A visit to Varanasi is nearly a given for any middle-aged individual living in India at some point in his or her life. The reason for this is the long and illustrious history and religious significance of the location, as well as the architecture and art that has preserved the past for all time.
With numerous temples and ghats, it is considered to be one of India’s holiest cities, drawing long lines of pilgrims from all over the country to visit it on special occasions. Of course, the fact that the Ganga passes through Varanasi just adds to the sanctity of the city!
If you find yourself in the land of mysticism, there is no shortage of sites to visit, and this is just a brief list of the top 10 places that you should not miss out on if you find yourself in the land of mysticism.
The first on 10 Holy Places you can not miss in Varanasi is:
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Durga Temple
This temple honors Goddess Durga and represents female divinity. This temple’s god is said to have appeared out of thin air and was not created by anyone. This temple was also commissioned by a woman, another feminist badge. The Maharani of Bengal ordered it built in the Nagara style of architecture. The most intriguing aspect of this temple is that it is visited daily by many monkeys. With so many monkeys, it is nicknamed ‘Monkey Temple’. So, beware of those cheeky apes!
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Alamgir Mosque
On a list of temples, Alamgir mosque proudly represents centuries of the Muslim presence. This mosque is unique in that it is placed on the banks of the Ganga. It was built by Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb, Akbar’s great-grandson. Emperor Aurangzeb was also known as Alamgir, hence the name of this mosque. Historically, Aurangzeb demolished a temple to build the mosque. Despite this, the mosque’s architecture and art retain many Hindu elements.
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Naya Vishwanath Mandir
This shrine, inside Banaras Hindu University, attracts everyday tourists. The Birla family, a highly prominent business family in India, commissioned its construction, earning it the name Birla Temple. The temple is unique in that it is comprised of seven different temples that form one large religious complex. This temple’s design is based on the renowned old Vishwanath temple. Its walls are covered in Lord Krishna’s utterances while reciting the Bhagwad Gita. As one of the most famous Varanasi attractions, you must see it!
Fourth on 10 Holy Places you can not miss in Varanasi is:
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Many consider it the most important temple in Varanasi, and some even say the country. Its narrative spans over 3500 years, which is incredible. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by all that’s happened in and around it. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or Shivalingas, that represent Lord Shiva. The shrine’s spires and domes are all gold. The Golden Temple’s gold-covered dome was the work of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Punjab’s former ruler. Many devotees think that seeing the Shivalinga cleanses the soul and puts life on the right path.
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Bharat Mata Mandir
It is one of the country’s rarest shrines, dedicated to the country. India is known for its millions of temples and nationalist spirit, but it has few memorials to itself. Because it is a rare temple, practically everyone visiting Varanasi visits it. It was launched by Gandhi in 1936 on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus. It was to be a symbol of love and optimism for all those opposing the British. Rather than a human-like deity, this temple’s statue is of mountains, plains, and oceans.
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Dashashwamedh Ghat
This ghat is claimed to be the city’s oldest, making it unique. If you’ve seen videos of people bathing in Ganga and worshipping with diyas on river banks, it’s probably this ghat. It is often crowded with people coming to wash away their sins and pray. Every day, ascetics, Hindu devotees, and tourists descend on Dashashwamedh Ghat. The famed Ganga aarti and important landmark make it a must-see in Varanasi!
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Manikarnika Ghat
This ghat is very important to Hindus as it is the city’s principal cremation ghat. People are incinerated here to get moksha. According to legend, Devi Parvati’s earring fell on this ghat while Lord Shiva accompanied her. Even if the mood is gloomy most days, it is a must-see in Varanasi. The flaming ghat is a vital aspect of Varanasi, just as death is to life!
Eighth on 10 Holy Places you can not miss in Varanasi is:
Manmandir Ghat
Raja Man Singh ordered it in the early 1600s. He built a big stone balcony on the northern corner of the ghat to enjoy the peace. This ghat has less footfall than others, making it a great area to spend the day. Just north of Dashashwamedh ghat, it’s a peaceful place to watch the Ganga flow. Another reason to visit this ghat is its proximity to several famous temples. Someshwar, Rameshwar, and Sthuladanta Vinayaka are nearby temples.
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Assi Ghat
Tulsidas is said to have died at Assi Ghat. It is the region’s southernmost ghat and one of its most visited. Every day roughly 300 people visit there, although on festival days that number might reach 2500. You may take a river cruise or even a hot air balloon trip here! The river’s water is thought to purify the soul, preparing devotees for rites.
Last, on 10 Holy Places you can not miss in Varanasi is:
Ramnagar Fort
It was established in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh, the Banaras ruler, across the Ganga River from Tulsi Ghat. His family has lived in that fort for ages. The government abolished the role of the official king in 1971, but Pelu Bhiru Singh is still known as the Maharaja of Varanasi. Even though it was erected by Hindu kings, the Mughal architectural style reflects the region’s diversity. A museum dedicated to regional history and the King’s quarters are housed here.
Our list of 10 Holy Places you can not miss in Varanasi ends here.
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