VARANASI : Moksh Ki Nagari (KASHI)

Sarnath archaeological ruins and Dhamekh Stupa in the background Most popular excursion from Varanasi is Sarnath. Another sacred place where Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma. Buddha delivered his first sermon in a deer park just outside of city of Kashi. He probably chose this place as it was an important crossroads of that time, an established religious and commercial hub of those days. People who visit Sarnath doesn't realize it was an important place for the believers of Lord Shiva. Sarnath- as it is called today is the short form for  Saranganatha  which means  Lord of deer , ie another name of Lord Shiva. Though Sarnath is popular as Buddhist pilgrim center the name came from a small shrine dedicated to Saranganatha which is a KM away from the popular imposing  Dhamekh stupa . That is how there was a deer park in this place. On Hindu auspicious days this temple gets many visitors otherwise is a very quiet place. Standing Buddha Staue and the motifs representing...

  Sunrise and Sunset Aarti:  There is a small aarti which is performed at the sunrise on the banks of the Ganga. Similar aarti is performed in the evening and it is a mesmerizing sight. One can see huge crowd gathered on the banks with people from all walks of life gathering for this ritual with ardent faith.  The aarti is performed by the pundits in such a fashion that their movements are synchronised with each other. The lamp used to perform the aarti is seven layered and quite big. One must attend the ganga aarti and soak in the experience. Ramnagar Fort:  As the name suggest it was ancestral home to the Maharaja of Benaras which was originally built in the 17 th  Century. Though the fort is not maintained and is crumbling to pieces it offers a stunning view of the ghats over the sunset. Banaras University:  It is one of the oldest University across the world and it dates back to 1916, it had a excellent academic record. There is an museum by the name of...

  Varanasi is known by the old name Kashi. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites of India. Varanasi is known all over the world for it’s famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva has various synonyms such as Vishwanath or Vishweshwar signifying the “ruler of the universe. The localities believe Lord Shiva to the King of Kashi. This is located on the Western bank of the holy river Ganges. History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple We find the mention of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the Skand Puran first. The Temple has a long history of construction and desolation over the times. The gorgeous temple was first destroyed on the commands of Qutbudin Aibak. While his army defeated the Kannauj ruler. It was again renovated in the time of Ittutmish and later destroyed by Sikandar Lodi. In the time of the Mughal emperor, Akbar the mighty ruler of Jaipur Raja Man Singh recreated the temple. In 1669 A.D again Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built Gyanvapi Mosque in the sit...

  1. Kachori Sabzi kachori Sabzi is a popular breakfast option here in Varanasi. The kachori is either stuffed with dal ki pithi i.e. masala made of lentils or with a spicy potato masala. These Kachoris are served with a spicy aloo ki sabzi. This drool-worthy combination is definitely a must try. Where to eat:  Chachi ki Dukaan in Lanka 2. Channa Dahi Bada Deep fried bada made from channa is soaked in thick beaten sweet yogurt. This is then garnished with masala, crushed black pepper, cumin and coriander among other things. This perfect mix of sweet and sour is very light Where to eat:  Deena Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat 3. Safed Makhan Toast An early morning breakfast of Safed Makhan Toast with chai is a great way to start your day. Locally sourced bread is toasted over a coal oven and freshly made yellow or white butter is spread generously over it. The toast is either served with a pinch of chaat masala or sugar depending on your preference. Where to eat:  La...