When people conjure images of Varanasi, they often envision a place where life and death intertwine, where the sacred Ganges River flows with the ashes of the departed. However, the reality is far more enchanting than these depictions suggest.
Varanasi, known as Kashi, the “City of Light,” is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, steeped in deep spiritual significance for Hindus. It’s believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, with the Vishvanatha temple at its heart.
Historically, Varanasi has been a hub of knowledge, drawing saints, sages, and scholars from across India to debate philosophies and teachings. Even figures like Jesus Christ and Buddha have left their mark here.
To truly grasp the essence of Varanasi, immerse yourself in its temples, ashrams, and ghats. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural heritage or seeking inner transformation, allocate 2-3 days to explore its mystique.
Varanasi offers a unique opportunity for introspection and meditation, unlike any other city in India. Embrace its aura, and you may find it becoming one of your favorite destinations.
So, when planning your trip to Varanasi, remember to delve beyond the surface imagery and uncover the profound allure of this ancient city.
For your upcoming journey to Varanasi, here are some essential tips to ensure a fulfilling and enriching experience:
1. Embrace the Chaos
In Varanasi, each ghat is unique, with its own story and significance. As you navigate the bustling maze of narrow streets, teeming with people, cows, and vehicles, embrace the chaos rather than fighting it. Let the labyrinthine lanes lead you on a journey of discovery. And if you find yourself lost, use the ghats along the Ganges as landmarks for navigation.
Varanasi boasts more than 80 ghats, each steeped in history and tradition. From the vibrant Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening, to the serene Assi Ghat, where pilgrims bathe in the sacred waters, every ghat has its own allure.
As you wander aimlessly through Varanasi’s streets, you may stumble upon hidden temples, bustling markets, and authentic glimpses of local life. Embrace these unexpected encounters, for they offer a deeper understanding of the city’s rich tapestry.
Keep in mind that you’ll encounter many children begging in the streets. It’s recommended to carry sweets with you to share with them, spreading a little joy along your journey. And remember, no one in Varanasi dies of hunger, as there are many ashrams and temples where food is provided, a testament to the city’s compassionate spirit.
2. Respect the Culture and Sadhus
Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s most sacred cities, emanates a distinctive spiritual essence. Respect the customs and traditions of the local inhabitants. Endeavor not to judge anyone; the various traditions of yogis are venerable ascetics who have renounced worldly attachments, focusing solely on God. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and legs when visiting temples and sacred sites. Before entering religious places, remove your shoes and always show reverence. If possible, walk barefoot in Varanasi, as you may receive blessings from the saints who have walked this land. In Hinduism, the guru’s feet are the holiest, so it’s recommended to visit places associated with the saints who have lived here, such as the Trailanga Swami temple and Lahiri Mahasaya’s dwelling.
3.Experience the Ganges
The Ganges is revered here. Definitely take a dip in its waters; it helps transform the mind. This can be done at any ghat; personally, I’ve done it at Meer Ghat. Your journey to Varanasi would be incomplete without witnessing the Ganga Aarti, a ritualistic ceremony offering prayers to the river accompanied by mantras, flowers, incense, and oil lamps, symbolizing the love of our hearts. After the ritual, there’s an opportunity for each person to purchase flowers with a lit candle to release into the Ganges as an offering, though I wouldn’t recommend doing this as it pollutes the river. Take a boat ride at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the magical ambiance of the morning or evening from the steps of the riverbank ghats. A particularly special experience is meditating on Shiva with local yogis at Manikarnika Ghat.
I also recommend staying in guesthouses near the Ganges ghats to fully immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
4.Taste the Flavors
Sample local street food like chaat (savory snacks), kachori sabzi (fried bread with spicy curry), and lassi (yogurt-based drink). Don’t miss out on the famous Benarasi paan—a refreshing betel leaf with areca nut and various spices. You can find these delicacies at various eateries, including Udupi 2 Mumbai Food Court near the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Great places to dine include Aum Cafe, which offers many vegan options, and the best coffee in Varanasi can be found at Continental Cafe.
5. Explore the Heritage
Varanasi is a treasure trove of heritage and history, with over 3000 ancient temples awaiting exploration.
- Start your journey by visiting the Kaal Bhairav temple, which is dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva. Beginning your temple visits with blessings from Kaal Bhairava can bring success to your stay in Varanasi. Inside the temple, you’ll find many sadhus performing pujas. Why not join us for this simple puja? You can offer a donation of 200-500 rupees for this ritual.
- Next, head to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the most important Shiva temple in Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred of the 12 Shiva temples that every devotee of Shiva wishes to visit in their lifetime. To enter, foreigners must go to the Help Desk. Times may vary, but there will be an entrance fee, and you must deposit all belongings. A person (servant of the temple) at the Vishwanath entrance will greet and guide you to the main areas of the temple.
- Don’t forget to visit the Annapurna temple, where devotees seek blessings for abundance and fulfillment. Here, you can ask the pandits (temple priests) to give you a packet of rice as a donation to take home for continuous sustenance and prosperity.
- I also recommend visiting the Kedarnath temple located at Kedar Ghat. It is the most difficult temple to reach in the Himalayas, and it exudes the same energy as Varanasi.
- Find the Varanasi Vishwanath’s grandpa temple—Sri Pitamaheshwar, located underground; it’s said to be self-manifested and is a very mystical place. According to legend, by performing pujas here, one can attain moksha (liberation) within 20 generations. Moksha is the liberation of the soul after death or literally from the body.
6. Immerse Yourself in Festivities
Varanasi is a city of festivals, with celebrations happening throughout the year. If your visit coincides with a festival like Holi, Diwali, or Maha Shivaratri, embrace the colors, music, and traditions that offer insight into the soul of Varanasi. Expect large crowds during these times.
7. Practice Responsible Tourism:
It must be acknowledged that Varanasi has undergone significant changes in recent years. Unfortunately, much of the old-world charm of Varanasi has faded in places where modern developments, like the construction around the Vishwanath temple, have erased many ancient structures and small lanes, transforming them into vast temple courtyards. However, the city has also become much cleaner, with waste being sorted on the streets. As responsible travelers, try to minimize your impact on Varanasi’s delicate ecosystem. Refrain from polluting, especially near the Ganges. Respect the local community and their way of life by leaving behind only footprints and cherished memories.
These are just a few suggestions to make your journey to Varanasi unforgettable. However, remember that the experience you gain will be the most important. Allow Varanasi to resonate with your spirit and heart, uncovering its rich culture and spiritual heritage. Approach Varanasi with reverence, wonder, and gratitude, and it will offer you indescribable emotions and memories that will accompany you throughout your life. This journey could become a spiritual odyssey that changes your perception of the world and yourself. Be wonderful as you travel and be open to what Varanasi is preparing to offer you!