Visiting the Sacred Varanasi

The holiest of the seven sacred cities in Uttar Pradesh, the town that lies on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi as its old world charm and divine ambiance. The religious aspect of the city made millions and millions of people wonder what the magic is. Varanasi or Kashi is said to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Some of the most famous holy shrines of the city are Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and Bharat Mata Temple.

Another most charming aspect of Varanasi is its long line up of Ghats alongside the river. When the first ray of rising sun touches the stairs of the Ghats, they come alive. However, to explore the real Banaras one has to set off on boat and sailed on the Ganges River and perceives how the sacred Ganges flawlessly captures the spirit of Varanasi. Countless candlelit paper boats with flowers carrying people's prayers float their way across the waters. Countless pilgrims take a holy dip in the waters, some meditate in solitude and the rest bow their heads in prayer along the Ghats. Each Ghats in Varanasi embraces its own myth like Manikarnika Ghat symbolizes the creation and destruction where Dashashwamedha Ghat is famous for its evening "arati". According to the Hindu devotees it is believed that one who dies in Varanasi is sure to attain salvation and freedom from the, cycle of birth and re-birth thus, the city of Varanasi is known as "Gateway to Salvation".