islam over Brahmanism. A century later, the building was reconstructed. The building looks a little gloomy. The mosque has a square shape and three domes supported by columns. Interestingly, the mosque has excellent acoustics. You can also visit the observation deck in the mosque, which offers a magnificent view of the city and surrounding area.

Art gallery in Varanasi (Banaras art gallery)

The gallery was opened in 1988 and consists of four halls that are interconnected. In the gallery you can see about 50,000 exhibits, namely paintings by young local artists.

Address: Shiv Shakti Complex, Lanka, Sigra

Bharat Mata Mandir

The temple was built in 1936. The temple became famous especially after the inauguration ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the leaders of the movement for Indian independence from Great Britain, took place here. This is the only temple dedicated to Mother India, who is depicted as a woman wearing a yellow or orange sari with the flag of the country. This marble statue can be seen inside the temple. Also impressive is the huge relief map, which covers the entire Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau. This plateau is very interesting to study - all the mountains and rivers are clearly visible.

Ancient city of Vaishali

The ancient city of Vaishali is one of the sacred places that is revered by Buddhists. Here you can see an 18-meter column topped with a life-size lion statue. Also impressive is the ancient temple of the 4th century, created from black stone, which is dedicated to the god Shiva, as well as a temple with many deities, an artificial pond for religious ablutions and a Buddhist monastery. It is believed that Buddha stopped in this city three times to deliver his final sermon. In the vicinity of the ancient city, two burials of the remains of Buddha were found - Buddha stupas.

Sarnath

The suburb of Sarnath is a 15-minute drive from the city center. Buddhists consider this place sacred, since Buddha delivered his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths here. Previously, this place was called Mrigadava (Deer Park). And all because there is a legend according to which deer also came to listen to Buddha’s speeches. That’s why today you can see figures of deer on the roofs of houses. At the place where the first sermon was delivered, you can see stupas - “Lion Capital” (coat of arms of India), stupas of Dharmarajika, Kanishka and Guptas, Dhamekh. Also in this suburb there is an archaeological museum with exhibitions of sculptures and relics that were found in the city and its surroundings. The main pride of the museum is the statue of a meditating Buddha, which dates back to the 6th century AD.

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Varanasi is a place where a huge number of Buddhists come to perform sacred rituals, mediations and self-knowledge. Someone comes here to meet death - roughly speaking, on their “last journey.” The most important reason why a large number of tourists flock to Varanasi is to see the religious center of India, to touch something magical, incomprehensible, something that most often cannot be explained to an ordinary person. After all, a person is designed in such a way that everything that seems absurd or strange to him attracts his interest even more.

There are a lot of interesting things in Varanasi that can surprise and sometimes shock the average tourist, but the longer you stay in this place, the faster you get used to what is happening around you. I will tell you about the most interesting places in more detail below. But first, I will briefly describe what Varanasi is like. The city is located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, where, according to legend, God Shiva ferried the souls of the deceased on their final journey. Most Hindus believe that after death the soul is reborn and experiences earthly life again. And in order to find eternal peace, you need to go through cremation, and then immerse yourself in the waters of the sacred Ganges River. This is why most Hindus come here, those who for some reason are doomed to die. They all want to be alone with themselves, and then find eternal peace. There are special houses for such people in Varanasi. This is actually why Varanasi is called the “city of the dead”. Bonfires with the ashes of the deceased do not stop burning here; all this happens in the crematorium located directly on the Ganges River. Varanasi can be compared to Mecca; every believer is obliged to visit this sacred place, and at the end of his life, end his journey here.

What is worth seeing in Varanasi.

1. Ghats- the main important place of the city is the embankment, the Ghats are stone steps that go into the water of the Ganges River. Everything happens there: bathing in the river, prayers, meditation, burning of the dead. Each Ghat has its own name and history, as well as affiliation. For example, on the Ghat, where people meditate, you cannot burn the dead and vice versa. However, for the most part, Hindus use these sacred steps for ritual baths in the river. Usually, curious tourists love to capture these moments with their cameras, but they do not swim in the Ganges themselves. The river itself is considered one of the dirtiest on Earth; doctors claim that it contains all intestinal diseases. But the Indians themselves, in addition to bathing, brush their teeth in it, and some even use it internally. At the same time, they manage not to get sick after this. This fact can be explained by the strong immunity of local residents, accustomed to such flora, as well as the great power of faith that works miracles.

Ghats - locals bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Golden Temple.

This Temple is considered the most sacred in India. However, it itself is small and it is not always possible to find it the first time, so it is better to ask local residents to guide you to it. But unfortunately, you are unlikely to be allowed inside the temple, since entry there is only possible for residents of India. But you can admire the beauty of the domes of this building, made of gold weighing 800 kg. Inside Kashi Vishwanath there is a shrine - the Adi Visheashvara lingam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a center of pilgrimage in India.

Adi Visheasvara Linga

3. Kedareshwar- this temple, like the previous one, is dedicated to God Shiva. It is located directly on the banks of the Ganga River, so finding Kedareshwar will not be difficult, but it is worth admiring it from the water, sailing on a special boat for tourists. A distinctive feature is that it has not been modified in any way since its construction. And what you will see is unique. Unlike the Golden Temple, tourists are allowed here, but you must wear clothes that cover your elbows and knees. Photography is not allowed inside.

Kedareshwar.

4. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum- art lovers should definitely visit this place; many beautiful objects from Indian culture are exhibited here. Ancient manuscripts, bronze statues, all kinds of jewelry, both made of precious metals and not, ceramics, Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and more. The museum is located on the campus of Banaras Hindu, the largest educational institution in India.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

5. Durga Temple- this temple was built in honor of the goddess Durga, and it is also called the Monkey Temple; a large number of these animals live here. While in the temple you should be very careful, as these seemingly sweet creatures can skillfully steal something from you. And in India it is prohibited to offend monkeys, so you should be very careful and watch your things. The temple itself is built of red stone, and there is a beautiful pond on its territory. Durga is very revered in Varanasi, she is considered the protector of the city, protecting it from all kinds of troubles.

Durga Temple.

To summarize, I want to say that there are a lot of interesting places in Varanasi and it would take too long to list them all here, I just want to say that this holy city deserves you to visit it. In my opinion, the real India is hidden here, not in Goa, where tourists are used to going. It is very interesting to see Indian culture, how much the locals believe and revere their God. It seemed to me that all these people were constantly in some kind of neutral state between life and death. They are not afraid to die, but on the contrary, they consider death to be something sacred and important, and perhaps even, although it sounds ridiculous, the meaning of life for them is to die with dignity in the waters of the great river Ganga.

Varanasi is located in northeastern India in the center of the Ganges Valley and is part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a holy place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, a center of Brahminical learning, one of the oldest cities in the world, a city of pilgrims where people come to wash away their sins in the Ganges or cremate loved ones. Varanasi is a place where the physical and spiritual worlds are closely intertwined. The Ganges is considered a river of salvation, a symbol of hope for ancestors, living and future generations. Here, rituals of life and death are performed right in front of passers-by.

Varanasi is a city with a very strong energy, but it is famous not only for its funeral pyres: there are many ancient temples here. They also make the finest silk here and sew dresses, saris and other handicrafts from it.

How to get to Varanasi

• By bus: There are two regular buses per day from Khajuraho and one from Bodh Gaya. The Varanasi bus station is located a few hundred meters from the main railway station Varanasi Cantonment.
• By plane: There are no direct flights from Moscow to Varanasi; you will need to make two transfers, the second usually to Delhi. From there the plane flies to Varanasi Babatpur Airport.
• By train: If you want to visit not only Varanasi, but also other cities in India, choose to travel by rail. High-speed trains from Delhi and Kolkata arrive at Mughal Serai station, 12 km southeast of Varanasi.

At the end of December and in January there is often heavy fog, which can cause flights and trains to be cancelled. This happens especially often on the Delhi-Varanasi route.

Search for air tickets to Delhi (the nearest airport to Varanasi)

Transport

You can get around the city by bus (the fare will be about 5-10 INR). The bus stop is located near the main railway station. Another popular mode of transport is rickshaws and pedicabs. Prices on the page are as of March 2019.

Weather in Varanasi

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The climate in these places is humid subtropical, summers are long and hot, lasting from April to October. Thanks to the cold air blowing from the Himalayas, temperatures from December to February are below −5 °C. Fogs are common in winter.

Varanasi Hotels

There is no dearth of tourist accommodation in Varanasi. Most tourists prefer budget guesthouses closer to city attractions, which is why there are the most budget hotels here. There are also expensive hotels in the city, and they are concentrated mainly behind the railway station.

A large selection of tourist accommodation in the Godaulia area, in the very center of the Ganges embankment, closer to the ghats and other interesting places of Varanasi. There is a lot of economy class housing here, but it is better not to count on comfort. Prices for accommodation depend on the view from the window, the presence of a terrace - pilgrims often meditate there and the availability of air conditioning (it’s better not to skimp on this). Prices start from 200 INR per person.

A lot of inexpensive housing is concentrated along the Ganges River and the Old City. The practice of settling tourists in private houses is popular here. Rent a room in a private house or apartment will cost at least 200-300 INR per person, for 1000-1500 INR per day you can count on conditions close to European ones.

Immediately behind the station there is a very calm area where the bulk of expensive hotels are concentrated - there you can stay in a completely European-looking “three ruble” for 40-60 USD or in a decent 4* hotel for 80-110 USD per day for a double room.

Shopping in Varanasi

The city of Varanasi is famous for its finest silk. It is sold everywhere here: in markets, in small silk shops in the Old Town and in souvenir shops. There are a lot of scammers in the silk business, so don’t trust barkers and rickshaw drivers who “know exactly the best store.” This applies not only to private stores, but also to state ones - there are no guarantees. The only place where you definitely won’t run into a fake is the store at the Mehrotra Silk Factory. Silk and silk products have been traded here for more than 50 years, and there is no doubt about the quality. There is a large selection there, and the prices are fixed, so there is no need to bargain. Prices for silk scarves and shawls start from 400 INR, for dresses and sarees from 2500 INR, and a silk bedspread can be purchased for 9000 INR. The store is located in a small side street on the Ganges River embankment, within walking distance from the railway station.

In the markets and shops of Varanasi you can buy musical instruments - sitars (string instrument) and tablas (Indian drums). The cheapest are made from mango wood, but the best are those made from teak and vijaisar.

The city has many street markets, literally selling everything from fresh watermelons and mangoes to ritual flowers and water containers from the sacred Ganges River. There are a lot of silk products and jewelry in the markets of the Old City, but authenticity is always a big question - there are many fakes. You can also buy copper jewelry and dishes, handmade carpets and local oil-based perfumes here. Fragrances, of course, are not for everyone, but if you are lucky enough to find your own, it is good luck, since they are very persistent.

Cuisine and restaurants of Varanasi

Varanasi is full of cafes and restaurants at every turn. Most of them are unsanitary, especially in the Old Town, but they are quite safe and you can eat there very cheaply - for 60-70 INR you can get a full meal and tea.

Almost every hotel and guesthouse has its own restaurant or at least a small cafe. The more expensive the hotel, the greater the choice and the higher the chances of getting not only Indian, but also Italian, Nepalese and Japanese dishes. The most expensive restaurants, where almost any food is available, are located in five-star hotels; You don’t have to live there, you can just come for dinner or lunch.

The most popular dishes in local eateries: thali (rice and lentil stew with spices and vegetable sauces), fried rice, paneer in different variations, noodles, chicken in sauce, Indian-style pizza and pasta, dosa (large pancake made from rice flour) and everything is deep fried.

From verified places:

• local cuisine - in the Lotus Lounge restaurant (Tibetan curry, Tibetan “momo” - somewhat similar to dumplings and Goan delicacies);
• Indian - at El Parador: it’s worth trying homemade pasta, chicken souvlaki (kebabs on wooden skewers) and pancakes;
• dishes of northern India and Afghanistan - at Varuna Restaurant: thali and tandoori kebab;
• Israeli cuisine - at the Haifa restaurant;
• Japanese - at Megu Cafe: real sushi, rolls, miso soup and chicken in ginger.

Entertainment and attractions of Varanasi

Varanasi is called the City of the Dead - life and death are intertwined here surprisingly tightly. To die here is considered a great honor and good luck among Hindus - this means that the endless cycle of rebirth will finally end and the soul will end up in the best of worlds. That is why all old and sick Hindus, when they feel imminent death, strive to get to Varanasi.

If a person is unlucky enough to leave the world in the City of the Dead, relatives will bring his body here for ritual cremation. These funeral pyres became almost the main local attraction. The crematoria are located on ghats - steps that lead from the embankment down to the river. There are many of them in Varanasi, but the most important is Manikarnika Nhat - there you can often even find a line of dead people. The body, wrapped in a sheet, is burned at the stake, and the ashes are then scattered over the Ganges. For Hindus themselves, there is nothing sad or dramatic about this - from their point of view, the soul is still either reborn or ends up in nirvana.

Photographs of funeral rites are not permitted. There is no prohibiting law, but the locals will not allow you to do this for free; for them, selling pseudo-permits is a kind of business. Prices vary - from 300 INR per frame to 13,000-15,000 INR per day of photography. Shooting with a professional camera will cost 5-10 times more.

The Ganges embankment is the most party place in Varanasi. Here they pray, meditate and just sit in the water and communicate. The audience is very diverse: pilgrims, Rastafarians, freaks, beggars, artists and hashish dealers.

Varanasi

Temples of Baranasi

There are at least two thousand temples in Varanasi, their exact number is unknown. The most impressive:

• Vishwanath (aka Golden Temple) - built in 1785 and 800 kg of pure gold was spent on its gilding alone. Non-Hindus cannot get there, so tourists go up to the third floor of the store in the neighboring building - from there the golden roof is best seen.
• Kedareshvar - stands on the banks of the Ganges and stands out among all other buildings with its striped red and white walls. Water and flowers are brought to the local lingam (a symbol of divine power in Hinduism), as it is believed that if it is not watered, drought will hit the city.
• Annapurna Bhavani is one of the most important temples in Varanasi where Goddess Annapurna and feminine energy are worshiped. The temple houses a statue of Annapurna made from a single piece of gold.
• Durga is the most popular temple among tourists. It has red walls, and is popularly called “monkey”, as there are always a lot of monkeys around it. The Mother Goddess is worshiped here, the temple itself is located in a very beautiful place, and it even has its own swimming pool.

Museums and galleries

In Sarnath (a suburb of Varanasi, 10 km from the city) there is an interesting archaeological museum where you can see antiquities from the 3rd century. BC e. up to 12th century n. e. Fragments of ancient monasteries that were built by Buddha's followers, fragments of columns and other archaeological artifacts found in these places are exhibited there.

14 km from Varanasi on the other bank of the Ganges is the Ram Nagar fort, built of red sandstone in the 18th century. The fort has a museum and a temple dedicated to the ancient Indian poet Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharata. 25 km from Varanasi is the Chunar fort - the ruins of ancient settlements.

The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which is located on the premises of the local university, houses a large collection of miniatures, sculptures, manuscripts of Indian art, and bronzes. The exhibition features works by foreign artists inspired by the beauty of Varanasi, including Nicholas Roerich.

Nightlife and other entertainment

There are bars and other drinking establishments in Varanasi, but they are located far from the Ganges. Drinking alcohol on the banks of the sacred river is not approved, but you are unlikely to receive a fine for this - only public censure. The best bars and discos are located in hotels away from the ghats - and here the more expensive the hotel, the better. For example, the evenings are bustling with classical music at the Brown Bread Bakery, the Puja Hotel and the Varuna Restaurant at the Gateway Hotel Ganges, while the Ashram International Music Center hosts small musical performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays (entrance 100 INR).

Events

Diwali is celebrated annually in Varanasi - the festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, when candles and lanterns are lit throughout the city. The city also hosts the Shivaratri festival in honor of the god Shiva, when believers read stories about Shiva and sing hymns in his honor, after which a fair opens on the river bank.

Varanasi is rightfully considered the sacred capital of India. In addition to its official name, it is often called the “city of the dead.” A little later you will find out why. Today, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities not only in India, but throughout the world. When studying, scientists came to the conclusion that it is more than 3,000 years old. The local population believes that the city was founded by the god Shiva, and he has already exchanged the fifth millennium. In any case, all such cities, for example Babylon, have long been destroyed, but Varanasi is still standing and thriving.

This article is intended to tell about the sights of this amazing city, however, the territory of Varanasi itself is one great historical heritage. The most interesting places are located closer to the river. There are entire neighborhoods with narrow streets where secret rituals were once held. They are literally imbued with numerous legends and traditions. A trip to Varanasi will bring a lot of pleasure and will surprise anyone, even the most experienced tourist. Many who come here call their first impression of the city “culture shock.” But first things first.

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Geography of Varanasi

The oldest buildings are located closer to the coast. This is due to the fact that the ancient city was built along the course of the sacred Ganges River on its western bank. The eastern shore was empty all the time. There was a legend that Shiva sent the souls of the dead here. Even today, cremations and ritual burials take place on the eastern shore. Residents of the city believe that cremations held here give peace to the soul and send it to a better world. That is why Varanasi is called the “city of the dead”. Arriving in India, it is worth visiting this city, because only here you can think about existence, and then go on your journey with peace of mind.

Ghats

It is impossible not to notice that the ghats are considered the most important place for pilgrimage. In addition, this is one of the main local attractions that tourists love to visit. Ghats are large, stepped-type structures on the banks of a river that are used for the ablution and cremation of the dead. The oldest ghats are located in Varanasi and are more than six thousand years old. There are 84 ghats in the city, varying in structure. Let's get acquainted with the most important of them.

Ghat Assi. This is one of the most important ghats of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of the city. Mentions of it can be found in ancient Indian literature in many famous works: Matsya Purana, Karma Purana and so on. There is a legend according to which the goddess Durga killed the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha with her sword. The Assi River originates from the place where the battle once took place. At the confluence of two rivers today there is a ghat of the same name.

Ghat Gheta Singh. This is a huge ghat divided into 4 parts. In the 18th century, a bloody battle took place at this place between Warren's army and Singh's detachment. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ghat, along with the British fort located next door, was forcibly annexed by Maharaja Prabha. Three magnificent Shiva temples were founded on the territory of the ghat back in the 18th century, which until the 20th century were the main cultural center of Varanasi. It was here that the Bulkhwa Mangal festival began to be held for the first time, which has not been forgotten to this day. Bathing is not done at this ghat due to the high flow of the Ganges.

Ghat Dasaswamedh. It received this name because Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (asva) here. Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most popular and visited places by tourists. And all because there is a special atmosphere that helps you feel the sacred city from the inside.

Ghat Gai. This is the most spiritual ghat in Asia. Just like the others, it has a staircase arrangement and descends directly to the Ganges River. From here there is a magnificent view of ritual activities and the everyday life of ordinary people.

Ghat Harish Ghandra. They named it after the famous mythical ruler. Harish Ghat is one of several cremation facilities and is also the oldest ghat among its brethren. A crematorium using electricity was opened here at the end of the 20th century. However, the standard method of cremation at the ghat is still used. Photography or filming is strictly prohibited. If you are seen with a camera, the police may be called.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

This is one of the most famous Hindu temples not only in Varanasi but throughout the world. This is a small building, hidden from view in a labyrinth of streets and alleys. It has several domes, but even them are difficult to see if you are within the city. The city is so densely built up. To see the holy place, you will have to climb to the roof of a neighboring house. This is the only thing vacationers can count on, because only Indians are allowed to enter. The Kashi Temple is unique in that about a ton of gold was used to cast the domes. The main exhibit of the structure is the Adi Visheashvara lingam. It is located on the floor, on a metal dish, surrounded by plants and fruits. It is not difficult to guess that the temple was built in honor of Shiva. Millions of Hindus come for the pilgrimage every year. Such an event can be compared to a visit to Mecca.

Kedareshwar

Kedareshwar is one of the few ancient temples that has remained virtually unchanged since its foundation. It reached contemporaries almost in its original form. The temple was built during the reign of Ballala II. Kedareshwar, like the others, is dedicated to Shiva and is considered one of the most revered shrines in India. Today it attracts the interest of scientists and tourists. This is due to the fact that the shrine is located right on the banks of the Ganges, and most importantly, it has never undergone fundamental changes. So, by studying this place, you can safely draw conclusions about the life and culture of the city in that distant era. Getting to it is much easier, and you can admire the beauty from a boat, sailing past.

Sarnath

This is not a landmark of Varanasi, but just a suburb of it. However, this does not detract from its merits. The main difference between this temple and others will be its religious orientation. Buddhists come to Sarnath to worship. There is a legend that Buddha first came to this place to read his sermons. The location of the temple was chosen specifically. According to historical data, on the site of the ancient city there was once a small forest settlement, where philosophers, writers and other scientific minds came from all over the world in order to learn the truth and learn a lot of new things. So you can believe the legend, because Buddha simply could not visit a place where there was no knowledge.

Today, most of the Sarnath suburb is destroyed and remains in ruins that were only discovered during excavations. However, this does not prevent tourists from coming here and visiting, in addition to the ruins, the historical museum, where you can see ancient tools and objects found during excavations. Also, many pilgrims come here who dream of paying tribute to these sacred places.

Ramnagar Fort

This is an amazing attraction, and all because, being in the holy city, it does not belong to any religion. The fort was located on the other side of the river, opposite the city. However, there are no problems with access, since there is a modern, convenient bridge between it and Varanasi. The fort was founded in the mid-18th century and was used as the residence of the dynasty of the same name. The Ramnagar fort is decorated in the Mongolian style with tracery windows and numerous minarets. Why Mongolian style? This is due to the fact that for a long time this territory of India was ruled by the Mughals, who professed Islam. Thanks to them, a lot of things from the city simply have not reached the present day. After the capture of Varanasi by Muslims, most of the temples were destroyed and mosques were erected in their place.

Currently, the fort is not only a famous landmark of extraordinary beauty, but also an interesting museum where you can see household items, clothes, shoes, and jewelry of the Maharajas. The weapons room, which contains magnificent examples of that time, inlaid with precious metals, deserves special attention. This place is definitely worth a visit.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

This is another attraction of Varanasi that deserves special attention. The museum with a complex name is located on the campus of a famous higher educational institution. The museum is famous for its huge collection of sculptures, paintings, old records, books, luxury items, weapons, statues and so on. Moreover, not only Hindu luxury goods were collected, but Buddhist ones. A tour of the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum will appeal to lovers of aesthetics who will see the uniqueness of the local culture.

Durga Temple

If after a long journey you do not know where to go, then visit the temple founded in honor of the goddess Durga. It has another name - Monkey Temple. This is due to the fact that there are a lot of monkeys on its territory. This is probably the only reason why most tourists come here. You can chat with the monkeys and take pictures. By the way, there are already so many of these animals in the city itself, sometimes they even become very annoying to local residents. However, it is prohibited by law to abuse monkeys in any way. When playing with a furry animal, be careful, not all of them are so kind. Many individuals are distinguished by their aggressiveness and sharp fangs.

The Durga temple itself is a very interesting place. It was built by Indian craftsmen entirely from rare red stone, which has amazing engraving throughout its entire area. Right at the entrance to the temple there is an artificial, but incredibly beautiful pond.

Just like Shiva, the goddess Durga is respected among Hindus, because she is the protector of the city and has saved the population from troubles many times. The temple is located in close proximity to the Bharat Museum. So, if you decide to visit the temple, then be sure to go to the museum.

Here are some attractions in Varanasi. In fact, there are many more of them, but it will take a very long time to describe them. It’s worth visiting the city in person and seeing with your own eyes all the beauty that has been preserved after many millennia.

Varanasi is the oldest sacred city for Hindus, which is located in the mysterious and already beloved by our tourists on the banks of the beautiful and great Ganges River. Historians think that the age of the city is about three thousand years, but the Indians themselves believe that it is already five thousand years old, and the city was founded by the god Shiva himself. Varanasi, in any case, is one of the most ancient cities on the planet; it fascinates with its atmosphere and awes you with its monuments. If you are traveling to India in 2019, be sure to visit this city - and find out all the most interesting things about it in advance from our article.

The city has a history of thousands of years, and during this period it has changed several names. It was called Kashi (which translates as “city of divine light”), Benares (one of the translation options is “city of a thousand temples”). But throughout its existence, this city is considered the most significant among all the holy places that must be visited by pilgrims - Buddhists, Jains and, especially, Hindus.

Since ancient times, pilgrims have taken a dip in the Ganges River to wash away their sins.

During the conquest of this area by Muslims, the city's significance was somewhat lost, however, when the medieval Hindu states in India became stronger, Hindu culture and religion again rose from the ashes, and the city never fell into decay - on the contrary, new temples were built, and it became more and more beautiful.

Currently, modern institutions are opening in the city: public schools and institutes. In addition to pilgrims, the city is also visited by millions of ordinary tourists - they flock to the city for its special, outlandish atmosphere, for the splendor of its buildings, for the feeling of belonging to something lofty, albeit distant, alien and somewhat incomprehensible.

Why is Varanasi called the “city of the dead”?

For Hindus, this sacred city is a kind of border between life on Earth and eternal life. They believe in the wanderings of the soul, which after death repeatedly moves into other living beings. And every person - in this life and others - must strive to complete this painful cycle of rebirth, which is called “samsara”.

According to Hindu beliefs, anyone who dies in this city is freed from samsara. Therefore, many wealthy residents of India, at the end of their days, settle in this city or in its environs, and even poor, but terminally ill people come here with their last strength.

But, even if the Indian did not die in Varanasi, it is worth cremating his body in this city, then his karma will be cleared for all the best in the next life. Therefore, from all corners of India, and even - moreover, from all over the planet, because Hinduism is practiced not only in this country, hundreds of corpses are brought every day for cremation, which takes place right here - on the banks of the Ganges River.

How to get to Varanasi city?

In Varanasi, thanks to the achievements of modern civilization, there is already an airport, but, of course, you can’t get there directly from the Russian Federation - you need to make several transfers, the second of which will be in Delhi.

If you are visiting not only Varanasi, but also India as a whole, it will be quite convenient to get to the ancient city by rail (from Delhi or Calcutta), by bus (from Khajuraho and Bodh Gaya).

The city itself is quite large, and if you wish, you can get around it by bus or rickshaw (pedicab). However, most likely, it will be much easier and more pleasant to see all the splendor if you walk around Varanasi - and absorb everything around you with your eyes, ears and soul.

What to see in Varanasi?

A tourist visiting Varanasi for the first time may have his eyes wide open - so here is a list of the most interesting or picturesque attractions of the city.

Temples of Varanasi

The wooden temple located on the Lalita ghat stands out among others. It was built as a copy of the Nepalese Pashupatinath Temple and is under the protection of the reigning dynasty of Nepal, which allocated funds for the construction of the structure from valuable types of wood.

General tips for visiting Hindu temples are:

• representatives of both sexes are required to cover their legs and shoulders;
• You cannot enter the temple in shoes and you cannot even take them with you;
• You shouldn’t even try to enter temples where only Hindus are allowed to enter;
• in churches it is customary to leave a few coins in donation boxes;
• If at the exit from the temple you were given prasad - sticky rice or semolina - do not throw it away under any circumstances, thereby insulting the poor Hindus right in front of their eyes. Give it to a cow or lower it into the waters of the Ganges.

In addition to Hindu temple buildings, the city also has temples created by representatives of other faiths. Thus, the Aurangzeb Mosque was built back in the 17th century by the Mughals, who wanted to destroy the whole of Varanasi. They turned the temple of Vishnu that was then standing there into ruins, and in its place they erected a mosque named after the commander.

In a suburb called Sarnath, there are Buddhist sacred buildings, because it was here, according to followers of this religion, that Buddha preached his first sermon, laying the foundation for his teaching. Sarnath was destroyed at one time, and subsequently numerous archaeological surveys were carried out in this suburb.

1. Dhamek Stupa. It is famous for the fact that it was built around the 6th century and still stands today. This is a cylinder-shaped tower, about 30 meters high.
2. Mulgandhakuti Vihara Temple. Erected at the beginning of the last century - on the site of an old, destroyed temple. This temple is decorated with paintings from the life of Buddha and was built to symbolize the return of Buddhism to Indian territory.
3. Archaeological Museum. This is not a temple at all - but inside the museum there are priceless finds of archaeologists, what was found through many years of excavations at Sarnath: sculptures, ceramics, paintings on stones and other artifacts.

Other attractions of Varanasi

In Varanasi itself, in addition to temples, there are other attractions:

1. Ghats. These are stone steps that lead to the river. There are 84 of them, each of them has its own name. They serve for ritual washing in the Ganges River, cremation of the dead and various ceremonies. Tourists are allowed to view the cremation, but filming is strictly prohibited. After this procedure, the ashes with unburned bodies are fluttered over the river. People can swim, drink water and wash clothes nearby in the water; this is common for Indians. Tourists are highly discouraged from doing this, as the waters are very polluted. The spectacle of cremation, of course, will not appeal to everyone; it is not for the faint of heart. You can watch the action in the Ganges River in the video:
2. Ram Nagar Fort. It is located on the opposite bank of the river and can be reached via a bridge. It was built in 1750 as a residence for the Mughals, the rulers of the then Benares region. Therefore, it is made in the Mughal style. Part of the Ram Nagar fort is used as a museum, which houses collections of weapons and household items of the Maharaja.
3. Jantar Mantar Observatory. Astronomy lovers will like it, as it contains an excellent collection of instruments used in this science.

How to have fun in Varanasi?

Of course, mainly here you can see how the Hindu pilgrimage takes place. There are several special routes, pilgrims must walk and remain silent, they can only eat once a day, and must not cover their heads to protect themselves from the elements.

But there are more joyful and colorful sights in Varanasi, even for ordinary tourists - non-Hindus. For example, this is Diwali, the festival of fire, which is celebrated in honor of the victory of good over evil. During the Diwali festival, the city literally blinds tourists with the lights of candles and lanterns.

And the Shivaratri festival is dedicated to Shiva himself: Hindus tell stories from his life and sing ritual hymns with inspiration. Festivals are usually accompanied by fairs.

Dazzled by the many temples and shocked by the funeral ceremonies, the European tourist may want to find something more earthly in Varanasi. The city is beautiful in itself: even the simple narrow streets have an Indian flavor, and, oddly enough, there are conditions for shopping - there are many bazaars. Each bazaar is dedicated to a specific product: jewelry, silk, dishes, furniture and other goods.

In the city it is quite possible to get enough not only of spiritual food, but also to visit some catering establishment and satisfy your hunger. It is best to go to a local restaurant and try, for example, curry, souvlaki (small kebabs), thali (vegetarian platter). And wash it all down with the traditional drink Tandai - made from milk, pistachios and spices.

This is Varanasi, a whole day may not be enough to visit it. Of course, this article talks about the most important attractions, but there are thousands of temples in the city, about a hundred ghats, and every traveler will like something different. But even if you only have a couple of hours, be sure to take at least some time to visit this ancient city. In any case, it will charm you with both its beauty and its atmosphere.