20+ Best Places to visit in Varanasi | Top Tourist Attractions | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

One of the most famous Hindu temples honoring Lord Shiva is Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A central place of worship for millions of Hindus, the temple is situated in Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Varanasi on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. Lord Shiva, also referred to as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar, which means “the ruler of the universe,” is the main deity of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This makes Varanasi, India’s cultural center, also known as the “city of Lord Shiva.” The temple’s tower is plated with 800 kg of gold.

Cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices must be left outside in lockers as they are not permitted inside. Foreigners may enter through Gate 2 and proceed past Indians waiting for their turn. The temple complex also has a well called Jnana Vapi, or Wisdom Well, which is only accessible to Hindus.

The king of Kashi (Kashi Naresh) used to visit the temple on special occasions like Shivaratri to offer worship; no one else was permitted to enter the temple grounds during this time. Only after the king had finished his prayers were devotees allowed.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s significance is also derived from the fact that it is mentioned in numerous Hindu holy texts. The temple’s exterior is decorated with intricate carvings that give the facade a divine appearance. In addition, the temple is home to a number of smaller temples dedicated to gods like Vinayaka, Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, and Avimukteshwara.

Ganga Aarti, Varanasi

An important ceremony known as Ganga Aarti is performed on a large scale every morning and evening on the banks of the revered Ganges. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Aarti is performed by priests. A divine light that can be clearly felt illuminates the entire Ghat. Huge brass lamps filled with oil are lit as part of the magnificent ritual, and priests chant sacred mantras that reverberate throughout the entire space.

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

According to tradition, Lord Brahma offered the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifice here, as the name of the location suggests. Numerous rituals are carried out at this ghat because it is a sacred location.

Visit during Kartik Purnima to see Dev Deepavali, a celestial manifestation, in the city of lights. The Ganga Aarti performed every evening at this ghat is the reason it is so popular; hundreds of people come here every day. The Ganga Aarti is an experience that cannot be adequately described in words. Make sure not to miss this relaxing experience while visiting Varanasi.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. On the banks of the Assi river, the temple was built in the early 16th century by revered Hindu preacher and poet Saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas. The deity was named “Sankat Mochan” meaning the “reliever from troubles”. The special sweet “besan ke ladoo,” which the devotees adore, is sold in the temple as offerings to Lord Hanuman (known as Prasad), and the idol is also adorned with a cheery marigold flower garland. Lord Hanuman, who worshipped Rama with unwavering devotion, is facing him in this temple, giving it a special distinction.

Assi Ghat, Varanasi

At the meeting point of the Assi and Ganga rivers, the Assi Ghat is well-known for its large Shiva Lingam that has been set up beneath a peepal tree. It has significant religious significance and is mentioned in the Puranas and numerous legends.

The Assi Ghat is the center of Varanasi, where both locals and visitors congregate to take in the breathtaking views of the Ganges River at dusk and dawn. It is where visitors and foreign nationals who visit and spend a lot of time in Varanasi reside. For local youths to pass the evening hours, The Ghat has become a popular destination. If you want to get a true sense of Varanasi, you must watch the Aarti that the Ghat holds every morning since it recently began doing so. Additionally, visitors frequently take a boat from Assi to Dashaswamedh Ghat in the evening to witness the unique aarti that is performed there every evening. Since Assi Ghat is close to Banaras Hindu University, students frequently visit it.