Varanasi
Sacred Tourism- the 2nd Online Varanasi
Varanasi
is believed to have been established by Lord Shiva about 5000 years ago and, in
addition to being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the city has long been a
centre of religion and spiritualism. The city of Varanasi finds a mention in
ancient Hindu religious texts and scriptures like the Ramayana, the
Mahabharata, Rigveda amongst others. It is holy shrine of Lord Kashi
Vishwanath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva and was here that Gautam Buddha was
born and Varanasi is perhaps one of the few holy cities that enjoys a revered
position among devouts of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Over the years, the city
of Varanasi has earned several sobriquets, ‘the city of temples’, ‘the city of
lights’ and the ‘city of learning’. No wonder then, Varanasi is home to several
temples, however, most of these places of worship were destroyed by pillaging
Muslim armies of Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad Ghori. Varanasi is also home to
over one hundred ghats scattered along the banks of river Ganga.The Kashi
Vishwanath Temple: This temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar
and encloses the holy Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is said that a view of this
Jyotirlinga is makes for a very profound spiritual awakening. The temple is a
magnificent piece of architecture and is adorned by ornate carvings. Intricate
carvings can also be seen on the dome that is the roof of this temple. Durga
Temple: Is another temple of worship and is presided over by Goddess Durga. The
temple is home to a large number of monkeys who can be found wandering around
in the courtyard and the Durga kund, a small tank near the temple and is
therefore, sometimes referred to as ‘Monkey Temple’. The temple built in the
18th century is a classic example of the Nagara style of architecture.The
Sankat Mochan Temple: The Sankat Mochan temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and
is one of the popular temples in Varanasi. This temple, unfortunately, was also
the site of a vicious terrorist attack but that failed to diminish the faith of
the devotees who still throng to this temple in large numbers to pay obeisance
to Hanuman.Varanasi is also home to over hundred ghats located along the banks
of the Ganga. By day, these ghats witness frantic activity of devotees wanting
to take a dip in the holy waters and by evening, these ghats turn into a
magnificent spectacle of lights – it is here that the Ganga aarti is performed
in the evening.
Ramesh
Verma Cmd – the 2nd Online Travel Varanasi
Varanasi
Sacred Tourism
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