7 Things to Do in Varanasi: A Travel Guide to the Holy City
Varanasi’s tourist attractions are less numerous than other cities, yet some visitors still miss out on them. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Varanasi predates recorded human history and presents picturesque spots on the banks of the Ganges.
As per the Varanasi spiritual tour, it comprises of Benares and Kashi, making it one of India’s seven sacred towns.
Some claim that the 5,000-year-old metropolis is the only place on Earth where people may find fulfillment in every phase of life, from prenatal development to the afterlife. The city is an unforgettable experience. Varanasi is a beautiful meeting place for two very different cultures. Pilgrims go to this city, considered sacred in the Hindu religion, in the hopes of achieving moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and death). The evening aarti, for example, is a spectacular show that incorporates elements of modernism.
Varanasi Spiritual Tour: 7 Activities in The Sacred City
1. A Visit To The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is often regarded as one of the holiest Hindu temples due to its purportedly profound devotion to Shiva. It rests elegantly on the Ganges River’s western bank. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas (Holiest Shiva Temples) spread worldwide, the one in Kashi is among the most revered.
Since ancient Varanasi was known as Kashi, the temple takes its name from that. Many people come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva every day of the year. Therefore, the temple is always quite busy. If Varanasi is known as a place where many temples can be found, then the Kashi Vishwanath Temple must be the most popular.
2. Visit Manikarnika Ghat
Large, flat stairs (known as ghats) have been constructed on the ground and lead down to the Ganges River. Pilgrims utilize them to enter the water, pray, worship, and symbolically wash away their sins. Manikarnika Ghat stands out from the crowd. It’s the most popular and lucrative “burning ghat” for Hindus.
The deceased is first submerged in the Ganges River on these stairs before being burnt with firewood. Tourists may attend the event, but they must always behave respectfully. From the rooftops of surrounding structures, guests may see the possibilities below. It’s possible that “guides” may invite you to these locations in return for ceremonial contributions.
Hindus consider Varanasi the holiest place to die because they think that being cremated there frees them from the cycle of rebirth. Traveling to Varanasi merely to pass away there is a reality for some.
3. Trip On The Ganges River By Boat
One of the most incredible things to do in Varanasi is to take a sunrise rowing boat trip on the sacred Ganges River, which provides the city with its spiritual allure. The spellbinding ride will take you through many Ghats and abandoned palaces along the Ganges, providing a bird’s-eye perspective of the waterway and its surroundings. Be mindful of the Hindu rites though.
A boat journey down the Ganges is most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Sunrise and the city’s early morning allure are best experienced between 5:30 and 8 a.m. A boat trip at sunset, particularly during aarti, is also a beautiful experience.
4. Peruse The Marketplaces And Side Streets
Simply walk around and soak in the city’s authentic culture and way of life. Leave Manikarnika Ghat and go wherever your curiosity takes you. The tiny historic lanes are jam-packed with places to eat, shop, and stay. Vishwanath Lane, Thatheri Bazar, and Godowlia Market are all within a twenty-minute walk of the famed ghat and are among the city’s most popular shopping destinations. Bags, fancy jewelry, shoes, clothes, silk sarees, bangles, textiles, religious artifacts, curios, wooden carvings, copperware, and so much more may be found at these marketplaces.
The colorful silk Banarasi sarees made in Varanasi are world-famous. You may wear it as a skirt by wrapping it around your waist or as a shawl by covering it over your shoulders. It would help if you got something from local bazaars as a trip souvenir.
5. Witness The Buddhist Intervention
The Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, India, is a significant and impressive stupa located around 13 km from the beautiful city of Varanasi. Stupas are believed to have started as pre-Buddhist tumuli in which ascetics were buried in a sitting posture called chaitya. This is a holy and sacred site for Buddhists because it is said that after Buddha attained Nirvana (Liberation), his body was burned, and the ashes were distributed among eight mounds. (The urn and the ashes belong to two mounds.
In 500 CE, the Dhamek Stupa replaced an older construction formerly believed to have been commissioned by the renowned and well-acknowledged Mauryan ruler Ashoka. The site welcomes those who want to experience history firsthand or get insight into the region’s past.
6. Experience a Breathtaking Sunset
The Ghats, which are situated along the Ganges River in the heart of Varanasi, are the city’s most endearing and exciting landmark. Take a walk with your loved ones along the Ghats at sunset for a breathtaking experience you won’t soon forget.
Exploring the Ghats is a must in Varanasi, where sunsets are unrivaled. Stunning sunsets may be seen from many different vantage points on the Ghats. The Ghats are a popular tourist destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds and take in the sights that will stay with you forever, your best bet is to get there early.
7. Evening Aarti Ritual On The Ganges
The evening aarti is often a must-do for tourists in discussions on what to do in Varanasi. Seeing the Aarti Ceremony take place each evening on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi is an experience you will never forget. The Dasawamedh Ghat is the only place to see the bizarre ritual. You will be mesmerized as you see the rites unfold before your eyes.
During the spiritual welcome, enormous brass lights weighing close to 4.5 kg are utilized. An ethereal offering is made through chanting and the scent of flowers and incense.
The heavens at night radiate a glorious light. The Arti ceremony is a nightly rite that takes place at 6:45 p.m. and lasts for 45 minutes.
Conclusion
Without any question, the Varanasi spiritual tour is the best place to visit in India. The city is revered and celebrated for its variety of aesthetics and spiritual importance. Visitors will be amazed and enthralled by the city’s sights and perspectives, many of which are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you ever find yourself near Varanasi, India, remember to check out the attractions mentioned above.
