Varanasi

Just after a week in Kanpur on an official visit, I managed to make my first visit to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India ! It was unplanned and it just happened !! After a night long journey, we reached Lahartara in Varanasi at around 5 AM. Fortunately, we got an autorickshaw and we asked the driver to drop us at any one of the hotels near the temple. Since our visit was on the very next day of 'Dev Deepavali' which is a famous festival of Benaras, all hotels were occupied. But finally, after much search, we could manage to get a room near Shivala ghat.

By 6 AM, I was in the Ghats ( steps down in to the Ganga river) and Galis ( narrow alleys)  of Varanasi. There I was in Varanasi -  the City of Lights , also known by the name of Kashi and Banaras. This is the place where River Varuna and Asi merges with the Ganges. Hence Varun-asi or Varanasi. It is situated along the west bank of the holy Ganga River in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Wandering through the Galis of this 3000 years old city offers photographers and  travellers a unique opportunity to understand the soul of India.

VARANASI GHATS

Ghats are the signature in this holy city and all Galis  and roads  lead to the Ganges. Situated along the banks of the holy river Ganges, there are around 85 Ghat's in Varanasi. Each of the Ghats has a different name, history and importance. Walking along the Ghats will make you feel relaxed, especially during winter. And you can experience the local life as well.

The banks of the Ganges is beautiful in the early morning when  morning prayers and rituals begin. Ancient buildings overlooking the Ganges glowing in the crisp early light is certainly a sight to behold. Boats were resting at the tip of the Ghat. 

HOLY BATH IN GANGES

As the first rays of  the Sun shine on the waters of Ganga, devotees take their holy dip before starting the day.  In this holy city of India,  bathing in the ghats is a major  attraction.  It is believed that a ritual bath in Ganges or a holy dip would  wash away a lifetime of sins. I had  a holy dip too and it was a heavenly feel of blessings.

This is the best time to photograph the city. But there is little time for this, as I had to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

KASHI VISWANTH TEMPLE

It was around 8'o clock in the morning . As we ventured into  the streets of Varanasi, shops were still to be opened. As camera, mobiles and eateries are not allowed inside the temple, we had to keep all our belongings in our hotel room. Had dosa from road side eateries and we moved towards Gate No.2 of Vishwanath temple or Golden temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishveswara- Lord Shiva who is the  Lord of the Universe. It is one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India.  There was a long queue through the narrow walk way with shops and houses all around. Shops were selling pooja items and Banaras sarees .  Chants of  ‘Har-Har Mahadev‘ reverberated through the air.  The temple complex is spacious and it houses a small Shivalingam - Tryambaka. After having darshan of the Lord of Lords, I came out of the temple with blessings of the  Supreme Lord. It was a long queue for almost 5 hours, but worth the visit.  A trip to Varanasi  is incomplete without a visit to this temple.

KASHI VISHALAKSHI TEMPLE

There are many small temples around the main temple. We decided to visit the Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple which is  dedicated to  Goddess Vishalakshi  and is very near to Gate No.2. It is generally regarded as a Shakti Pitha, the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother. 

SHOPPING AND FOOD

The narrow lanes were laced with old houses, temples, shops selling sweets and Banarasi silk sarees, food stalls and pan shops. The streets are crowded with stray cows, dogs and cycle rickshaws. You can taste crispy kachoris, paans, lassi,  chaats and piping hot samosas.

BOAT RIDE ALONG THE GHATS

A boat ride through the Ganges is the best way to see the ghats. You can select morning or evening ride depending  upon  your choice. In the evening you can have a good view of  Ganga aarti at Dashaswamedh ghat from the boat.

Boats assembled at Dashaswamedh ghat for evening Ganga aarti

EVENING GANGA AARTI AT  DASASWAMEDH GHAT

The evening arati at Dashaswamedh ghat is an experience which cannot be expressed in words. Everyday this aarti ceremony starts at 6.45 in the evening and  continues for 45 minutes. Divinely inspired  music and Ganga aarti fill our hearts and you can sit and watch  the priests performing the aarti.  This is one of the most memorable moments in Varanasi.

You can also release a small leaf boat into the Ganges with flowers and a small lamp in it.  It is believed that the boat carries your hopes and prayers to the Gods.

Offering of lights to the Ganges.

Varanasi is  magical in every sense of the word.  A place where the whole concept of life, death and rebirth offers a new meaning, a new definition !! A place where the mind connects with the soul !!

 After having dinner from a nearby hotel ,  we started our  return journey after a  spiritually fulfilling and rejuvenating experience. One should visit this place at least once in their lifetime.