Kashi Vishwanath’s history
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this temple of Lord Shiva receives the most visitors in Varanasi. In its history, it has been demolished and rebuilt at least five times. Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar renovated it for the final time in 1780. The Gyanvapi Mosque and the temple are now housed within the same walls. After he had destroyed the temple during the Mughal invasion, Aurangzeb constructed the latter.
The amount of Ghats
The most well-known ghats in the city include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, Scindia Ghat, and Assi Ghat. There are more than 80 ghats in total. These ghats are employed for both residential and ceremonial uses. A few of the ghats are just intended for cremations.
Manikarnika Ghat
The most genuine and regional supply of trinkets and silk is said to be found in the lanes close to the Manikarnika Ghat. The fact that this Ghat is available for cremations around-the-clock is perhaps its most intriguing feature. This location never dies since it is one of the most revered ghats for cremation, a location where the deceased can find salvation.
The Harmony Bookstore
Now, tell me why a bookstore would slash this list. Check for a friendly owner. Done. Exotic books. Check for a varied collection. The seductive aroma of both new and old books, checked! It is a favorite with both tourists and locals and is one of the most well-known bookshops in the city.
Banaras Hindu College
Okay, we all know that the largest university in Asia is Banaras Hindu University. The Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum with no fewer than one lakh relics and things on display, is also located there. The BHU libraries are a treasure trove of more than 15 million books, which is additional fascinating information. Heaven for book lovers!
Bhang Lassi
Bhang is well-known in Varanasi (cannabis). In addition to the well-known Thandai, bhang pakoras, and ladoos, the popularity of bhang lassi is rising in the city. At least in Varanasi, it is a delicacy and legal.
Banarasi Paan
They claim that everything is folded. The Banarasi Paan is widely available throughout India. However, one can only find genuine flavor in Varanasi, the city of origin.
Krishnamurti Retreat and Study Center
The area is a philosopher’s paradise and one of Varanasi’s most serene spots. It has a collection of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s writings, a library, a place for solitude, a room for debate, and several cottages for a tranquil stay.
Kachori Gali
The Kachori Gali is another name for Vishwanath Gali. Delicious, hot, fried kachoris served with a selection of chutneys. Enough already!
The Banaras Subah
The Subah-e-Banaras is the best way to start your day in Varanasi, except for the evening Ganga Aarti and the yearly Dhrupad Mela (in image). The air is filled with music and Vedic chantings every morning at Assi Ghat. The duration is roughly two hours.
Sheshna Well
Are myths and legends your thing? Every year on the eve of Naag Panchami, a well in Varanasi’s Jaitpura neighborhood, which is home to the Karkotak Nageshwar Shivlinga, is drained. According to legend, there is a “portal to hell” at the bottom of the well that is watched after by serpents. Yes.
Narada Ghat
It has the name of a well-known celibate, Narad Muni (Brahmachari). Interestingly, lovers and couples avoid this Ghat because they think it’s cursed.
Frog Wedding
Frogs are wed in the Ashwamedh Ghat every year during the monsoon season to appease the rain Gods.
Famous literary figures’ birthplaces
Munshi Premchand, Tulsidas, Bhartendu Harishchandra, Nazeer Banarsi, and many other famous people were born in Varanasi.
The hometown of renowned musicians
All three of the great sitarists—Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and the queen of thumris, Girija Devi (pictured)—were natives of this country.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s residence
There is a reason Varanasi is regarded as the nation’s holiest city. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have lived in the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. According to legend, it is where God resides, and anyone who takes their final breath here is saved.
Strange Things In The City
You can find folks who have weird beliefs in Varanasi. People catching frogs and marrying them is one of the oddest things that occur here. People still adhere to this ancient custom in an effort to appease the rain gods. Typically, it is carried out when rain is delayed.
Asia’s Biggest University Is Here
Do you know that Benaras Hindu University is located in the city? The institution, which was established by the founder Madan Mohan Malviya, is the biggest in Asia. Due to the city’s affinity for writers like Tulsi Das and Munshi Prem Chand, Varanasi is frequently referred to as the center of literature.
