Ads by Google
We
all know that Varanasi is one of the holiest cities of India for the Hindus. It
is considered to be a place of pilgrimage for many who follow the Hindu
religion. Apart from this, Varanasi is also celebrated as one of the top
tourist destinations of India, which welcomes tourists not only from India, but
from all over the world. The ghats are the life of Varanasi and the food here
is something that one cannot afford to give a miss.
Apart
from these reasons, there are many more that make Varanasi a very intriguing
and preferable tourist destination. The fact that you will come across plenty
of hotels at Varanasi
proves that it is a much frequented tourist destination. Here are a few
interesting facts about this city, which are sure to develop more interest in
it:
1. Varanasi
is believed to be over 3000 years old and is one of the oldest living cities in
the world. The remains found in places near Varanasi suggest that they are from
1080 BC!
2. Varanasi
is often popularly referred to as Kashi, mostly by the Bengalees, which roughly
translates into “the city of lights.”
3. Varanasi
was once a great centre of learning and cultural activities, and it is believed
that the Ramcharitmanas was composed here by Tulsidas.
4. Just
a few kilometres away from the city lies Sarnath, where it is believed that Buddha
after attaining enlightenment had come and preached his first sermon. You can
actually book a car from your resort at varanasi and head out to visit this place.
5. It
is believed that two rivers once flowed here- Varuna and Asi and their
confluence resulted into the formation of this city, and hence, the name
Varanasi. These two rivers still exist. While Asi has become a narrow stream,
the Varuna still flows strong.
6. Myths
and local legends suggest that Varanasi is so holy because it was once the
abode of the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
7. Parshva
was believed to be the 23rd of all the Jain Tirthankaras and he
hailed from this city.
8. The
highest number of Bengalis resides in Varanasi today, after Kolkata. You will
come across a Bengali in every one shoulder alley of this city!
9. When
visiting Varanasi, one should always try out the narrow alleys on foot. It is a
photographer and explorers’ delight!
10. We
all know about the famous evening offering ritual or the Ganga Aarti that is
performed at the Dashashwamedha Ghat. However, local legends and myths suggest
that this is the place where Lord Bramha himself had performed the auspicious
Ashwamedha sacrifice with ten horses and hence the name. Thus, it is also known
as the Bramha Dwar.
11. It
was in 1748 that the present Dashashwamedha Ghat that you see was built by
Peshwa Balaji Bajirao.
12. Cremation
ceremonies are performed at the Manikarnika Ghat. It is believed that the fire
of burning never subsides at this ghat and whenever you do visit the city, you
will always find a fire burning there!
Makes
the place sound more interesting, doesn’t it? So pack your bags and head out to
Varanasi today!
0 comments:
Post a Comment