Welcome to Varanasi - contd.
Places to see...
The Ghat
Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual
bath and perform puja to the rising sun,
following centuries old tradition. The
Dasashvamedh Ghat offers a splendid
view of the river front. This is the ghat of
the 10 (Das) horses (shiva) sacrificed
(medh). Legend has it that it was
performed by Brahma to pave way for
Shiva’s return to Varanasi after a spell of
banishment. A sight that has remained
unchanged and unspoilt-by time, wars or
even man himself. Other special ghats
are the Asi, Barnasangam, Panchganga
and Manikarnika, Ghats.
Sarnath
The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity
of Varanasi by choosing the environs of
the city to preach his first sermon at
Sarnath, (only 10 kms away) after
attaining enlightenment.Later, Ashoka,
the great Mauryan Emperor erected
magnificent stupas and other buildings
alongwith his mighty stone pillar,
Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall
Damekh Stupa marks the place where
Buddha preached first sermon.Sarnath
has been a premier centre for Buddhism.It
is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist
relics and antiques comprising numerous
Buddha and Bodhisatva images on
display at the Archaeological Museum
(1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Open all days
except Friday)
Viswanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is
the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. The
original temple was destroyed by the
Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb which was
later restored by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore
in the 18th century. The Gold plating of
the dome was done during the 19th
century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of
Punjab. Foreigners entry restricted.
Banaras Hindu University
Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya
it is considered to be the largest
residential university in Asia. Within the
university campus, Vishwanath Temple
and Bharat Kala Kendra (Museum) are
well worth a visit. Tel : 311833.
Chunar Fort
From their vantage point at the northern
extremity of the Kaimur Hills, the
impressive sandstone battlements of
Chunar command a meander in the
Ganga before the river curves north to
Varanasi 22 km. away. Evidence of the
earliest occupation of the site dates it to
Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 56 BC. Chunar
sandstone has been used for centuries,
most famously in Ashokan pillars - and is
still quarried, leaving the surrounding hills
looking ravaged in places.
Ramnagar Fort
The residential place of Kashi Naresh
(Former Maharaja of Varanasi) across the
Ganges at Ramnagar houses a museum
with the exhibits of palanquins,
costumes, swords, sabres, etc. Dussehra
celebration of Ramnagar is an interesting
event to witness.
Archaeological Museum
The main attraction at this excellent Archaeological Museum is the superb capital from
the Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has
been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. Other finds from the site include
many figures and sculptures from the various periods of Saranath - Mauryan, Kushana,
Gupta and later. Among them is the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath, Buddha
figures in various positions dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, and many images
of Hindu gods such as Saraswati, Ganesh and Vishnu from the 9th to 12th centuries.
The museum is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily, closed on Fridays. Tel :
385002.
A.B.C. Art Gallery, Prabhu Astha
(Opp. Tulsi Manas Temple), Durgakund. Holds exhibition of Contemporary art-mainly
paintings, open only during the winter season i.e. October to March. Timings 3.00-7.00
p.m. Tel : 310434, 310967. Entry Free.
Other temples & Deer Park
You can visit the modern temples in the Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Burmese and
Japanese monasteries. North of the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar is the deer park.
Shopper's Delight
Varanasi is a shopper’s delight, with its
exquisite silk saris, handicrafts, carpets,
rugs and dhurries. Look around and you
might be able to pick up nice ethnic
jewellery and crafted pieces at
competitive rates. You can even carry
home some musical instrument for which
Varanasi is quite famous. Besides ivory
ware, brassware, copper ware and much
more is readily available. You only have to
explore a bit to discover it. The Chowk,
Vishwanath Gali, Gyanvapi, Thatheri
Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia,
Dasashvamedh and Goldhar. Plus shop
at the Government Emporia or souvenir
shops approved by UP Tourism.
This site is created and maintained by the BMS Symposium Committee