Tourist places in and around Varanasi
Sarnath
Buddha Stupa in Sarnath
A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the 'middle way' to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath. Most of the Sarnath's monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here.The Buddha Purnima festival is held here in May to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha.
Allahabad
One of the holiest cities of India, Allahabad is situated at a distance of about 135 km west of Varanasi and 238 km from the state capital Lucknow. This ancient city finds mention in the Vedas, Puranas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as Prayag. Ganga-Yamuna Sangam in Allahabad Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna. The confluence called the Sangam, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. The present city was founded in 1575 by the great Mughal ruler Akbar who gave it a name of `Illahabas'. It was he who built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam.The city, which has been the hometown or the adopted town of many eminent personalities of the country, is quite an interesting and relaxing place to visit.
Kushinagar Nirvana Temple in Kushinagar
About 51 kilometres from Gorakhpur lies Kushinagar, a place famous for the Mahaparinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha. The town, once a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom, has many of the stupas and viharas that date back to 230 BC-413 AD. One of the important sites to see here is the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where you can find the famous reclining statue of Buddha. The 20-feet-long statue is seated on a brick platform. Around the temple, one can find the ruins of as many as eight monasteries.Ghats
The major attractions of Varanasi are the 5kms. Stretch of bathing and burning ghats that line the western bank of river Ganga. About 100 big and small ghats were built during 18th and 19th century, some of them have withered away, while most of the ghats have withstood the vagaries of time. High above the chain of stone steps of the ghats are pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces. Every ghat has its own religious significance, but bathing in the five most important ones - Assi, Dasashvamedha, Harishchandra, Panchganga and Manikaranika in the same order on the same day absolves pilgrims' fromk their sins.The long string of ghats'the chain of stone stepsalong the western bank of the Varanasi Ghat Ganges forms the major attraction of Varanasi. There are about hundred ghats in the city and each of them is marked by a lingam and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city. The ghats, though some of them have crumbled over the years, continue to thrive with early-morning bathers, Brahmin priests offering puja and people practicing meditation and yoga. Though most of the ghats are used for bathing, there are several 'burning ghats' were bodies are cremated. The pilgrims here are supposed to bathe at five special ghats in a sequence during a ritual called the Panchatirthi Yatra. For the casual visitor however the easiest way to see the ghats is to follow a south-north sequence either by boat or on foot.
The Ghats at Varanasi are plenty and constitute the most important feature of this holy city. There are almost 100 ghats in Varanasi and all of them are forever busy with pilgrims taking a dip, meditating or simply soaking in the splendid views. Among the most important ghat is Dasaswamedh Ghat, which derives its name from the legend that ten horses were sacrificed here by Brahma. It is one of the oldest ghats and the best to catch splendid views of the flowing river and sadhus meditating on its banks. Especially interesting is the evening aarti, when thousands of diyas (lighted lamps) are set afloat on the river from this ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ground of the city, hence one of the most sacred. It is believed that a cremation here grants an entry to heaven and frees one of the cycles of life and death. This ghat has a sacred well called Manikarnik Kund, which is believed to have been created by Vishnu during the creation of earth. There is also a shrine dedicated to Vishnu and a Tarakeshvara lingam, making it one of the busiest ghats. Remember that photography is strictly prohibited here and you must maintain absolute silence.
The ghats of Varanasi are the most beautiful and ornamental in the county. The 90-odd ghats along Ganga embody the life and identity of Varanasi. Stretching from the southern Asi Ghat to the northern Adi Keshava Ghat, close to the Malviya Bridge, the ghats cover more than 6 km. Lined with temples and shrines, they reverberate with the endless cycle of Hindu religious practice - from daily rituals to profound rites of passage.
The Tulsi Ghat is considered important for the fact that the great Hindu poet Tulsidas spent his last days here. His house, samadhi, pillow and the idol of Hanuman he worshipped have been preserved here. This ghat is also believed to be the site of the first Ramlila, hence a temple dedicated to Lord Rama has been erected here. The waters flowing through this ghat are supposed to have curative powers from diseases including leprosy. The Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi River and is known for the shivalingam it houses under a peepal tree. Another important lingam is the Asisangameshwar Lingam sited in a small marble temple near the ghat. Pilgrims are required to take a bath at this ghat before proceeding to pray here.
The Kedar Ghat is one of the brightly painted ghats known as the site for devotees taking a dip early morning. It is also home to a Shiva temple and a Parvati Kund whose waters have healing powers. Extremely popular with Jains is the Bachraj Ghat, which houses three Jain temples near the river bank. The Rana Ghat has several cafés and is an important centre for yoga. Similar to the Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat is also a cremation ghat, owing its origin to King Harish Chandra, who once worked here to epitomize truth and charity. Similar to its predecessor, a cremation here is also said to grant salvation. The Hanuman Ghat is famous for the Hanuman Temple believed to have been established here by Sage Tulsidas. Shivala Ghat is known as one of the important bathing points. It is home to a 19th century mansion, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the spiritual centre Brahmendra Math. Birthplace of Agni, the Scindia Ghat is known for its almost submerged Shiva Temple and the several important temples located above it and the Bhonsale Ghat has red sandstone houses and terraced hostels. Built by the king of Jaipur, the Man Mandir Ghat is home to an 18th century ornate observatory, a stone balcony and the lingam of Someshwar (Moon God). The Lalita Ghat is home to the wooden Ganga Keshava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It also houses an image of Pasupateshwar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Mansarovar Ghat, deriving its name from Lake Mansarovar at the foot of Kailash Mountains, was another construction by the King of Jaipur and houses a stone balcony and a small observatory. Panchganga Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats and bathing points and is the site of the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhupapa.
Asi Ghat to Kedara Ghat
At the clay-banked Asi Ghat, the southernmost in the sacred city, at the confluence of the Asi and the Ganges, pilgrims bathe prior to worshipping at a huge lingam under a peepal tree. Another lingam visited is that of Asisangameshvara, the "Lord of the Confluence of the Asi", in a small marble temple just off the ghat. Traditionally, pilgrims continued to Lolarka Kund, the Trembling Sun", a rectangular tank fifteen metres blow ground level, approached by steep steps. Now almost abandoned, except during the Lolarka Mela fair (Aug/Sept), when thousands come to propitiate the gods and pray for the birth of a son, Lolarka Kund is among Varanasi's earliest sites, one of only two remaining Sun sites linked with the origins of Hinduism. Equated with the twelve adityas or divisions of the sun, which predate the great deities of Modern Hinduism, it was attracting bathers in the days of the Buddha. Much of the adjacent Tulsi Ghat - originally Lolarka Ghat, but renamed in the honour of the poet Tulsidas, who lived nearby in the sixteenth century - has crumbled. Continuing north, above Shivala Ghat, hanuman Ghat is the site of a new temple built by the large south Indian community. Considered by many to be the birthplace of the fifteenth-century Vaishnavite saint Vallabha, who was instrumental in the resurgence of the worship of Krishna.River Front (Ghats)
- The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps - the ghats - progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is marked by a lingam, and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city. Some have crumbled over the years; others continue to thrive, with early-morning bathers, brahmin priests offering puja, and people practicing meditation and yoga. Hindus regard the Ganges as amrita, the elixir of life, which brings purity to the living and salvation to the dead; skeptical outsiders tend to focus on all-persuasive and extreme lack of hygiene. Ashes to the dead, emissions from open drains and the leftovers from religious rites float by the devout as they go about their bathing and ceremonial cleansing. For centuries, pilgrims have traced the perimeter of the city by a ritual circumambulation, paying homage to shrines on the way. Among the most popular routes is the Panchatirthi Yatra, which takes in the Pancha, (five) Trithi (crossing) of Asi, Dashashwamedha, Adi Keshava, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. To gain merit or appease the gods, the devotee, accompanied by a panda (priest), recites a sankalpa (statement of intent) and performs a ritual at each stage of the journey. For the casual visitor, however the easiest way to see the city is to follow a south-north sequence either by boat or on foot.Harishchandra Ghat
Named for the legendary king said to have almost lost everything in a fit of self-abnegation, Harishchandra Ghat, one of the Varanasi's two cremation or burning ghats, is easily recognizable from the smoke of its funeral pyres.Kendra Ghat Further north, the busy Kendra Ghat is ignored by pilgrims on the Panchatirthi Yatra. Above its steps, a red-and-white-striped temple houses the Kedareshvara lingam, an outcrop of black rock shot through with a vein of white. Mythologically related to Kedarnath in the Himalayas, the ghat becomes a hive of activity during the sacred month of Sravana (July/Aug), the month of the rains.
Chauki Ghat to Chaumsathi Ghat
Northwards along the river, Chauki Ghat is distinguished by an enormous tree that shelters small stones shrines to the nagas, water-snake deities, while at the unmistakable Dhobi (Laundrymen's) Ghat clothes are still rhythmically pulverized in the pursuit of purity. Past smaller ghats such as Mansarovar Ghat, named after the holy lake in Tibet, and Narada Ghat, honouring the divine musician and sage, lies Chaumsathi Ghat, where impressive stone steps lead up to the small temple of the Chaumsathi (64) Yoginis. Images of Kali and Durga in its inner sanctum represent a stage in the emergence of the great goddess as a single representation of a number of female divinities. Overlooking the ghats here is Peshwa Amrit Rao's majestic sandstone haveli (mansion), built in 1807 and currently used for religious ceremonies and occasionally, as an auditorium for concerts.Dashashwamedha Ghat
Dashashwamedha Ghat, the second and business of the five tirthas on the Panchatirthi Yatra, lies past the plain, flat-roofed building that house the shrine of Shitala. Extremely popular, even in the rainy season when devotees have to wade to the temple or take a boat, Shitala represents both both benign and malevolent aspects - ease and succour as well as disease, particularly smallpox. Dashashwamedha is Varanasi's most popular and accessible bathing ghat, with rows of pandas sitting on wooden platforms under bamboo umbrellas, masseurs plying their trade and boatmen jostling for custom. Its name, "ten horse sacrifices", derives from a complex series of sacrifices performed by Brahma to test King Divodasa: Shiva and Parvati were sure the king's resolve would fail, and he would be compelled to leave Kashi, thereby allowing them to return to their city. However, the sacrifices were so perfect that Brahma established the Brahmeshvara lingam here. Since that time, Dashashwamedha has become one of the most celebrated tirthas on earth, where pilgrims can reap the benefits of the huge sacrifice merely by bathing.Man Mandir Ghat to Lalita Ghat
Man Mandir Ghat is known primarily for its magnificent eighteenth-century observatory, equipped with ornate window casings, and built for the Maharajah of Jaipur. Pilgrims pay homage to the important lingam of Someshvara, the lord of the moon, alongside, before crossing Tripurabhairavi Ghat to Mir Ghat and the New Vishwanatha Temple, built by conservative Brahmins who claimed that the main Vishwanatha lingam was rendered impure when Harijans (untouchables) entered the sanctum in 1956. Mir Ghat also has a shrine to Vishalakshi, the Wide-Eyed Goddess, on an important pitha - a site marking the place where various parts of the disintegrating body of Shakti fell as it was carried by the grief-stricken Shiva. Also here is the Dharma Kupa, the Well of Dharma. Immediately to the north is Lalita Ghat, renowned for its ganga Keshava shrine to Vishnu and the Nepali Temple, a typical Kathmandu-style wooden temple which houses an image of Pashupateshvara - Shiva's manifestation at Pashupatinath, in the Kathmandu Valley - and sports a small selection of erotic carvings.Manikarnika Ghat
North of Lalita lies Varanasi's pre-eminent cremation ground, Manikarnika Ghat. Such grounds are usually held to be inauspicious, and located on the fringes of cities, but the entire city of Shiva is regarded as Mahashmashana, the Great Cremation Ground for the corpse of the entire universe. The ghat is perpetually crowded with funeral parties, as well as the Doms, its Untouchable guardians, busy and pre-occupied with facilitating final release for those lucky enough to pass away here. Seeing bodies being cremated so publicly has always exerted a great fascination for visitors to the city, but photography is strictly taboo; even having a camera visible may be constructed as intent, and provoke hostility. Lying at the centre of the five tirthas, Manikarnika Ghat symbolizes both creation and destruction, epitomized by the juxtaposition of the sacred well of Manikarnika Kund, said to have been dug by Vishnu at the time of creation, and the hot, sandy ash-infused soil of cremation grounds where time comes to an end. In Hindu mythology, Manikarnika Kund predates the arrival of the Ganga and has its source deep in the Himalayas. Vishnu carved the kund with his discus, and filled it with perspiration from his exertions in creating the world, at the behest of Shiva. When Shiva quivered with delighted, his earning fell into this pool, which as manikarnika - "Jewelled Earring" - became the first tirthas in the world. Every year, after the floodwaters of the river have receded to leave the pool caked in alluvial deposits the kund is re-dug. Its surroundings are cleaned and painted with brightly coloured folk art, which depicts the presiding goddess, Manikarnika Devi, inviting pilgrims to bathe and worship at its small Vishnu shrine, and at the paduka (footprint) of Vishnu set in marble on the embankment of the ghat. The most important of the lingams is the remains of Tarakeshvara, Shiva as Lord of Taraka mantra, a "prayer of the crossing" recited at death. Strictly speaking, Manikarnika is the name given to the kund and to the ghat, while the constantly busy cremation ground is Jalasi Ghat, dominated by a dark smoke-stained temple built by Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore in the eighteenth century.Scindia Ghat
Bordering Manikarnika to the north is the picturesque Scindia Ghat, with its titled Shiva temple lying partially submerged in the river, having fallen in as a result of the sheer weight of the ghat's construction around 150 years ago. Above the ghat, several of Kashi's most influential shrines are hidden within the tight maze of alleyways of the area known as Siddha Kshetra (the field of Fulfilment). Vireshvara, the Lord of all Heroes, is especially propitiated in prayer for a son; the Lord of Fire, Agni, was supposed to have been born here.Panchganga Ghat to Adi Keshva Ghat
Beyond Lakshmanbala Ghat, with its commanding views of the river. Lies one of the most dramatic and controversial ghats, Panchganga Ghat, dominated by Varanasi's largest riverside building, the great mosque of Alamgir, known locally as Beni Madhav-ka-Darera. With its minarets now much shortened, the mosque stands on the ruins of what must have been one of the city's greatest temples, Bindu Madhava, a huge Vishnu temple that extended from Panchganga to Rama Ghat before it was destroyed by Aurangzeb and replaced by an impressive mosque. Panchganga also bears testimony to more favourable Hindu-Muslim relations, being the site of the initiation of the medieval saint of the Sufi-Sant tradition, Kabir , the son of a humble Muslim weaver who is venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike. Along the river front lies a curious array of three-sided cells, submerged during the rainy season, some with lingams, others with images of Vishnu, and some empty and used for meditation or yoga. One of these is a shrine to the Five (panch) Rivers (ganga), which, according to legend, have their confluence here: the two symbolic rivulets of Dhutapapa (Cleansed of Sin) and the Kirana (Sun's Ray), which join the mythical confluence of the Yamuna and the Yamuna and the Sarasvati with the Ganga. Above Trilochana Ghat, further north, is the holy ancient lingam of the Three (tri) Eye (lochana) Shiva. Beyond it, the river bypasses some of Varanasi's oldest precincts, now predominantly Muslim in character; the ghats themselves gradually become less impressive and are usually of the kaccha (clay-banked) variety. At Adi Keshava Ghat (the "Original Vishnu"), on the outskirts of the city, the Varana flows into the Ganga. Unapproachable during the rainy season, when it is completely submerged, it marks the place where Vishnu first landed as an emissary of Shiva, and stands on the original site of the city before it spread southwards; around Adi Keshva are a number of Ganesha shrine.Holiest of Holy Ghats
The complete pilgrimage is known as the Panchkosi (meaning 16 km) and consists of a six-day ritualistic visit to 108 holy sites. Asi Sangam Ghat is Varanasi's southernmost ghat and marks the confluence of the Asi and Ganga rivers. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the city's two cremation ghats. Legend has it that Shiva's mani (crest jewel) and his consort Parvati's karnika (carrying) fell into the nearby well white they were bathing, hence the name. Dasashvamedha Ghat is named after the ten simultaneous horse sacrifices (dasashvmedha) performed by Brahma the Creator. Panchganga Ghat marks the mythical meeting place of five sacred rivers, and has numerous images of the five river goddesses - Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhupapa and Kirana, Varuna Sangam, where the river Varun meets the holy Ganga forms the last of the Panchkosi pilgrimage.Royal Ghats
Nepali Ghat, built by the royal family of Nepal: Scindia Ghat, built by the Scindia Maharajas of Gwalior; Man Mandir Ghat, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur; and the Palace of King of the Doms Raja, a caste with exclusive rights over the cremation ghats.Other Ghats
Lolarka Ghat, one of the oldest Varanasi ghats, also known as the Tulsi Ghat in honour of the 16th century poet-saint Tulsidas. Chet Singh Ghat has a fort built by Chet Singh, the Maharaja of Varanasi in the mid-18th century. Ganandmayi Ghat, named after the well-known Bengali female sait.Chausatthi Ghat, named after the temple of the Chausath Yoginis or 64 female divinities. Darbhanga Ghat, built in the early 1900s by two princes of Bihar. Each of the ghat is unique and the list is almost endless...
Lure of the Ganga
Although there are over 700 temple in Varanasi, none is more sacred than the river itself. The Ganga is worshipped as a living goddess, with the power to cleanse all earthly sins.Daily ritualistic worship (aarti) at dawn and dusk serve as salutations to the river. Oil lamps and incense are lit, flowers are offered and bells ring out in unison while sacred mantras are chanted. Every day, thousands journey to Varanasi to take a ritual dip and pay obeisance.
Vishwanatha Khanda
the Old City at the heart of Varanasi, between Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia to the south and west and Manikarnika Ghat on the river to the north, lies Vishwanatha Khanda, sometimes referred to as the Old City. The whole area rewards exploration, with numerous shrines and lingams tucked into every corner, and buzzing with the activity of pilgrims, pandas and stalls selling offerings to the faithful. Approached through a maze of narrow alleys and the Vishwanatha Gali (or Lane), the temple complex of Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, the "Lord of All", is popularly known as the Golden Temple, due to the massive gold plating on its shikhara (spire). Inside the compound - which is hidden behind a wall, and entered through an unassuming doorway - is one of India's most important Shiva lingams, made of smooth black stone and seated in a solid silver plinth, as well as shrines to the wrathful protectors Mahakala and Dandapani, and the lingam of Avimukteshvara, the Lord of the unforsaken, which predates Vishwanatha and once held much greater significance. The current temple was built in 1777 by Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore, and is closed to non-Hindus, who have to make do with glimpses from adjacent buildings. Vishwanatha's history has been fraught with sacking by successive Muslim rulers; the temple was repeatedly rebuilt, until the grand edifice begun in 1585 by Todar Mal, a courtier of the tolerant Mughal Akbar, was finally destroyed by Aurangzeb. On its foundations, guarded by armed police to protect it from Hindu fanatics, stands the Jnana Vapi Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Aurangzeb. Its simple white domes tower over the Jnana Vapi (Wisdom Well), immediately north, housed in an open arcaded hall built in 1828, where Shiva cooled his lingam after the construction of Vishwanatha. Covered by a gate to prevent people jumping in, in search of instant moksha, and covered with a cloth to stop coins being thrown in, only the presiding Brahmins have access to its waters, considered to be liquid knowledge. Pilgrims offer their sankalpa or statement of intent here, before commencing the Panchatirthi Yatra. Slightly north, across the main road, the thirteenth-century Razia's Mosque stands atop the ruins of a still earlier Vishwanatha temple, destroyed under the Sultanate. Close by, the temple of Annapurna Bhavani is dedicated to the supreme Shakti ("She, the Being of Plenteous Food"), the queen and divine mother also known in this benevolent form as Mother of the Three Worlds. As the provider of sustenance, she carries a cooking pot rather than the fearsome weapons borne by her horrific forms Durga and Kali a subsidiary shrine opened only three days a year houses a solid gold image of Annapurna. Nearby is a stunning image, faced in silver against a black surround, of Shani or Saturn. Anyone whose fortunes fall under his shadow is stricken with bad luck - a fate devotees try to escape by worshipping here on Saturdays.Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Located on the Western Bank of Ganges, this is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vishwanatha. Its 15.5 mt high gold-plated vimana has earned it the name Golden Temple. The temple complex is made of several smaller shrines that line the Vishwanatha Gali. The main linga is black in colour and housed within a smaller shrine in a silver square. Smaller shrines dedicated to Mahakala, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri are also present within the complex. You'd also find a Nandi Bull facing what was once the original shrine. Enter the temple well in time to view the offerings of milk, Ganga water, lotus flowers and garlands made by devotees.Open from: 5:30 am-12:00 noon; 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Note - Cellphones, handbags and camera are strictly prohibited within the temple complex The temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University and is about thirty minutes walk from the gates of the university. The temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi, this temple is open to all irrespective of caste or creed.
The ancient temple of Lord Shiva in the heart of Varanasi enshrines the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Lord shiva is worshipped here as vishwanath or Vishveswara, the ‘Lord of the world' and the shrine is the main centre of devotion for the pilgrims visiting Varanasi. The temple has been a living embodiment of cultural traditions since time immemorial. The original temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and was rebuilt in 1776, by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In 1835, the shikaras of the temple were gold plated by Maharaja Ranjeet singh of Punjab and shrine also came to be known as golden temple. The shrine of Annapurna Bhavani dedicated to goddess Shakti is located nearby.
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 his supremacy over other 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. Entry restricted for foreigners.
Gyanvapi mosque
It lies adjacent to the vishwanath temple and was built on the ruins of the original Vishwanatha temple in 17th century, by Aurangzeb. The foundation and rear of the mosque reveal rare specimens of the ancient temple art.Alamgir Mosque
Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, the Alamgir Mosque is a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture. The mosque, built by Aurangzeb on the site of the Vishnu Temple, overlooks the Panchganga Ghat.Aurangzeb destroyed the Vishnu temple here and built the mosque on its ruins. It is a blend of Hind-Muslim architecture and religious sentiments and is also known as "Beni Madhav ka Darera"
Bharat Mata Temple
This is the only temple dedicated to Mother India in Varanasi and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The main idol is built in marble and depicts an undivided India, complete with mountains, plains and oceans. The highlight of this temple is the absence of the usual gods and goddesses and instead housing a map of India in marble.This temple of Bharat Mata (Mother India), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, lies about 3 kilometres west of Godaulia, outside the old city. Here, instead of gods and goddesses, one finds a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. The map is said to be perfectly to scale both vertically and horizontally with mountains, rivers and the holy tirthas (pilgrimage centres) all clearly visible.
This unique temple was gifted by two nationalists Babu shiv prasad Gupta and Durga Prasad Khati and inaugurated in 1936, by Gandhiji. It enshrines one of the most perfect relief maps of Indian sub-continent and Tibetan plateau, carved out of marble.
Durga Temple
The 19th century shrine is one of the finest temples of Varanasi. Peculiarly known as the Monkey Temple, this temple is red in colour and sports a multi-layered spire. The idol within is believed to have appeared on its own, hence held in great reverence. The profusion of monkeys in the temple precincts grants it the name Monkey Temple. This temple is the site of great activity during Navratri. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard but not the inner sanctum.Located 2 kilometres south of the old city, this eighteenth century Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to many aggressive monkeys that reside here. The temple was built in a common north Indian style with an ornate shikhara, consisting of five segments symbolizing the elements and supported by finely carved columns. Here Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red and riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. A forked stake in the courtyard was used during festivals in the earlier times to behead sacrificial goats. The ritual of sacrifice has now been replaced by a symbolic mark in vermilion. Non-Hindus are admitted to the courtyard but not the inner sanctum.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Dedicated to Lord Rama, the Tulsi Manas Temple is located close to the Durga Temple. This white marble construction is believed to be the spot where Tulsidas wrote the epic Ramcharitamanas. In fact the walls of the temple are inscribed with verses and scenes from this epic.Open from: 6:30 am-11:00 am; 3:00 pm-9.00 pm Built in 1964, the Tulsi Manas Temple stands about 150 m south of Durga Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is situated at the place where Tulsidas, the great medieval seer, is believed to have lived and written the great epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas". The two tier walls of the temple are engraved with the verses and scenes from this great epic.
This beautiful modern temple dedicated to Lord Rma is said to br located on the same place where tulsidas, the great medieval seer and poet, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas".
Sankat Mochan Temple
Located near the Benaras Hindu University, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman as the reliever of all sufferings. This temple is especially busy on Tuesdays when thousands of devotees line up to offer prayers to the lord. Pilgrims smear their foreheads with vermilions and offer the lord his favourite food of laddoos.Bharat Kala Bhavan
Located inside the BHU campus, this museum is a treasure house of paintings dating to the Mughals, varieties of textiles and Hindu and Buddhist figurines. A particularly popular sculpture is of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain - depicted by a man standing on one leg and listinf a mass of stone above with one hand. The museum is divided into several sections, including Mahamana Malaviya Gallery, Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Chhavi Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Nidhi Gallery and Decorative Art Gallery.Open from : 11.00 am-4.30 pm
Jantar Mantar
Another creation of Maharaja Jaisingh of Jaipur, this observatory is similar to the ones in Delhi and Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi has several instruments made of stone, which were used to record the motion, speed and behaviour of stars and planets and to study such accurate astronomy that can still be used today.Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi One of the oldest educational centres in India, the Banaras Hindu University was built in 1917. The university was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music and Sanskrit. The university campus is spread over five square kilometres and houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan. The Bhavan has a fine collection of miniature paintings, sculptures from first to fifteenth centuries, old photographs of Varanasi and brocade textiles. The campus also houses the New Vishwanatha Temple.It was established in 1916, by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and is considered to be the largest residential university in Asia, sprawling over an area of about 2,000 acres. The New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Kendra located within the premises of the university are worth visiting.
Benares Hindu University and Museum
The eminent Sanskrit scholar, Madan Mohan Malviya, founded the sprawling Benares Hindu University in the early 1900s. Within the campus is the renowned Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum Archaeological Museum house a precious collection of Buddhist artifacts, including an Ashoka lion capital (India's national emblem) in polished sandstone having one of India's best collectons of Indian paintings. The Indian sculpture is very impressive.One of the oldest educational centers in India, the Benaras Hindu University was built in 1917, as a centre for the study of humanities, social sciences, science, technology, medicine, fine arts and performing arts. Spread over a vast expanse of landscaped gardens, it houses a temple, an airstrip and beautifully designed buildings. Popular centres include a medical college, an engineering institute, a hospital and a sports complex. The highlight of this university is the fact that not only Indians, but a large number of foreign students who attend the university.
Other Attractions
Ramnagar Fort and Museum: Home to the Maharajas of Varanasi are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dasashvamedh, Golghar and DalmandiAround Varanasi
Sarnath (10 km)
This is one of the closest excursions from Varanasi, known as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath is one of the most revered Buddhist centres and the presence of several Buddhist monuments establishes the fact. The Sarnath Museum houses an interesting collection of Buddhist artifacts, including a statue of Buddha seated with his eyes cloed in meditation and a halo around his head. Another important structure is the Ashokan Pillar with its four lions, an inverted lotus and 24 spoked Dharma Wheels with four animals. The Mulagandhakuti Vihar is the main temple in Sarnath, said to be the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits. Fine paintings done by a Japanese artist adorn this temple's walls. The Dhamekh Stupa is the most important structure here, deriving siginifance from the fact that Buddha delivered his first sermon here. Other significant stupas are Dharmrajika Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa.It is considered to be the most important Buddhist pilgrim centre after Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the fabled Deer Park over here after attaining enlightenment. Later on, emperor Ashoka built magnificent stupas and other structures. The golden period of sarnath was around 640 A.D. There were over 1500 priest, an imposing stupa and a mighty Ashikan pillar. Sarnath is a treasure house of Buddhist antiquities ranging from the times of Ashoka to the 12th century A.d.
Buddha delivered his first major sermon at Sarnath after gaining enlightenment. Today, in addition to monasteries and temples, Sarnath has a wealth of attractions. The for over 400 years, the palace at Ramnagar Fort, lying across the river beyond Asi Ghat, still retains glimpses of its past splendour. Of particular interest is its Durbar Hall, now a museum, where historic objects are on display.
Dhamek Stupa
The 110ft high stupa marks the site where Buddha delievred his first sermon. It was built around 500 A.D. and was rebuilt a number of times. The geometrical and floral pattens on the stupa are typical of Gupta period. Originally, there was a second stupa known as dharmarajika stupa. It was dismantled in the 18th entury by Jagat singh of Benares. Near the ruins of the stupa stands the majestic Ashoka pillar surmounted by the superb capital with ashokan symbol of four back lions. The capital is now exhibited at saranth museum and is the national emblem of modern India.Chaukhandi Stupa
This imposing mound of brick-work is said to be originally built by emperor ashoka.Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
The elegant shrine was built in 1930s, by the Mahabodhi society. It houses excellent murals and frescoes done by Japanese artists and ancientrelics of Buddha. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti temple is located among the brick ruins of Sarnath. Other interesting modern temples at Sarnath are Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Burmese and Japanese monasteries.Archaeological Museum
Located in Sarnath at about 10 km from Varanasi, the Archaeological Museum houses the capitol from the Ashokan pillar, the symbol of which has been adopted as the state emblem of the modern India.The museum also has the figures and the sculptures from the Mauryan, Kushana and Gupta periods discovered during the excavations at Sarnath. You can have a look at the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath and many images of Hindu Gods dating from the 9th to 12th centuries.
It has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures recovered from the ruins at Sarnath. The main attraction is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar depicting four back-to-back lions.
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies
It was set up by Dalai Lama in 1971 and in only one of its kind in the entire wold.Ramnagar Fort (14 km)
This 17th-century fort is the home of the former Maharaja of Banaras. The fort lies at a little distance to the south of the Asi Ghat. You can have an impressive view of the fort from the other side of the river. It can be reached by a road heading south from the Banaras Hindu University and over a rickety pontoon bridge. During the monsoon, the area is accessible by a ferry.The 17th century fort overlooking the river Ganga is not far away from Assi ghat. It was the residential palace of the former Maharaja of Varanasi and the personal collection of the erstwhile royalty can be seen here. Ramnagar is also known for the Ramlila, based on ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas and Dussehra celebrations.
The museum inside the fort houses a collection that includes horse-drawn carriages, old motor cars, gilded and ornate silver howdahs (elephant seats), hookahas, costumes, a collection of minute ivory carvings, an astronomical clock, hunting trophies, vintage silver and brocade palanquins, a replica of the royal bed and an armoury of swords and guns.
Built in the 18th century, this was once the ancestral home of the former Maharaja of Varanasi. Located south of the city, the fort is built in typical red sandstone and houses within a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa and a museum within the grounds. An interesting array of ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs, vintage cars, ivory artifacts, antique clocks and weapons are some of the artifacts on display in the museum. Also present inside is a Durga Temple and a Hanuman Temple. Check out the huge clock within the fort - it displays year, month, week, day and astronomical calculations about the sun, moon and the stars!
Digamber Jain Temple
The sacred shrine was built in 1824 and is said to be the birth place of Shryanashnath, the 11th Jain tirthankara.Chunar (40 km)
The histoical town is famous for its impregnable fort, which is said to be originally built by the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain, in memory of his brother Raja Bhartihari, who had taken live samadhi here. The Fort witnessed several battles and was associated sher shah suri, who defeated Mughal emperor Humayun. In 1575, Akbar recaptured the fort and was presided over by the Nawabs of Avadh. It affords a fine view of the Ganga. Chunar is also known for its sandstone, which has been used most famously in Ashokan pillars.Chunar has an immense fort overlooking the Ganga. This place has been the scene of battles since 1540, when Sher Shah took it from Humayun. Akbar recaptured it in 1575. In the mid - 18th century it was appropriated by Awadh and subsequently, the British. The fort has a sun - dial and a huge well, and affords a splendid view of the Ganga.