Varanasi a Spiritual Journey Through Social Fiber...Prat - XIII
Till now we discussed about the social development of Varanasi through the ages and how it came to shape as it is now. Now about the onward journey of Varanasi from post liberalization. In the years to come Varanasi saw its first communal violence in the year 1992 when the Babri Masjjid was demolished and aftermath of it's bomb blasts in Mumbai. These two incidences of national importance engulfed Varanasi as well.
Varanasi
A Social Journey Through Social Fiber… Part- XII
After
liberalization the scenario of whole India changed drastically but this time,
once initiated social movement since long time back in Varanasi didn’t stirred
to new waves but gave it it’s unique culture & tradition. Everywhere in
India Industrialization was the word to be used in frequency in phrases but
Varanasi on contrary tuned itself to a different tune of preservation.
It
started to accumulate it’s past glory of saints and religion mixed with philosophical
sciences. It didn’t put down it’s sword against liberalization which shaping
India dramatically. People of Varanasi stood against this with culture like
music, singing, dancing, handicrafts and all sorts of things which were indigenous.
Hordes of people gathered for different social events to celebrate their
freedom of choice against liberalization.
One
unique aspect that evolved along this is Varanasi never closed its doors to new
thoughts or philosophy but consumerism.
Varanasi a Spiritual Journey Through Social Fiber...
सबसे ख़तरनाक / पाश मेहनत की लूट सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती
पुलिस की मार सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती
ग़द्दारी और लोभ की मुट्ठी सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती
बैठे-बिठाए पकड़े जाना बुरा तो है
सहमी-सी चुप में जकड़े जाना बुरा तो है
सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होता
कपट के शोर में सही होते हुए भी दब जाना बुरा तो है
जुगनुओं की लौ में पढ़ना
मुट्ठियां भींचकर बस वक़्त निकाल लेना बुरा तो है
सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होता
सबसे ख़तरनाक होता है मुर्दा शांति से भर जाना
तड़प का न होना
सब कुछ सहन कर जाना
घर से निकलना काम पर
और काम से लौटकर घर आना
सबसे ख़तरनाक होता है
हमारे सपनों का मर जाना
सबसे ख़तरनाक वो घड़ी होती है
आपकी कलाई पर चलती हुई भी जो
आपकी नज़र में रुकी होती है
सबसे ख़तरनाक वो आंख होती है
जिसकी नज़र दुनिया को मोहब्बत से चूमना भूल जाती है
और जो एक घटिया दोहराव के क्रम में खो जाती है
सबसे ख़तरनाक वो गीत होता है
जो मरसिए की तरह पढ़ा जाता है
आतंकित लोगों के दरवाज़ों पर
गुंडों की तरह अकड़ता है
सबसे ख़तरनाक वो चांद होता है
जो हर हत्याकांड के बाद
वीरान हुए आंगन में चढ़ता है
लेकिन आपकी आंखों में
मिर्चों की तरह नहीं पड़ता
सबसे ख़तरनाक वो दिशा होती है
जिसमें आत्मा का सूरज डूब जाए
और जिसकी मुर्दा धूप का कोई टुकड़ा
आपके जिस्म के पूरब में चुभ जाए
मेहनत की लूट सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती
पुलिस की मार सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती
ग़द्दारी और लोभ की मुट्ठी सबसे ख़तरनाक नहीं होती ।
This poetry of 80s and 90s make a clear statement what I was talking about in my earlier post. The divide in India between the poor and the affluent was widening where these social/ spiritual/ political reformers could not do anything.
Than again a sense of communism arises in it social form and engulf the country on a wider prospect. Nothing could have changed and a great individual became the prime minister of India called Yuva Turk. Somehow he tried to manage the affairs of India. He was from not far away from Varanasi but could not yield much and the system was so corrupt he himself alone could not have done much.
Finally India opened it's boundary for others through liberalization to calm down the pressure.
What
is a cosmos? The question arises when somebody talk about Varanasi as a cosmic
city. The cosmos itself is a well ordered universe whose functional is pre
determined by the law of nature. One aspect that we miss here is the energy it
requires to function; it should be self generated or produced and sustainable
which don’t destroy anything.
When
we talk about Kashi as a cosmos in western world scientific terms it’s about a
well planned city which was developed in ancient time that shows few of its miracle
at times even today. But in Indian texts the Kashi is believed to be a cosmic
city.
On
the basis of energy it produces we can prove its cosmic nature but how to
define it is difficult but see it’s very simple from time again and again weather
you wish or not Kashi calls upon energies that it’s cosmos requires. Millions of
devotees wish to die here for salvation even foreigners but few of them gets;
the resign behind is again the energy. Stories are numerous where people have
tied themselves to die here but couldn’t find one.
The
question arises, why? Is it so auspicious or it’s the cosmic energy which decide
who will die here or not. Anyhow if it’s true someone decides who will die or
not that maybe called the God. And being a cosmic city this city that will get
their final resting here in Varanasi.
There is much more to
research on this cosmic nature of the city but god knows when it will show the
path to find this one to me.
Nagri Pracharini Sabha is the leading organization of the country
which is promoting the Hindi language and literature and Devanagari
script. It was founded on July 16, 1893 by Shyamsundar Das. At this time the
English, Urdu and Persian were dominated languages.
Establishment
The Nagri Pracharini Sabha was established
by Queen Girls' College, three students of class nine in Varanasi - Babu
Shyamsundar Das, Pt. Ramnarayan Mishra and Shivkumar Singh sitting in the
Verandah of the college hostel. Later on July 16, 1893, the date of its
establishment was determined by these noblemen and the 'Cousin' brother of
Bartentndu Harishchandra 'Babu Radhakrishna Das', the father of modern Hindi,
Bharatendu Harishchandra, became its first president. It was a in meeting of
Kashi's 'Saptasagar Mohalla' on the horse stall. Later, this institution was an
independent building. Those who became members of the same year, Mahamopadhyay
were scholars of Indian fame such as P Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ibrahim George
Gireson, Ambikadatt Vyas, Chaudhary Premgana.
Development Work
In 1893, the Kashi Nagari Pracharni Sabha
was established in Varanasi, which worked for the development of Hindi
language. Scholars like Bharatendu Harishchandra, Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi and
Ramchandra Shukla did a lot of work for the all round development of Hindi
language. Munshi Premchand was the chief of storytellers, so Pandit Jayashankar
Prasad was the forerunner in the form of playwright. Among poets, 'Hariaudh',
'Maithilisaran Gupta', 'Suryakant Mani Tripathi Nirala', 'Mahadevi Verma' were
the chiefs. All these people were indirectly or directly influenced by the
Hindi development work of 'Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha' and all of them
contributed a lot to the development of Hindi language in their own way.
Dr Shyamsudar Das was the second in the
three publicists of the Kashi's civil publicity conference. In this work his
colleague Pt. Ram Narayan Mishra and Thakur Shiv Kumar Singh were. Mishraji was
also Punjabi like Babuji, who had settled in Kashi and because of being an Arya
Samaj follower, the Hindi service was considered to be his religion. By his
inspiration, Babu Gadadhar Singh had entrusted his collection of rare texts to
Arya language to library 'Kashi Nagari Prachini Sabha', which is still known by
this name.
Millions of Handwritten Books
The meditation of Kashi's Civil Prachar
Sabha started in the beginning itself to the fact that many handwritten Hindi
books have become unknown in many parts of the country, in the houses of the
princely houses and people. With the help of the government, he took up the task
of searching books since 1900 and in the eight reports of his search till 1911,
hundreds of unknown poets and unknown poems of known poets have been traced. In
1913, all these materials were used by the Mishra brothers (Shree Pt.
Shyambihari Mishra etc.) to publish his large collection as 'Mishrabandhu
Vinod', in which present poets and writers have been included, published in
three parts.
In the circumstances under which the
assembly had to take its own route from the beginning to its purpose for its
purpose. But the sympathy and active support meeting of the erstwhile Vidyav
Mandalal and Jana Samaj was started from the very beginning, so at the end of
its establishment, the Assembly started taking big, solid and important work.
Varanasi - A Spiritual Journey through Social fiber...Part-X
"उठो, जागो और तब तक न रुको जब तक अपना लक्ष्य न हासिल कर लो। "
As
gradually the time was passing out day by day with these addictions once again
the social reformers was there who helped the commoners against odds in these
dire needs of time. There were many like Raja Rammohaon Roy, Gopal Krishna
Gokhle, Swami Arvindo but the one who inspired them most was Swami Vivekanand.
His words made them studious and smart enough about their work and to some
extent curbed them to follow the suits of others by only going either to
addiction or accumulating money.
These
reformers what basically did was converted their desire in a sense of
pride; a kind of national fervor. People in masses followed Mahatama Gandhi for
freedom movement on the path of Satya and Ahimsa which was the core essence of
India's legacy.
After
Independence this National pride was available for a certain period till the
followers of these social & political reformers were alive and was there to
oppose the evils of society and- one more thing India in desperate situations
remained a closed economy till 90s that was greatly required a nation like
India -the country fought the battle of addiction and money
accumulation one can say a different kind of capitalism which was
always available for India there.
Myths are entangled into reality is such a manner in Varanasi that one cant't imagine it howsoever. Either you or me nobody can tell the real truth behind it but one thing is sure "believe" is so important here since time immemorial thousands have spent their whole life in this musical city of Varanasi of India coming from all over the world. One of the major mysterious temple of this city is Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple.
This is the only temple left in city which was not destructed by Islamic Invaders and believed to belong to 10th century A.D. The architecture of the temple is so unique and the place is so engulfing that one can't resist from visiting here.
The story of this temple is "Rishi Kardam did austere penance here for 60 thousands years of Lord Shiva and finally got him in human form. When he was told by Lord Shiva to ask for a boon he said I wish to establish your immortal energy here that was given instantly. But the next wish that he asked was difficult to provide as he asked as by doing the penance I have got old but the destiny has written for my marriage so please give me a boon of getting young again.
For fulfilling this wish of his disciple Lord Shiva tell the tank in front of it is called Bindu Sarovar; if you have a holy dip into it you well get young. Likewise he did and got young again and get married and had children and its said that Kapil Muni was one of his son. He went to Ganga Sagar and one of his daughter was Sati Anusuiya. This is the first resting place of Panchkoshi Yatra.
"न जाने कितने कौन से क्षण पञ्च तत्वों से मिलकर यहाँ तक पहुंचे होंगे।"
Varanasi - A Spiritual Journey through Social fiber...
Part-IX
कनक कनक ते सौ गुनी मादकता अधिकाय ,
वा खाये बौराये नर, व पाए बौराये।
Initially the people engaged themselves in the business activity of all nature after the demolition of Islamic fanaticism. But few of the social evils which was taken as a remedy for the social changes assimilated themselves with the modernity among people at the aftermath of medieval period. They engaged themselves in a large number with the addictions of all sorts. One of them was "Kanak" a symbolic representation of the drugs which is very harmful and after taking it people loose their senses.
This period of addictions to drugs lasted till the end of Colonial Period in Varanasi. One more evil was the treachery which helped them to end Islamic Fanaticism and Colonial oppression was so incorporated in the social nature of the commoners.
But after independence this addiction deteriorated to a certain extent but the second "Kanak" the gold a symbolic representation of money engulfed them with it's painful fangs.
The aftermath was people were engaged in all sorts of activity which was illegal to earn money and did all which destroyed the unique nature of Varanasi.
Modernity
in the Shadow of Ancient Light- Varanasi In Prospect
Varanasi-
famously known by its spiritual name Kashi (Luminous Light) is the cultural
& religious capital of India. Its supremacy has never been challenged at
any point of time in history. From ancient time it is believed that the city is
older than history itself, ancient texts praise the city in numerous hymns
explaining the pious nature of the city.
Current archaeological excavations did
in Rajghat Area & Sarnath take its history to the time of Indus- Sarswati
Civilization. Story of King Divodas mentioned in the Kashi Khanda of Skanda
Puran reveals the revered sanctity of Kashi that even Gods prefer this city to
Heaven. Its unique geography contains the entire universe in Five Koshas.
Each
religious place has a unique energy that make the place transcend spiritual
feelings to another level but Kashi is the most revered one among them because
it is the ultimate place of pious energy. It’s a representation of universe on
earth in a form of cosmological city. Religious place scattered around India
has its representation in Varanasi. Places like Dwarks, Rameshwaram, Puri,
Kedarnath etc are situated within the sacred geography of the city. It is
believed that if one visit Kashi just once in lifetime gets the fruits of
visiting all other religious places in many lifetimes.
Confluence of three
sacred rivers Varuna, Assi & Ganga takes its sanctity to different
dimension. Its narrow lanes spanning the city from north to south are like
veins of human body. Ever alive never calm. Cremation grounds on other part of
India is believed to be a renounced place situated outside of the city fringes
but here in Varanasi death is auspicious, celebration in nature, salvation from
circle of life & death, the two most pious places Harishchandra Ghat &
Manikarnika Ghat, two cremation grounds are just situated in the middle of the
city.
Once this city was known as Anandavan, filled with numerous ponds of
astrological significance all around the city was encircled by the eternal
forests. Varanasi was the ultimate place of learning in all of Indian History,
it was the most revered place for the learned if one is accepted here with his
wisdom he would have been a know learned around India. Varanasi marked its
position even among the business cites of India as well when this was the only
route crossing from North & South and East to West.
Important Features of the
City
Tourism-
Tourism has been one of the major businesses activities of the city from
ancient time. Earlier religious tourism was the main prevalent phenomenon of
the city in past. People from all around India used to throng here in numbers
in particularly all seasons year around. The phenomenon is same to this date as
well where religious & spiritual tourists now from around the world throng
here in numbers in all seasons year around. Other sorts of tourists are
Historical, Cultural, Educational, Business, and Researchers etc. they visit
the city in numbers in season from August to March.
Education-
Varanasi from ancient times is well known for its educational acumen. This has
been the place of Sanskrit, Religion, Philosophy, Culture, Music, Arts &
Crafts, Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga learning. People from around the world come
here to learn in the luminous light of the city. Here in Varanasi there are
four universities & numbers of colleges that provide quality modern
education to masses. Apart from modern streams there are numerous independent
institutions that provide ancient education to students with ancient Indian
technique of education.
Business-
Kashi was situated on the ancient silk route, roads that took business from far
South-East Asia to Europe & visa-versa. Other business route that gauged
the India form North-to-South, Varanasi was the main point of trades. Traders
from far places used to throng here in times to either exchange the goods or
sell them in this prosperous city of Varanasi. The city is known for its
indigenous products as well like Silk Sarees, Wood Works, Carpets, Ornaments, and
Musical Instruments etc.
Important Landmarks of the
City
Sights
wise the whole city falls in the gamut of Important Sights, as it is a matter
of historical importance & each corner of the city has something unique to
offer. For visitors, its concentration of mass gathering is centred towards the
Ghats area or near to River Ganga. Another important geographical feature of
the city is so important for the visitors liking is cities narrow lanes bisecting
the city itself from North to South direction of the city, starting from River
Varuna & ending at the River Assi.
These narrow lanes of the city have the
oldest structures of the city constructed interestingly in these narrow lanes.
One important sight as mentioned above is Ghats and most of the activities are
centred at the River & the Ghats. With the suitability of the visitors
& convenience to them they further move towards the Banaras Hindu
University in between giving a peep at Sankatmochan Temple, Durga Temple, Manas
Mandir & Bharat Mata Temple in Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.
Further
suitability of the visitors makes them to visit Sanskrit University. So to say
basically visitors all around focus are centred towards the Ghats area
only. Secondly they move towards the
Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave its first sermon after getting enlightenment in
Bodhgaya. Other important sights are in the stage of negligence that can be
transformed into major landmarks if developed with proper planning.
Left out Important Landmarks
of the City
Panchakoshi Trip: -
As city defined in many historical Vedic Texts is not just a city of minor
boundaries as the whole city itself is a circle of illuminated lights. This
half encircled city starting from Rajghat to Assi is the original city
mentioned in the Vedic Texts. Circumbulation of the city was as important in
history so one of the oldest structures is found in these areas falling in
Panchkoshi Road. The architectural features along the Panchakoshi Road show the
myriad natures of the city & different life styles of the social city.
Water Bodies (Lakes) of The
City: - The city is known by another name Anandavan,
as it used to be a place of numerous forests & reservoirs. Basically the
city was a place of spirituality where ancient priests used to penance in
between forests. They are in numbers as Durgakund, Suryakund, LakshamiKund,
Pushkar Talab, Motijheel etc. Poor management by the municipality is the whole
sole responsibility of these sights not in the itinerary of the tourists.
Markets of Ancient
Antiquity: - Varanasi was not only a place of
spirituality as geographically its strategic location gave it an important
place in ancient trade route. As river transportation was the main route for
the traders to take their goods from one place to another, Varanasi was in the
middle of this trade route & place to cross the river Gaga as well. Traders
coming from far west used to trade their goods at Varanasi or load or unload
their goods here. This unique trade point was Rajghat area where still in the
Britishers time made the iron bridge because it’s the most convenient place to
cross the river in any season. This market is still the biggest market of goods
of different kinds in the city & has the unique charm of ancient and
medieval market.
Villages nearby City: - As
Varanasi is not just a city of any general importance in sense or comparison of
any other places in the world. Its uniqueness lies in the soothing cosmological
geography of the city as highlighted in different researches. Here tourists
comes in search of peace & rejuvenate their mind & soul for further
journey of their life. Nearby villages of the city are not so distant and still
has the soothing greenery of the old city. These villages can be developed as
centres of Yogic practices & at the same time can be utilized for other
relaxation purposes.
Suggestions
Planned Development of
Infrastructure- As the city stands among the dire needs
of infrastructural development. Few pockets of city chiefly the old area has
minor scope of vast development but maintenance is required in proper manner. Vehicles
should be restricted in these areas with only walking possible. Areas are not
spanning more than few kilometers in distance so walking could be the most
convenient way of transportation. Other parts need minute observation before
making robust constructions.
Planned Development of Town-
Municipality Corporation of Varanasi has lots to answer regarding this as they
lack in quick action towards illegal developments. Once these parts are
developed its really hard to demolish them. So initial inquiries should be
quick & constructions should be stopped in the primary faze. No
construction can’t be developed without proper evaluations as such.
Communities Construction
Development- Communities celebrations of different
sorts should be promoted in big manner. As no such activity is initiated by the
authorities. Each festival should be participated at different locations so as
to avoid management problems of the city. Once these centers are built it will
be convenient for the authority and people of the city as well.
Cleanliness of the city-
As city is so important in any aspect so the cleanliness of the city should be
the responsibility of all. No one party either people or Municipality
Corporation can avoid this. Both should work in cooperation to make the city
clean.
Proper Development of
Landmarks- All landmarks in city are so important in
each context. Its not a matter of few selected monuments that are important
enough to pay all attention. Landmarks like Water Bodies, Monuments, Markets
etc. should get proper attention by the municipality. Their development should
be such managed that new recreational activity should be laid down to the city
dwellers. This will surely transform the city nature from deadliness to new
findings.
Green Belts Development-
Green belts should be developed in the areas where new constructions are going
on. It should be mandatory for the developers to plant certain number of trees
in their areas if they are willing to develop new buildings in these areas.
Firm scrutiny should be done on authority part so no untoward development can
take place.
Old construction
conservation- Building residing in old parts of the
city should not be distorted in any manner by the owners. Minion modification
can be done only on few aspects of the buildings but even with certain norms so
not to change the original structure of the buildings at all. If required many
of the properties where number of owners play card to let the structure
demolish with the weather of time so to acquire prime land for modern
development should be stopped and their management in certain way should be
done by the municipality. These will a change the nature of the owners not to
demolish buildings to money motives.
Conclusion-
Efforts are dynamic in nature rather static. So each individual living in this
oldest living city of world should participate in a manner to uphold the
sanctity of the city. Its not a big ask hard to achieve with proper scrutiny by
the law makers. The city can present a unique example where all the amenities
of modernity can prevail in the shadow of ancient light. This could be the
prospect of Varanasi in new era of development.
Reference:
1-Sherring. M.A.( 1868), ‘
Banaras The Sacred City of The Hindus’. Low Price Publications- New Delhi.
2-Advance with Kyoto, A City
With Multi-Layered Culture (2014). New Industry Promotion Office, Industry
& Tourism Bureau of City of Kyoto.
Varanasi
is one of the oldest living cities of India. Since time immemorial it has been
known for religion, sanctity & knowledge; awakened people from all over
India have blessed this city of Lord Shiva (the Supreme Yogi) with refined
thoughts. Blessed with never changing river course of Maa Ganga, this city of
Supreme Yogi provides the Salvation from the cycle of life and death.
Renowned
thinkers & spiritual Gurus have felt that Varanasi (the Kashi) is a
miniature representation of the Cosmos itself; they explored it as the ultimate
transcending place to assimilate with the supreme one. Once while travelling on
the River Ganga at Varanasi; Swami Ramkrishna Pramhans saw that Lord Shiva
himself is reciting ‘Tarak Mantras’
in the ears of dead-body at Manikarnika Ghat to liberate the soul for final
resting.
Crescent
shape Ghats (the platforms of stone) on the western bank of Maa Ganga is the
ultimate place for undulating lively activities many a times adorned with
dignitaries from all over the world in search of peace & gaiety; they be
here to mark their presence in this cultural, religious & spiritual capital
of India.
The
Ghats & structures upon it, chiefly Temples, Forts and Havelies looks old
enough to be called upon- as the city is older than history. The major Ghats of
Varanasi for visiting & taking a holy dip in River Ganga simultaneously are
Dashaswamedh, Manikarnika, Harishchandra, Kedar, Panchganga, Raj Ghat &
Assi.
Lord
Vishwanath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is the supreme God of the city &
people recite Mahadeva- one of the names of Lord Shiva; mostly all the time
even in salutations as well. Just beside the temple of Lord Vishwanath is the
temple of Mata Annapurna -the feeding deity of Varanasi. One peculiar saying
looks almost true here as nobody sleeps here empty stomach as numbers of
Bhandars (Common Kitchens) provide food to the last person in queues from
morning till night. Dhams, Temples, Ashrams, Baithakas almost all religious
places & practices from India has a substantial representation here in assorted
nature.
Explore Varanasi
Open Market (Herbs, Masala
& Food Grains) - Varanasi is a major market for
different products including Herbs, Masalas & Food Grains. Situated on the
northern fringe of the city on-main road & in-narrow lanes is Gola Dinanath
& Vishweshwarganj. Nearby areas give a charm of medieval bazaars studded
with grocery items, herbs, Masalas, Food Grains & lots of stuffs where
sellers sell their products in open market.
Weaving Areas-
Synonymously know as the Hand Woven Silk Saree’s centre of Uttar Pradesh, the
city has different pockets or areas that weave Silk Sarees openly on looms. It’s
a minute work of creativity on fabrics in thousand sheds that produces few of
the wonders which adorns the beauty who wears it. Some says Bridal makeup or an
ethnic leisure party, special occasions, festivals are almost seems incomplete
without Banarasi Sarees.
Cuisine-
Varanasi is an ultimate place for food lovers as the city is so rich in
producing lip-smacking varieties of open eateries in its narrow lanes. Kachori
& Jalebi is a perfect breakfast whosoever eats it hot which is filled with
aroma of different masalas. Sweets are specialty of Varanasi made with
unmatched perfection; the city has renowned shops which are making it for
generations. Malaio, Rasogulla, Giloris, Rabris, Barfis, Lal Pedas, Besan
Ladoos & much more are here for the full of sweet memories.
Tea Stalls-
Varanasi is a cosmopolitan city in its own course; situated within a small
periphery. People from around the world lives here peacefully from different
speaking languages, ethnicity, traditions & customs. Local people throng at
Tea Stalls for discussions about different topics such as business, politics, philosophy,
culture, tradition, cinemas, daily life & much more that can even take
place for the whole day long. If one is really interested to explore the city
& wish to know its true nature; must visit these tea stalls situated in
narrow lanes.
Clay Potteries & Wooden
Handicrafts – it’s unique to know that this city
of religious fervor is a master craftsman while producing goods of daily uses
& decorative items. Locals of city, mostly people from lower income groups
or engaged in it for generations are producing these items. Wooden toys, baskets,
wall hangings, furniture, half-inch animals & birds, gods & goddesses
are few of the items those are engraved and highlighted in astounding aspect. Aroma of eating food in clay
potteries is a surreal experience that tinges your taste buds moreover to
explore a real time producer adds other dimensions to it for experience. Explore
few items of local wood crafts & clay potteries from the city as souvenir
to solidify your visit.
Villages –
Scientific advancement& modernity has brought numerous amenities to us in
cities along with relentless adverse effects that currently toll upon our daily
lifestyle, mind & body in compact houses to such an extent where spending
few hours or days with simple & peaceful loving people of villages can
rejuvenate. Lush greenery, spread-out fields, sky touching horizons, fresh air,
water & food, above all pin drop silence or nothing at all are surely some
stuff that one needs to explore. Villages nearby Varanasi are the best places
for detachment from hustle & bustle of cities to spend some precious time
with raw nature. Added advantage of visiting these villages are that one comes
to know about their roots as well.
Classical & Folk Music Concerts
on Placid Ganges- the City of Music declared by
UNESCO in 2015; Varanasi is known for its rich music Gharana. Maestros of
Varanasi have enthralled the world with eventful performances. While visiting
the city do enjoy a personalized live music concert on River Ganga.
Things
to do in Varanasi
Perform Lord
Vishwanath Darshan, Arti & Abhishek.
Pay Homage to Maa
Annapurna, Vishalakshi & Kala Bhairav.
Visit Numerous
Hidden Temples/ Asharams/ Baithkas of Varanasi.
Participate in
Morning & Evening Maa Ganga Arti along with riverbank.
Enjoy Morning &
Evening Boat Ride at River.
Explore Mystique
Varanasi With A Walk In Its Narrow Lanes.
Explore Varanasi
With A Heritage Walk.
Drive Along
Panchkoshi Road to Circumambulate the Kashi’s Cosmos.
Excursion
from Varanasi:
Sarnath-
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya(Bihar) under a Peepal tree at
the age of 35 and walked down at Rishipattana (Place of Saints) to deliver his
first sermon about four noble truths. While changing the course of Dharma from
austere penance to middle path in 6th century B.C; he engaged masses
not only from India but around the world. Visit to Sarnath is a must as to
commemorate the assimilating historical, cultural & spiritual journey of
India; as people from time immemorial have paid their homage here. Sightseeing
of Sarnath includes Boddh Stupas, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Archeological Ruins,
Sarnath Museum, Colossal Buddha Image & Temples of different countries.
Ramnagar Fort-
there’s an old saying from past as King is an incarnation of God on earth who
serves his people. Monarchy had its own drawbacks which changed to democracy in
India after Independence. Reminisce of past charm of being at King’s Fort
brings visitors in numbers here at Ramnagar. Nearly 12 Kms. away from centre of
the city is a massive fort of medieval period on the eastern bank of River
Ganga. The fort is well preserved to certain extent & open to visitors from
10 AM to 5 PM. Sightseeing of Ramnagar Fort includes a museum, temple,
artifacts & nearby constructions. Sweet Lassi & Spicy Chat of Ramnagar
is a must for visitors while spending time at the Ramnagar.
Vindhyavasini Temple (Approx. 80
Kms 2 Hrs) - Pilgrimage to Varanasi is
incomplete unless you pay homage to the vibrant female energy of creation- the
consort of Lord Shiva. Vindhyavasi Temple situated at end of the Vindhya
Mountains on the banks of river Ganga in Mirzapur district is one such place for
believers. The revered Shakti Peeth is thronged by countless numbers of devotees
in the auspicious months of Chaitra & Ashwin. The soul soothing place is
bestowed with theAshtabhuji Temple, theKali Caves & theVindhyavasini
Temple.
Chunar Fort- the
majestic rampart of Chunar Fort has seen numerous battles in past. Known as
Charnadgiri (Foot Shaped Mountain) in ancient texts this colossal fort has a
long history of love, war & peace. River Ganga’s vast stream changes its
course hitting the colossal fort; and it flows towards Varanasi presenting a
panoramic view from the top of the fort. Chunar Fort was a major port &
halting point of cargo vessels on water transportation route in mediaeval
period on river Ganga. Sightseeing of Chunar includes Massive Chunar Fort, Raja
Bharthihari Samadhi, Underground Cells, Queen’s Sonva Mandap, British Cemetery,
and Wind Palace etc. Added advantage of being at Chunar is that it leads to
numerous waterfalls & lush green areas of Vindhya Mountains.
Dams, Trekking & Adventure Activities-
Vindhya Mountain is rich in flora & fauna with numerous water channels that
create dams, waterfalls and lush green trekking trails. Ancient settlers in
this region have created various caves which are adorned with primitive cave
paintings. This region is an undiscovered destination for travelers who wish to
explore. Ancient forts of Naugarh & Aghori can thrill you with unrelenting
zeal of finding folklores about people from past.
Long
Distance Excursions from Varanasi-
Allahabad (APPROX. 130 KMS. 3
HRS.)- Confluence of Mother Ganga, the Yamuna & indistinguishable
the Sarswati Rivers (Sangam) at Allahabad is in an all time favorite tourist
itinerary for pilgrims visiting Varanasi. Allahabad (Prayag) is mentioned in
ancient scriptures as amongst the seven most sacred cites of India. Allahabad
is well renowned for the largest numbers of devotees’ congregation on earth at
the auspicious time of Kumbh & Mahakumbh when people take holy dip at
Sangam. The spacious city with broad avenues, beautiful gardens, historical
places, religious sanctity, judiciary centre of Uttar Pradesh, Museum etc. call
upon numbers of visitors year around.
Bodhgay & Gaya ( APPROX.
270 KMS. 6 HRS.) - the twin city of knowledge &
religious sanctity is situated in the state of Bihar, India. While Bodhgaya is celebrated
as a place where Tathagata- theLord Buddha got enlightenment under a Peepal
Tree; Gaya is revered for Vishnu Pad Temple. People come from far off corners
of India at Gaya for Pind-daan in memory of their ancestors. Places of Interest
are Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Village, Dungeshwari Hills, Vishnu Pad Temple,
Brahma Kund, Pretshila Hills etc. Added advantage at Bodhgaya with a day halt
is there are plenty of time to explore Nalanda (Probably the first residential
University of World), Rajgir (Premier Constructed Capital City of India),
Barabar Caves (Architectural Wonder of Ancient India), Pawapuri (Jain Pilgrim
Centre) & Kakolat Waterfalls.
Gorakhpur & Kushinagar(APPROX.
270 KMS. 7 HRS.)- the wonder of visiting Indo-Gangtic
Plains of Uttar Pradesh is that it is studded with countless aged old places
which aesthetically, traditionally & socially enriched India’s plentiful
prospect for each devout travelers. Situated on the borders of India and Nepal,
Gorakhpur district is a burgeoning modern city having rich history &
amenities. Baba Gorakhnath Temple (Nath Sampraday Centre), Arogya Mandir,
Rambhar Stupa, Mahaprinirval Stupa, Motif Stupas, Museum, Monasteries of
Different Countries etc. are places of interest here. Gorakhpur is a base point
to travel Nepal from Bhairava boarder.