What’s special about Banaras?
BANARAS – A CITY OLDER THAN HISTORY
Among the numerous magnificent cities that existed on the banks of the Ganges, there is one which is as symbolic, as enigmatic, as vibrant and as old as the river itself – Varanasi. However, this name is confined to official documents and signboards only, colloquially the city is called Banaras and spiritually known as Kashi. American author Mark Twain perfectly described Banaras when he said – “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Today, Banaras is the informal spiritual capital of India. The city is a perfect portrayal of the soul of India – spiritual, vibrant, accommodating, and ever-growing. Thousands of visitors from India and abroad visit this city every day. The Kashi Vishwanath temple, beautiful ghats, the aarti ceremony, saffron-clad ascetics, early morning boat ride on the holy river, cremation scenes, and much more; visiting Banaras is a lifetime experience.
Posts on BANARAS
Sneak peek into life at the ghats of Banaras
Ganga is much more than a river, it’s a symbol of India’s ancient culture and heritage. When the earliest men arrived at the Indian subcontinent, they settled along the banks of this river and since then, the Ganga river is inextricably linked to India’s past, present, and future. Empires flourished and perished on its banks, battles won and lost, cities built and destroyed; the river has seen it all. For some, its a goddess, so pure, so benevolent, that a dip in its holy waters can wash away a lifetime of sins, cleanse one’s soul and bestow liberation. Parents bring…
Early morning trip to the Sarnath archaeological site
Sarnath is an excavated ruin where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. Sarnath is situated 10 km from Varanasi and its archeological museum houses the original Ashokan pillar, the national emblem of India.
Witnessing the spectacular Ganga aarti at the Dashaswamedha Ghat, Varanasi
Along the banks, there are 88 ghats starting with the Raj Ghat in one end and the Assi Ghat in the other, each with its own spiritual significance and sperate identity in the history of this holy land. Among these ghats, the most prominent, colourful, and venerable is the Dashaswamedha Ghat. The spectacular ghat was built by the legendary Hindu warrior queen of Indore, Maharani Ahilyabahi Holkar.
Manikarnika & Harishchandra: My experience of the cremation ghats in Varanasi
Manikarnika Ghat is among the oldest and most revered ghats of Varanasi. This is one of the two cremation ghats in Varanasi and is believed to be the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated and leads to attainment moksha.
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Jolly Miles 