Varanasi (वाराणसी) Verified
Description
Varanasi (वाराणसी), also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, it is a major center for religion, culture, and learning.
About Varanasi
                            Believed to be founded by
                            Lord
                                Shiva himself. 
                            Known as the city of
                                moksha
                                (liberation) – Hindus believe dying here leads to freedom from the cycle of
                            rebirth. 
                            Famous for its temples,
                                ghats,
                                Ganga Aarti, silk weaving, music, and Ayurveda. 
                            A city where spirituality,
                            tradition, and culture come together. 
                        
Famous Temples in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Founded by saint Tulsidas, dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Durga Kund Mandir
Goddess Durga’s temple with a sacred pond.
Annapurna Devi Mandir
Goddess of food and nourishment.
Tulsi Manas Mandi
Where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas.
Famous Ghats
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Famous for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Manikarnika Ghat
Sacred cremation ghat, associated with moksha.
Assi Ghat
Popular among students, tourists, and spiritual seekers.
Harishchandra Ghat
Another ancient cremation ghat.
Panchganga Ghat
Confluence of five sacred rivers.
Things to Experience in Varanasi
                            Ganga Aarti at
                            Dashashwamedh
                            Ghat (a must-watch). 
                            Boat ride on the
                                Ganga at
                            sunrise or sunset. 
                            Silk Saree
                                shopping (Banarasi
                            Sarees are world-famous). 
                            Explore narrow
                                lanes filled
                            with shops, sweets, and chai stalls. 
                            Visit Sarnath
                            (10 km away),
                            where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. 
                            Taste local delicacies:
                            Kachori-Sabzi, Banarasi Paan, Malaiyyo (in winter). 
                        
How to Reach Varanasi
                            By Air: Lal
                            Bahadur Shastri International Airport (24 km). 
                            By Train:
                            Varanasi Junction and Kashi Railway Station (well connected). 
                            By Road: Buses
                            and taxis available from Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, etc. 
                        
Best Time to Visit
                            October to
                                March – Pleasant weather for sightseeing. 
                            Festivals: Dev
                            Deepawali, Maha Shivratri, Holi, and Kartik Purnima are celebrated grandly.
                        
Spiritual Significance
                            Varanasi is considered the
                            “City of Shiva”. 
                            Bathing in the Ganga is
                            believed to wash away sins. 
                            Cremation at Manikarnika or
                            Harishchandra Ghat is believed to grant liberation (moksha).