The Ghats of Varanasi embody the essence of this timeless city. Everyday pilgrims flock to the ghats to have a ritual bath and worship the rising sun. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed the Dasvamedha yagna here to pave way for Lord Shiva’s return to Varanasi after a period of banishment. For centuries the ghats have presented a sight unchanged and unspoilt by time
The best of way of discovering Kashi – the city of lights – is to take a boat ride down the Ganga at sunrise or sunset. At sunrise the devotees offer prayers, half submerged in waters, the vista turning ethereally crimson. At sundown priests offer prayers by lighting large lamps that are waved in the air with complicated movements. Pilgrims set earthen lamps to float on the water and the sight, accompanied by the sound of cymbals and drums, is breathtaking.
The furthermost ghat is the Nagwa ghat from where one can get a boat to cross over to the Ramnagar Palace. Nevertheless, most people start from the Assi ghat, situated at the confluence of the Assi and the Ganga.
The Kashi Vishvanath Temple
It is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was originally built in the twelfth century and destroyed twice in five centuries. The temple seen today was built in 1777. The gold plating on the roof was provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1835. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Durga Temple
Dedicated to the Goddess Durga, it is one of the most important temples in the city. It was constructed during the 18th century in the Nagara style of temple architecture. This has the typical five-spire style that symbolizes the five elements of nature and these then merge into one. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Man Mandir
The Palace on the Manmandir Ghat was built by the Maharaja Man Singh of Amer in 1600 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur converted the palace into an Observatory here in the early 18th century. It was restored in the last century.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Built in white marble in 1964, the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that the famous medieval Hindu poet Tulsidas lived here.
Bharat Mata Temple (Mother India Temple)
This temple is not dedicated to a Hindu God or Goddess but to the motherland, India. Opened by Mahatma Gandhi, it houses one of the best relief maps of India carved totally out of marble.
