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10 interesting facts about Varanasi

Varanasi is a sacred place, which is visited by a great number of tourists throughout the year. This place has a lot to offer to its visitors, leaving them enthralled. From beautiful mesmerizing temples to the heavenly Ganga Shanahan, which is believed to wipe off the sins of the believers, there’s a lot that this city has in store for its guests. Given below are 10 interesting facts about Varanasi, which make this place all the more unique.

The most ancient surviving city

It is believed that this holy city is one of the oldest living cities in the world. In fact, it is believed that this place was once the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This connection of this city with eternity doesn’t end here; for it is believed that the person who inhales his final breath here, actually attains salvation.

The epicenter of sciences

Being the land where the founder of natural sciences, Maharishi Patanjali, took his first steps, this town has been at the helm of the germination of scientific knowledge. It is hardly an enigma that the ancient holistic healing sciences such as Yoga and other traditional forms have their roots in this city.

A major trading center

Not only is Varanasi the spiritual capital of the nation, it is also a leading trading center as a great amount of trade is done here. The intricate silver and gold brocades and the famous Banarasi silk are the major items that this city is known for.

A hub of rich literature

An interesting fact about Varanasi is that a number of famous literary geniuses such as Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das hail from this city.

A religious hub

This place has countless temples devoted to Shaivism and Vaishnavism, and both these forms of Hinduism stay together here in harmony.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

The largest University in Asia that is Banaras Hindu University, founded by the famous leader Madan Mohan Malviya, is also a part of this place.

A favourite site for shooting

A picturesque destination, this place has been featured in a number of movies. Many television shows have also used this holy location for shooting purpose.

A source of music

Ravi Shankar and the shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, the leading legends of the industry also have their roots in this place.

A rich cultural milieu

This place is a great symbol of the Hindu new beginning as it is a hub of culture, knowledge, devotion, art and philosophy.

Frog Marriage

A very uncanny and astonishing custom is practiced in this city – frog marriage, which is particularly done in the rainy season at the Ashwamedh Ghat. The priest performs the ceremony of wedding a couple of frogs and then they are then left into the river.

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Best Places to Enjoy The Local Cuisine of Varanasi

The city of Kashi, or Varanasi, is known for many things such as its effervescent culture that is mirrored in age old traditions, a rich cosmogony that ties it to the very foundation of Hinduism and the museum of temples that Varanasi has become over the centuries. Among the many other things that this quaint town is famous for, the one thing that clearly stands out is its never-ending stroke of delectable delicacies from the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi. This blog seeks to bring out some of the best places in Varanasi where you can get a taste of some of the most popular dishes stemming from the authentic cuisine of Varanasi.

Shivala Road

Situated in the vicinity of the famous Shivala Ghat, the Shivala Road is lined up with quite a few tourist attractions. Be it a romantic date with your lover in a rooftop confectionary shop or a fulfilling meal inspired from Kerala after a hectic day at work or a simple dinner with your family at a multi-cuisine bistro, there are quite a few dining options to choose from.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Area

Located amidst the crowded lanes of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the main temples of Varanasi as it finds mention in Shiva Purana, are the aromatic boulevards having clusters of eateries. From happening cafes to multi-cuisine restaurants to pure vegetarian eating joints, there’s a lot to explore once you offer your prayers at this celebrated shrine.

Godowlia Chowk

Amidst the serpentine arcades of Varanasi is the Godowlia Chowk. Famous for its thandai and flavoured paan, this street offers a range of eating options – from shops selling aromatic tea to restaurants selling local delights like Malaiyyo (a popular sweet dish that is served during winters), Choora Mattar (which is Poha with a dash of Banarasi flavours) and Bati Chokha (a savory main course dish) – there’s plenty of food waiting for you.

Asi Ghat

A beautiful ghat famous for its evening Aarti, Asi Ghat is frequented by visitors and local inhabitants alike. After immersing your soul in a spiritual experience, take a stroll along the alleys of Asi Ghat that are always abuzz with life and activity. These ghats have numerous bistros and kiosks that will tantalize your taste buds and bring everything ranging from local favourites of Kashi to international delicacies on your plate.

Dashwamedh Ghat

One of the most revered ghats of Varanasi, Dashwamedh Ghat is known for enthralling throngs of believers of Hinduism each night for its Ganga Aarti. Legend has it that it is here that Lord Brahma, the Hindu deity known for creating the universe, sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (ashwa). Besides these, the busy arcades surrounding this region are also famous for producing some of the finest dishes of the city using the fresh produce of the region. So, unwind at one of these restaurants after a hectic trip to the busy ghat.

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What is the Story behind Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Created by the confluence of the Varuna & Asi rivulets with the holy river Ganges, Varanasi, or Kashi as it is popularly called, is one of the most revered cities in India. Believed to be one of the most ancient towns of India, Kashi is believed to be at the centre of the Hindu doctrine of cosmogony.

If Kashi is at the heart of Hinduism, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the heartbeat of this godly land. This divine sanctuary is one of the holiest lands that are known to exist in the country. In fact, so sacred is this shrine that it finds mention in the Skanda Puranda, which is an ancient Hindu scripture.  Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is frequented by throngs of Hindus every day owing to its popularity.

Legend has it that one fine day; Lord Brahma (the Hindu deity associated with the act of creating the universe) and Lord Vishnu (the Hindu god responsible for maintaining tranquility and harmony on earth) had a tussle concerning the supremacy of their creative powers. In order to evaluate their powers, Lord Shiva pierced the three worlds with striking force in the form of an endless support of light, the jyotirlinga. This battle culminated in the defeat of Vishnu as Brahma had cunningly lied that he had a premonition that Vishnu had lost. Upon learning about this deception, Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light, cursing Brahma that he would not enjoy the prestige of being worshipped during celebrations while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of time.

Overlooking the Western bank of River Ganges, Kashi Viswanath Temple is one of the most prominent of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the country. The others, include Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleswar (Madhya Pradesh), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Triambakeshwar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deogarh (Jharkhand), Nageswar (Gujarat), Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu) and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra).

Another interesting facet of this temple is the fact that it has been marred with several atrocious events in history. It was completely demolished by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194 CE. While it was rebuilt during the reign of Illtutmish, it was demolished again during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi and later during Emperor Aurangzeb’s crusader activities to propagate Islam. It is remarkable to see how this temple has stood the numerous tests of time and stands in all its glory.

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Places to Visit in Varanasi at Night

Situated in the pinnacle of spirituality, Varanasi is the Mecca of India. This quaint town, which is believed to be the most ancient surviving city of the world, is the nucleus of religious tourism in India and draws incalculable pilgrims from across the country.

  • Take a Trip to the Ganges Ghat

The city of Varanasi is fed by Ganges River. This river is believed to be one of the holiest rivers in the country due to its association with the trinity Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Ganga Ghat is famous for its evening Aarti, which happens daily. This is truly one mesmerizing site wherein visitors gather every night around the Ganga Ghat and offer their prayers to the river. You can also take a boat ride in this river with your family and friends.

  • Seek Divine Blessings in the Temples of Varanasi

Take a few moments to indulge in some soul-cleansing meditative moments and offer your prayers at the temples of Varanasi. So sacred are some of these temples that they find mention in the sacred Hindu literature. Some of the prominent temples in this city of temples include Vishwanath Temple, Nepali Mandir Temple and Sarnath Temple.

  • Satiate your Shopping Desire

Shopping in Varanasi is a great thing that you can do in the wee hours of twilight. Be it silk saris or ornate jewels, Varanasi has plenty to offer. Chowk and Vishwanath Gali are two famous shopping arcades of the city.

  • Visit the Alamgir Mosque

Exquisitely designed with intricate motifs, this impressive mosque overlooks the Ganges. Legend has it that it was built during the reign of Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, after he demolished the original Vishwanath Temple (which was built by Beni Madhur Rao Scindhia) in a spate of his puritanical measures to promote Islam. Overlooking the Panchaganga Ghat, this Mosque was named Alamgir to honour Aurangzeb.

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Why Varanasi Is Called The City Of Temples & Is Important To Hinduism?

Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is believed to be the most ancient surviving city of the globe. Legend has it that the first Siva Jyotirlinga emanated from the earth in this city and flared straight into the sky. This is why Varanasi is also known as Kashi or “the City of Light”. But that’s not all; Kashi is also known by several other names such as ‘the city of temples’. Read on to find out how the city earned this name and why it is so important to Hinduism.

 

Comprising of as many as 2000 temples, Varanasi is a major hub for pilgrims from various nook and corners of the country. Some of the most famous temples of this city, include the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple and Mrityunjaya Temple.  According to a popular belief, most of these temples date back to the medieval era. Given the fact that Varanasi is flooded with these numerous places of worship, it is hardly an enigma why Varanasi is called ‘The City of Temples’.

This museum of temples is also famous for the fact that the revered river Ganga is located in this city. Ganga, the elder sister of Parvati, is associated with the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – the chief deities of Hinduism. It is believed that after her birth, Ganga was taken to the Brahmalok by Brahma. Then, as he washed the feet of Lord Vishnu with Ganga water, Ganga came to Vaikuntha. After rigorous penance to Lord Shiva, Bhagiratha (one of the forefathers of Lord Rama) brought Ganga to the earth. So great was the force with which this stream cascaded to the earth, that Lord Shiva had to hold her in his matted hair and release it in the form of Ganga. This association of Ganga with the central deities of Hinduism has made it the holiest river in the country. In fact, according to Hindu scriptures, so chaste is river Ganges, that taking a dip in it bestows spiritual merit by annihilating all sins committed by one in this birth and is the ticket to attain salvation.

This vibe of piousness is peculiar of the city of Varanasi. This is why it is believed that on dying here, you will be guaranteed a place in heaven. Thus, it is hardly a surprise why Varanasi is so important to Hinduism.