Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of India
If you ever come to India then you heard about Varanasi. When people come to India Varanasi is at the top of their list. If you have been to India before but have not seen Varanasi, then you have missed a lot.
Varanasi sits on the banks of the sacred Ganga river. Varanasi is also known as Banaras and Kashi. It is also known as the ‘City of Temples’, I will tell you further why.
Varanasi is the oldest inhabited city in the world.
Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. People came here in search of enlightenment. According to belief, dying in Varanasi frees individuals from the cycle of birth and rebirth. You might find it surprising that people come there and wait for their deaths. And most surprisingly you will always see a smile on their face till death, they have no fear of death.
When you come to Varanasi you will see several shocking things.
There are a total of 84 ghats (River Banks) in Varanasi out of them 82 Ghat are used for puja and ceremonial purposes. The other two Ghats Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats serve as designated cremation sites.
Manikarnika Ghat: As I said Manikarnika ghat served as the cremation site. On this ghat, dead bodies keep burning 24 hours a day. Here on average, cremate around 200 dead bodies per day. That is why Manikarnika Ghat is also known as The ‘Burning Ghat’.
Ganga Aarti: One thing people never miss in Varanasi is Ganga Aarati. Every day 2 times Ganga Aarti is performed at the different ghats of Varanasi. The evening Aarti, especially, garners renown for its breathtaking beauty. Daily thousands of people gathered for Ganga Aarati.
I have seen the Ganga Aarati on Dashashwamedh Ghat. My whole body started shivering when I saw that beautiful scene. After the Ganga Aarati, I went to Kashi Vishwanath Temple the most famous in Varanasi.
City of Temples: Varanasi has different names and one is the ‘City of Temples’. In Varanasi, there are almost 3000 temples. You will see a temple in every lane of the city even some lane has more than one temple.
Chaat: Apart from all these things Varanasi is also famous for its food. Especially chaats, I can guarantee that you will not be able to taste all the chaat in a single day. They have a variety of chaats. The Tamatar Chaat is my favorite it is a little costly but taste-wise worth that cost.
That’s all for the Varanasi blog. I hope you enjoyed it then please do share your thoughts in the comments.
And last I want to recommend one thing when you come to India next time please visit Varanasi once. I am very sure you won’t regret your decision.
