Varanasi Temples and Ghats

Varanasi or Benaras (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s fame in Hindu mythology is almost undisclosed. Mark Twain, an English writer and writer fascinated by Benaras’ legend and holiness, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than even legend, and looks twice as old as all of them combined.”

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been a favorite place of pilgrimage for Hindus for centuries. Hindus believe that those who are lucky enough to die in the land of Varanasi will find salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origin of Varanasi is still unknown. It is believed that the Ganges in Varanasi can wash away the sins of mortals.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for centuries. The city is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi. Successfully named the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided a suitable platform for all cultural events to flourish.

To see and know Varanasi, one day is not enough. But, if you have at least one day, you can learn and see a lot.

Early in the morning our guide will meet you at the airport or hotel and you will start an unforgettable day from dawn by boat, moving along the Ganges River to the start of the tour. You will spend the whole day in the historical part of the city, walking through the ghats and temples, and in the evening you will see the world-famous Ganga Aarti – the ceremony of worship of the great Ganges. Here, regardless of the weather, seven priests each evening thank Ganga for everything she gives.

What you'll see:

Kashi Vishwanath 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 west bank of the sacred river Ganges and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingam, the most sacred temples of Shiva.

Sankat Mochan Temple (pass by) Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. The temple was founded by the famous Hindu preacher and holy poet Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is located on the banks of the Assi River. The deity was called Sankat Mochan, which means “rescuer from troubles.” 4.

Annapurna Temple. Annapurna means one who gives full food. As the name suggests, the temple of Annapurna is dedicated to the goddess of food. Food is part of human survival, and so creating a goddess for worship is a human attempt to free oneself from the fear of lack of food. The temple of Annapurna is said to save the city of Varanasi from a food crisis. Not only in Varanasi, but throughout India, Annapurna is worshipped on different occasions and under different names. Most Hindus worship Annapurna on the day of makara sankranti and on the day of the arrival of a new crop from the fields.

The Tulsi Manas Temple is of great historical and cultural significance not only for Varanasi, but for the whole of India. Precisely because this place is associated with an event that still rules the Indian psyche. It was here that the famous Hindu epic Ramayana was written. Goswami Tulsi Das was the man who wrote Ramayana in Hindi in the form of Ram Charit Manas. Before that, the Ramayana was only available in Sanskrit and was therefore inaccessible to the masses.

Founded in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia.

Later, after that, drive up to the bank of the river and step onto one of the oldest streets to enjoy a walking tour. A guided walk through the old streets of Varanasi and millennial alleyways, holy temples will leave you mesmerized. Discover the sacred and oldest living culture of this ancient city by walking through these old streets. The walk, promising surprise at every step, is extremely rich in its discoveries and attractions. When you do that, you will have a lot more learning experience. Ask your Varanasi guide to find out the depth of each place you pass during this walking tour of Varanasi. This walk through Varanasi takes place in the northern part of the Ghats and will give a real idea of Varanasi. During this walking tour you can see the temple of Kashi Vishwanasth, the famous gastronomic streets of Varanasi, Kachuri Gali, perfume market, flower market, silk market, souvenir market and much more.

Ganga Aarti. In the evening, travel to the banks of the Ganges River and board a private boat to witness the aarti ceremony, followed by cremation. Aarti, also spelled arati, is a Hindu ritual in which light is offered to one or more deities. Aarti also refers to songs that praise the deity when lamps are offered. Hindus in India worship the Ganges River as a goddess. Every evening in Varanasi on the ghat Dashashvamedh, an aarti is held. We can watch it from the ghat or from the shore by boat. It is a beautiful, sonorous and majestic spectacle with very precise choreography, including rituals performed by several priests to the sounds of bells, drums, plates and Sanskrit mantras. The river is also worshipped with flower petals. After that, you will return to the hotel and the service will end.

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