Shri KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shivatemples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
How to Reach:
By Air
There is direct daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow, Gaya, Chennai, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Bhuvaneshwar, etc. Terminal Manager Babtpur Airport: 0542-2623060 Airport Director: 0542-2622155
By Train
Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahbad, Lucknow, and Dehradun… the city has direct rail connections. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station Enquiry number 135.
By Road
Some important road distances are Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., Patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Nepal) 386 km., and Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorakhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand.
Temples Of Importance
Shri KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
MAA ANNAPURNA TEMPLE
Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi Annapurna, believed as the “Goddess of Fooding”.
SANKATHA TEMPLE
Near the Sindhia Ghat, there is an important temple of “Goddess of Remedy” Devi Sankatha. Inside its premises there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also there is nine temples of nine planets nearby to this temple.
It is the ancient temple of Varanasi near the Head Post Office, VishesharGanj. God KalBhairav is believed as “Kotwal Of Varanasi”, without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.
MRITUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE
On the route of Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple this temple of Lord Shiva is situated. Just beside this temple, there is a Well of much religious importance, whose water is said to be a mixture of several underground streams and good for eliminating several diseases.
NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE
Situated on the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.
TULSI MANAS TEMPLE
Constructed by the family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic “Shri Ramcharitmanas”, which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.
SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE
Besides the Assi river stream, on the way of Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple this well-known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as “Sankatmochan” the god who protects from troubles. This temple is founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as the “Monkey” temple, as a lot of monkeys are there inside the premises.
DURGA TEMPLE
Commonly called the ‘Monkey temple’, it was built in the 18th century. Although it is one of the best-known temple. There is nice stonework done of the temple , it is the nice example of NAGRA Shilp. Godess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world. There is a pond adjacent to the temple called “Durgakund”.
BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.
History
Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote :
“Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives.
With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives.
With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her ‘Theosophical Society’ and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute ‘Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.
Culture & Heritage
Importance of Banaras in India and especially for Hindus; various aspects of Banaras, its many names and what makes it the cultural capital of India.
Archaeology, Mythology, Geography, and History of Banaras- its unique situation on Ganges, and its journey through the history of India, and quest to know what makes it oldest living city.
Religious Varanasi-
Many religions, place and types of worship, a religious place and institutions. You will find that even Primitive worship cults are still practiced in this city. Discover the city of Buddha, Jain Tirthankars, Shaiva and Vaishnava saints or Devoted saints like Kabir and Tulsi.
Arts, Crafts and Architecture of Banaras:
You will be amused to see that Varanasi is a Museum architectural designs. It presents changing patterns and movements in course of history. It has a rich and original variety of paintings and sculptor styles and equally rich treasures of folk art. During the ages Varanasi has produced master craftsmen and Varanasi has earned name and fame for its Sarees, handicrafts, textiles, Toys, ornaments, metal work, clay and wood work, leaf and fibre crafts. With ancient crafts, Banaras has not lagged behind in Modern Industries.
Discover Ganga-
the holiest of the holy river-
its mythology, geography, socio-economic aspects, its monumental ghats, and their story and the present condition of pollution.
The Capital of all knowledge- Discover the most ancient seat of education in India World the famous scholars and their `Shastrarthas’, the great scholars, universities, colleges, schools, Madarsas and Pathshalas, and Guru Shishya traditions, the epics, famous literary works, languages and dialects, journalistic traditions- newspapers and magazine, and famous libraries.
Discover the social and cultural fabric-
Organisation of sacred complex and social spaces, the cultural pluristic, linguistic and ethnic groups. Discover the city of affluence, intellectuals, oral traditions, castes and customs, personalities, professions, communal harmony . Discover the rural Varanasi. And finally (and with deep insight) peep into, the pleasure of Pans, Thandai, Gamcha, Bahri Alang and Mauj Masti.
The City of Music and Drama and Entertainment:
Banaras has been famous for its Music both vocal instrumental, it has its own dance tradition. Add to this a very rich stock of folk Music and drama (esp. Ramlila), the tradition Musical soirees, fairs and festival the rich tradition of Akharas, games and sports. Add to this classical Banaras Transport vehicles like Ekka and Modern Traffic Jam.
Industrial City:
Discover the fast developing city of heavy, light and cottage industries, local handicrafts and other small scale industrial units. ( DLW, BHEL, Electric, Cycle,Pumps, Paper, Glass, Fertilizer etc.)
Medical World of Varanasi:
Discover the ancient College of Plastic Surgery, Sushruta, Dhanvantri (God of Medicine), Divodas, and practice of all the ancient and modern systems of medicine in action.
The Unseen Banaras:
Discover the spots around Varanasi, institutions, the story of the freedom struggle and the martyrs, the history of Kashiraj, the history of Sarnath, the history of Bhadohi (Carpet town), of Mirzapur, of Ghazipur, know about the famous travelers and tourists, of the `Nijam’. And finally having seen the Panorama of Banaras, its continuity of culture, discover the identity of Banaras.
Sarnath
Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.
Ghats
Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites
Most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt after 1700 AD when the city was part of the Maratha Empire.[2] The patrons of current ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction.
Dubbed the City of Lights or Kashi, Varanasi is a holy town situated on the west bank of the River Ganga. Call it the land of Shiva or simply a historic city that has several mysteries concealed deep within; this holy city has a spiritual legacy that dates back more than 3000 years. Varanasi has stayed an important pilgrimage center in India and for those visiting from outside the country, it reflects authentic India. Today, Varanasi is a busy hub, where all winding roads look similar, ghats are always crowded and the fragrance of incense and the smell of burnt firewood dissolve in the air. The aartis and the floating of earthen lamps over the water of the Ganga in the evening are also important elements of the identity of Varanasi. Apart from this, the sacred city is also the reflection of different architecture, from the Kings of Bengal to the Maharajas of Rajasthan; all have contributed in making Varanasi an epitome of rich Indian culture and faith.
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