Varanasi: The Holy Site for Purification, Redemption and Healing
Filled with the enchanting and mystical alchemy of religion, history, and nostalgia, Varanasi is colourful, vibrant, and spiritually resonant for travellers from around the world. Embracing its charming chaos and narrow ancient lanes, this sacred city is located in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Celebrated as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The famed American author Mark Twain once wrote that Varanasi is older than history, tradition, and legend.
Also known as Benaras and Kashi, the city is lined with expansive ghats along the River Ganga. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Varanasi is believed by pilgrims to offer salvation and liberation through holy rituals performed at its sacred ghats. Travellers and seekers from across the globe can be seen immersing themselves in the city’s spiritual atmosphere, markets, and riverfront rituals in search of peace and enlightenment. Varanasi is also an important centre for Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The city is home to the prestigious Benaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. The British theosophist Annie Besant also chose Benaras as the headquarters for her Theosophical Society. Fondly called the cultural capital of India, Varanasi continues to inspire artists, scholars, poets, and pilgrims.
Following are the main attractions of Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Revered for housing one of the most important Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this temple holds unmatched spiritual significance. The Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is deeply revered in India’s religious and philosophical traditions. It is believed that legendary spiritual figures including Swami Vivekananda, Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, Adi Shankaracharya, and Ramakrishna Paramhansa visited Varanasi to bathe in the sacred Ganga and offer worship at this holy shrine. The present structure was rebuilt by the Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1776, while Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire gold-plated the temple’s towers in 1835.
Dasaswamedh Ghat: Situated close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this ghat is among the oldest and most significant in Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva to Benaras. It is a major centre for religious rituals performed by priests, monks, and sadhus. Every evening, the spectacular Ganga Aarti—an elaborate fire ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga, the Sun, and Fire—is performed here and witnessed by thousands of devotees and visitors.
Jantar Mantar: This scientific observatory was built to study astronomical movements of celestial bodies. Located near Dasaswamedh Ghat on the rooftop of the Man Mahal Palace, it was constructed in 1737 by King Jai Singh of Jaipur, who built similar observatories across India.
Ramnagar Fort: Located across the eastern bank of the River Ganga, this magnificent fort was built in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh. Constructed using Chunar sandstone, the fort is admired for its stunning river views and its museum, which houses ancient weapons, manuscripts, royal artefacts, and historical memorabilia.
St. Mary’s Church: Reflecting the religious diversity of Varanasi, St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest and most prominent Protestant churches in the region. Its foundation was laid by Daniel Corrie in 1810. The church is situated in the peaceful cantonment area of Varanasi.
Excursions from Varanasi
Tourists can explore nearby destinations such as Sarnath (11 km), Allahabad (120 km), Amethi (170 km), and Chitrakoot (250 km).
When to Reach
Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi throughout the year. However, the ideal time to explore the city comfortably is between November and March.
How to Reach
Air: Varanasi Airport is well connected to major cities across India via regular flights.
Rail: Varanasi Railway Station is connected with several major cities and offers frequent train services.
Road: Regular bus services operate from Allahabad, Faizabad, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Bodhgaya, and Khajuraho.
