About Varanasi
The city of Varanasi along the western bank of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh is an incredibly important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. This city which even finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana was a prosperous trade center in 500 BC. According to Mark Twain, ”Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi stands as a symbol of the Hindu renaissance and preserves the traditions of Hindu philosophy. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world known to the devout as Kashi that has been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage places in India famed as major tourist attraction across the world. It is placed on the banks of the sacred Ganges and become a hub of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.
Famous Temples in Varanasi
THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE : 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 has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
ANNAPURNA TEMPLE : Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi Annapurna , believed as the "Godess of Fooding".
SANKATHA TEMPLE : Near the Sindhia Ghat , there is a important temple of "Godess of Remedy" Devi Sankatha. Inside its premises there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also there is nine temples of nine planets nearby to this temple.
KALBHAIRAV TEMPLE : It is the ancient temple of Varanasi near the Head Post Office, VishesharGanj. God KalBhairav is believed as "Kotwal Of Varanasi" , without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.
MRITUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE : On the route of Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple this temple of Lord Shiva is situated . Just besides this temple there is a Well of much religious importance , whose water is said to be mixture of several underground streams and good for eliminating several diseases.
NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE : Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.
TULSI MANAS TEMPLE : Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.
SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE : Besides the Assi river stream, on the way of Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple this well known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as "Sankatmochan" the god who protects from the troubles. This temple is founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as "Monkey" temple, as lot of monkeys are there inside the premises.
DURGA TEMPLE : Commonly called the ‘Monkey temple’, it was built in the 18th century. Although it is one of the best-known temple. There is nice stonework done of the temple , it is the nice example of NAGRA Shilp. Godess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world. There is a pond adjacent to the temple called "Durgakund".
BHARAT MATA TEMPLE : This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.
Varanasi Tour Package
Day 01: VARANASI-
Afternoon arrival in Varanasi from Delhi/Haridwar by train. Watch evening arati (Hindu ritual) at the Ganges Stay at Hotel, or option to stay in a riverside hotel.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple - 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.
Day 02: VARANASI -
Opportunities for a dawn boat ride on the river, to observe the devotions to Surya, the rising sun. Afternoon visit to nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha began his teachings 2500 years ago. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 03: VARANASI -
Morning for sightseeing in Varanasi. Afternoon free for relaxation and boat ride. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 04: VARANASI - ALLAHABAD (122 Kms/4 hours) -
Morning drive to Allahabad to see the Sangam (Meeting point) of the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati. Here the Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years which is a major Hindu festival. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Sangam - Around 7 km from Civil Lines, overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the fort, wide flood plains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Beaches and ghats are littered with the shorn hair of pilgrims who come to offer pind for their deceased parents.
Day 05: ALLAHABAD -
Day at Allahabad. Morning enjoy the Holy dip at the Sangam. Later, reach the point on a boat, half day sightseeing. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 06: ALLAHABAD - DELHI -
Morning free. Later board Prayagraj Express Train back to Delhi. Night on Train.
Varanasi Tour Package Include -
All Transfers by AC Car.
Accomodation in AC Rooms
Breakfast,Lunch & Diner
All Sightseeing.
