Varanasi - Older than history itself
I am proud of country's ancient heritage - PM NARENDRA MODI
It is a vicinity of god, set on the banks of River Ganga. The experience had never gotten so intimate until I reached the streets of Varanasi and touched the holy waters of the Ganga. When it was said that one only goes to Kashi once, I wandered what they meant. However, while returning, the feeling caught my heart with all peace and serenity. All the variety of culture one sees there. Traditions and culture of ancient India are truly reflected in its raw form in every corner and in every person you meet on the ghats of Varanasi. Thousands of believers come here in search of tranquility and whole environment as if wishes of devotees floating in breeze, all trying to reach god. On the bank of Manikarnika ghat deceased's soul tries to liberate its sins to be free from cycle of birth and death. Suppressed Emotions of people on ghats seeks hope. This is the mighty city of Varanasi. Once visited, swarms a sincere belief in God.
The whole of the first expression of mine for the city was and still is that it gives you loads of blessings. The families reside there in harmony with each other. Houses are built with surprises at each point. Each house opens up through a small two shutter wooden door to a same size space followed by a courtyard till three storey. Here is when there was an observation I made, architecture and culture goes hand in hand. guest is welcomed to the kitchen and asked to sit comfortably on a bench so that they can be served with water at first. Then if you move out of the kitchen there's a lobby moving all around courtyard and one can see the blue sky from the house, no slab, wow. Each family member feels so happy seeing a guest arrived in their house that they one by one offer different types of nosh to eat. Warm welcome and affection from family members takes away all tiredness. Yes, India, In its all regions, no matter what, welcomes guests as if they were a Deity.
When the word Kashi is heard there are two other names comes to our mind, Varanasi and Banaras. Kashi is the oldest name. Its a Sanskrit word which means shine. Therefore this city is called 'A City of Lights'. The word Varanasi is also a Sanskrit name which consists of two words Varuna and Assi. Both are the rivers flowing in North and South of the old city respectively. Banaras is a transformed word given after invasion of foreigners.
When you start your route towards the ghats of River Ganga you enter into a narrow streets which has intricate carved facades. To your imagination it is incredible to see row of houses on both sides of streets with pan gallas (small shops built intentionally half below ground level and half above it). The shopkeeper peeps out over the counter from the shop and sells his pan or bhaang from a small opening.
Not only pilgrims but the tourists visit Varanasi to study this cultural center. One has to be able to gasp the crowd of the people either heading towards ghats or returning back. Most of them are pilgrims or tourists and photographers.
As soon as you come near to the ghat, dense houses and temples opens up and slight cool breeze touches you. At some points this streets are at height of 20 - 40 meters above from the water level. But once you get this glance of water you can not resist yourself from reaching waters. Small shrines of Shivling on sides of the streets finally blesses you with signals that you have entered the city of gods. Yes, my words do not do justice to the feelings to what I felt when I had this encounter. So, these are the assembled words least expressing my experience.
Now when finally you are on the ghat facing River Ganga you can imbibe the spiritual essence into you. It is the faith in god that brings you here. Kashi has total 84 ghats along the River. Each ghat is as old as the city itself. However, over ages the palaces and temples on ghats have transformed by kings and queens. Each ghat is dedicated to them or a sage resided there ever.
We started our journey from Dashashwamegh ghat in evening. The river was lighted with diyas and steps descending towards river and was crowded with pilgrims waiting for evening aarti to be performed. About 5 priests perform aarti to River Ganga with huge and heavy weighted brass or silver lamps. Bells and Lights brought mystical experience. One can also be part of aarti from the boats resting on river banks.
It is remarkable to know that whatever tiny or grand gate of any structure on ghat you enter in, it will always leave you surprised. Dark stairs will open up into ancient shrine or some sage's house. The night on ghats with lapping water and yellow lamps enhanced our experience. We sat on an octagonal structure facing river and talked about life and people.The conversation became endless and so meaningful with presence of all positive energies around.
Because we started our visit from night, when morning arrived it left us more mesmerizing. Sun rose on the opposite bank and the ghats emerged from the waters on either side of bank, shinning bright orange due to sun beams falling on them. Therefore, during dawn some Pilgrims offered water to Goddess Ganga and Sun God and some fed migratory birds on ghats. It is impossible to visit all ghats and landmarks in one visit. But whichever point on ghat you remain, you feel complete because in every corner resides divine. You discover Varanasi by foot to its fullest.
Kashi Vishwanath temple, Hanuman ghat and Manikarnika ghat holds great importance. An ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple was reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in year 1780 after destruction by invaders and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tulsi ghat is the place where 108, Goswami Vallbhacharya took his samadhi. Manikarnika ghat is the ghat were ritual of cremation takes place. The Dom caste performing this ritual of cremation from generations. This is the example of rich caste systems in India. Every caste was given a specific task to perform to help each other to live peacefully. Thus, it is believed that Death in Kashi makes the salvation possibly easy for human beings.
Other legends to be visited in the city is Ram fort, Jantar Mantar and Banaras Hindu University. Not only that the shrines ghats are worth study. Tulsidas Das wrote Ramcharitmanas on ghats of Varanasi and thus that place is known as Tulsi ghat. The whole environment of ghat is self dependent on each other from a local resident to a pilgrim. It is as if there is balanced and self-governed system that has kept this ancient City of Lights alive.
The whole of the first expression of mine for the city was and still is that it gives you loads of blessings. The families reside there in harmony with each other. Houses are built with surprises at each point. Each house opens up through a small two shutter wooden door to a same size space followed by a courtyard till three storey. Here is when there was an observation I made, architecture and culture goes hand in hand. guest is welcomed to the kitchen and asked to sit comfortably on a bench so that they can be served with water at first. Then if you move out of the kitchen there's a lobby moving all around courtyard and one can see the blue sky from the house, no slab, wow. Each family member feels so happy seeing a guest arrived in their house that they one by one offer different types of nosh to eat. Warm welcome and affection from family members takes away all tiredness. Yes, India, In its all regions, no matter what, welcomes guests as if they were a Deity.
When you start your route towards the ghats of River Ganga you enter into a narrow streets which has intricate carved facades. To your imagination it is incredible to see row of houses on both sides of streets with pan gallas (small shops built intentionally half below ground level and half above it). The shopkeeper peeps out over the counter from the shop and sells his pan or bhaang from a small opening.
Not only pilgrims but the tourists visit Varanasi to study this cultural center. One has to be able to gasp the crowd of the people either heading towards ghats or returning back. Most of them are pilgrims or tourists and photographers.
As soon as you come near to the ghat, dense houses and temples opens up and slight cool breeze touches you. At some points this streets are at height of 20 - 40 meters above from the water level. But once you get this glance of water you can not resist yourself from reaching waters. Small shrines of Shivling on sides of the streets finally blesses you with signals that you have entered the city of gods. Yes, my words do not do justice to the feelings to what I felt when I had this encounter. So, these are the assembled words least expressing my experience.
Now when finally you are on the ghat facing River Ganga you can imbibe the spiritual essence into you. It is the faith in god that brings you here. Kashi has total 84 ghats along the River. Each ghat is as old as the city itself. However, over ages the palaces and temples on ghats have transformed by kings and queens. Each ghat is dedicated to them or a sage resided there ever.
We started our journey from Dashashwamegh ghat in evening. The river was lighted with diyas and steps descending towards river and was crowded with pilgrims waiting for evening aarti to be performed. About 5 priests perform aarti to River Ganga with huge and heavy weighted brass or silver lamps. Bells and Lights brought mystical experience. One can also be part of aarti from the boats resting on river banks.
Because we started our visit from night, when morning arrived it left us more mesmerizing. Sun rose on the opposite bank and the ghats emerged from the waters on either side of bank, shinning bright orange due to sun beams falling on them. Therefore, during dawn some Pilgrims offered water to Goddess Ganga and Sun God and some fed migratory birds on ghats. It is impossible to visit all ghats and landmarks in one visit. But whichever point on ghat you remain, you feel complete because in every corner resides divine. You discover Varanasi by foot to its fullest.
Kashi Vishwanath temple, Hanuman ghat and Manikarnika ghat holds great importance. An ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple was reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in year 1780 after destruction by invaders and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tulsi ghat is the place where 108, Goswami Vallbhacharya took his samadhi. Manikarnika ghat is the ghat were ritual of cremation takes place. The Dom caste performing this ritual of cremation from generations. This is the example of rich caste systems in India. Every caste was given a specific task to perform to help each other to live peacefully. Thus, it is believed that Death in Kashi makes the salvation possibly easy for human beings.
Other legends to be visited in the city is Ram fort, Jantar Mantar and Banaras Hindu University. Not only that the shrines ghats are worth study. Tulsidas Das wrote Ramcharitmanas on ghats of Varanasi and thus that place is known as Tulsi ghat. The whole environment of ghat is self dependent on each other from a local resident to a pilgrim. It is as if there is balanced and self-governed system that has kept this ancient City of Lights alive.
"Offerings"
"Aarti"
Varanasi is Older than history, older than traditions, older even than legends and looks twice as old as all of them put together - MARK TWAIN
....To be continued
....To be continued
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