Our Latest Blog

“Kashi is not just a city, it is an experience. A spiritual vibration. A doorway between life and liberation.”

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is an important city located in the southeastern Uttar Pradesh of India. This great city is situated on the tranquil banks of the holy Ganges River, which holds profound significance in Hindu spirituality and religion. Varanasi is approximately 300 kilometers southeast of the state capital Lucknow and about 130 kilometers from the ancient city of Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad. This ancient holy city is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, and holds a central and integral place in the spiritual life and practices of the Indian nation.

Significants:

• Locally known as Kashi, the "City of Light", this magnificent city is revered and considered to be the spiritual capital of all of India.
• The city is one of the seven Moksha-Puris, holy cities that have the extraordinary ability to grant liberation or salvation to seekers.
• Death in Kashi is believed to guarantee Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
• Sacred to Lord Shiva; he is believed to reside eternally in Kashi.

Legend and Mythological Significance:

• It is said that Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva himself.
• It is named after the wonderful confluence point where two great rivers: Varuna and Assi, meet.
• It is specifically mentioned and cited in ancient texts such as the Rigveda, Mahabharata and Skanda Purana, which portray it as a land of great religious significance and infinite sanctity.
• Devotees believe that Lord Shiva uttered the Taraka Mantra in the ears of those who died in Kashi so that he could save them.

“In the narrow alleys and flowing ghats of Kashi, time stands still and the soul moves forward.”

Interesting architectural essence and its visual appeal:

• A chaotic yet captivating combination of narrow streets (galis), sky-high temples, crowded ghats and holy lakes.
• The ghats consist of stone structures with steps descending towards the Ganges and are used for religious ceremonies, bathing and cremation of the dead.
• The architecture is indicative of medieval Hindu, Maratha, Mughal and colonial styles.
• The ghats are magnificently illuminated with oil lamps and chanting of mantras during the evening Ganga Aarti.

Complete and detailed description of the historical ghats of Varanasi:

There are more than 80 ghats on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. Each ghat has a story, role and divine presence.

  1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

• The most famous and crowded ghat.
• Ganga Aarti every day at sunset is an essential spiritual ritual.
• Its name is derived from a very interesting legend that explains how Lord Brahma performed a series of 10 Ashwamedh yagnas at this very place.

  2. Manikarnika Ghat

• The main cremation ghat.
• The fire here is believed to have been burning for centuries.
• Seekers of salvation prefer to get cremated here to break the cycle of rebirth.
• Associated with Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva; their anklet (Manikarnika) fell here.

  3. Harishchandra Ghat

• Another cremation ghat dedicated to King Harishchandra who worked here.
• A symbol of truth and sacrifice.

  4. Assi Ghat

• Located in the south and peaceful.
• Where the Assi River merges with the Ganges.
• Innovative and preferred by locals, students and visiting tourists alike.
• Presents morning cultural programs called Subah-e-Banaras.

  5. Panchganga Ghat

• At this holy place, it is generally believed that five holy rivers meet in a sacred confluence: these rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutapa.
• Considered very sacred.
• There is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is known as the Alamgir Mosque.

  6. Tulsi Ghat

• Built in the memory of poet-saint Tulsidas.
• He wrote Ramcharitmanas here.
• Also a place for Ramlila performances.

  7. Chet Singh Ghat

• Famous for the famous battle between the British and King Chet Singh.
• Offers a magnificent view with fort-like structures.

  8. Scindia Ghat

• A partially submerged temple can be seen from here.
• Associated with mysticism and mythology.

  9. Kedar Ghat

• Popular among South Indian pilgrims.
• A replica of the Kedarnath temple is located here.

  10. A place called Lalita Ghat

• Built by the King of Nepal.
• The Kathwala temple, built in the Nepali style, is made entirely of wood.

  11. Ahilyabai Ghat

• Renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
• Gateway to many holy places.

  12. Mir Ghat, a major site.

• Leads to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Vishwanath Galli.

There are numerous smaller ghats like Jain Ghat, Niranjani Ghat and Prabhu Ghat, which have lesser known stories that are often overlooked, as well as their own individual spiritual significance that adds to their importance.

Important Features

• Over 88 ghats, each with its own story - from Dashashwamedh Ghat (the most visited) to Manikarnika Ghat (the largest crematorium).
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred and revered places dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hindu mythology.
• Sarnath - Where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Varanasi is a centre of music, literature and education (home to Banaras Hindu University).

Weather Notes:

• Summer (April-June): Very hot (up to 45°C), try to avoid.
• Monsoon (July-September): Wet with occasional flooding on the ghats.
• Winter (October-March): Ideal time with cool mornings and foggy evenings.

Rituals and beliefs:

• Ganges Snan (holy bath) to cleanse sins.
• Pindadan for the peace of ancestors.
• Floating lamps (unda dan) during Ganga Aarti.
• Aarti rituals, especially at Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat.
• Spiritual talks, meditation, yoga and chanting by sadhus.

Famous Food & Uniqueness:

• Must-try dishes: Kachori-Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, Banarasi Paan, and Rabri.
• Don’t miss Banarasi Thandai (with or without bhang!), Malaiyo (only in winter mornings), and Lassi served in kulhads.
• Narrow alleys are full of sweet shops, street food stalls, and old-world eateries.
• Banarasi cuisine blends spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors with centuries-old recipes.

Nearby places and attractions:

• Sarnath: Where Buddha delivered his early sermon.
• Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: A recently constructed spiritual area.
• Bharat Kala Bhavan: A museum containing art and manuscripts.
• Ramnagar Fort: A historic fort across the river.

Travel information and advice:

• Early morning (sunrise boat ride) offers the best view of the ghats and rituals.
• Wear simple, light clothing and leave your shoes behind when entering the temples.
• Use local guides to gain in-depth historical information.
• Carry some cash with you; not all places accept digital forms of payment.
• Be respectful of the cremation ghats; no photography is allowed at Manikarnika.
• Discover local handicrafts - Banarasi silk sarees are world-famous.

Activities and Things to do:

• Watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (from 6:30 PM).
• Starting from the picturesque Assi Ghat, enjoy a spectacular sunrise boat ride.
• See the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the newly restored temple complex.
• Venture out to visit the lively local markets where you can find gorgeous Banarasi sarees, beautiful brassware and intricate Rudraksha beads.
• Stroll with a solo artist performing classical music or a group of people chanting Sanskrit mantras.
• Stroll through Godowlia Chowk for street photography and spiritual chaos.

Devotees' beliefs:

• Belief that bathing in the Ganges washes away all sins.
• Pilgrims go to offer Pindadan and perform Antyeshti (funeral rites) for their ancestors.
• Most Hindus choose Varanasi as their final resting place as they believe it guarantees salvation.

Bonus points:

• One of the oldest continuously occupied cities, with a history spanning over 3000 years.
• Kashi has influenced poets like Tulsidas and mystics like Kabir.
• Experience the powerful intersection where life and death meet, laid bare in a raw but deeply respectful manner.
• A centre for Ayurveda, classical music, Sanskrit studies and spiritual tourism.

"Kashi is not about removing monuments; it is about feeling the pulse of life at its most powerful and resilient."

Whether wandering through ancient temples, watching cremation ceremonies, or sipping tea on the ghats, Varanasi touches a part of the soul that only India has the power to awaken.

In Varanasi, every corner resonates with mantras, every ripple of the Ganges is a memory, and every lamp that is lit is a prayer for eternity.