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Steeped in spirituality and rich in history, Varanasi beckons with its mystique allure.
In simple words, Varanasi is more than just a city to me. This is because it gave me the most special person in my life, my mother. So, allow me to take you on a spiritual, cultural, and emotional journey. Here's a glimpse of places to visit in Varanasi.
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Varanasi is the city of gods. The city has a spiritual vibe about it. That’s exactly how I felt when I first stepped into this beautiful city. Varanasi or Benaras has plenty of ghats to access the river. The stone steps leading to the river offer an ethereal atmosphere. Devotees gather here to perform sacred rituals and seek solace.
As the sun rose over the horizon, I witnessed the awe-inspiring spectacle of the morning rituals. It was a symphony of chanting and bells with incense wafting through the air. I felt a profound connection to the divine. I had a stir in my soul that would guide me throughout my journey. While I cannot jot down every experience from my four-day trip to Varanasi, here are a few unmissable things you must do.
One of the highlights of my time in Varanasi was witnessing the Ganga Aarti. This is a magnificent ritual that takes place every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The aarti is performed by priests adorned in vibrant robes. Rhythmic chants and the resonating sound of conch shells accompany their intricately choreographed movements.
When I attended the aarti, I felt the atmosphere charged with spiritual energy. Hundreds of oil lamps were lit, and their warm glow illuminated the darkness. It was a mesmerizing spectacle that left an indelible imprint on my memory. Once the aarti ended, people rushed to take in the blessings while giving offerings in return. I soaked in the calmness surrounding the ghat. I stood there for about an hour to truly take in this inexplicable feeling. I had heard about the magic of Varanasi’s ghats, and now I can agree with it wholeheartedly. It truly is magical!
Exploring Varanasi is incomplete without embarking on a boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Drifting on the tranquil waters at 5 in the morning, I saw the city from a different perspective.
The Varanasi ghats were adorned with ancient temples and vibrant colours. These temples stood tall against the backdrop of the river. I marvelled at the devotion of the pilgrims, the locals bathing in the holy waters, and the funeral pyres where the departed souls found their final release. It was a humbling experience, a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death. I didn't just take a boat in the morning. I also witnessed a splendorous sunset from my boat as the seagulls surrounded us. I fed them bird food, and a flock flew right above my head at one point. It was brilliant! My ride ended in an hour, but I can honestly tell you that it was my favourite moment of the trip.
Wandering through the narrow alleyways of Varanasi's old quarters was like stepping into a labyrinth of history and culture. The streets bustled with activity. They were lined with vendors selling colourful textiles, aromatic spices, and delectable street food. You must visit Kachori Wali Gali and Kashi Chaat Bhandar.
I immersed myself in the chaos, in the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents. Every turn revealed hidden courtyards, and crumbling havelis (traditional mansions), each with its own story. Varanasi's soul came alive in its streets, and I eagerly absorbed every moment. I also visited some of the most ancient temples, including the Vishwanath Jyotirling, Manas Mandir, Sankat Mochan, and Durga Mandir.
Just a short distance from Varanasi lies Sarnath, a place of profound significance in Buddhist history. Here, the Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting in motion the wheel of Dharma.
I walked through the serene gardens and explored the magnificent Dhamek Stupa. Here, I felt a sense of tranquillity and serenity. Sarnath offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi. It allowed me to reflect on the timeless wisdom emanating from this sacred site. I bought several books on Buddhism before sitting inside a beautiful white temple in Sarnath. I went into deep meditation and felt the vibrations changing in my bones. The energy surrounding the area was too pure. What a feeling!
The main reason why I visited Varanasi was because my mother hadn’t visited her hometown in 22 years! Imagine not seeing your ancestral home for that long! So I decided to take her there, and am glad I did. She told me how she and her best friend, Lata (who accompanied us as well), used to roam these streets. They remembered how they spent time buying bangles and other items from Vishwanath Baba ki Gali (Street) and drinking mishramboo from their favourite vendor!
The minute we reached her ancestral home, she excitedly entered through the gate. It was now someone else’s property. She disappeared for a few moments and came out with a smile. Then, she held my hand and took me on a tour of her childhood home. The present owners of the house learned about her excitement and didn’t stop us from having a look at the house. The happiness in my mother’s eyes was visible, and I was glad we came to Varanasi. For the first time in my years, I saw mom walking with her best friend without a care, and I was glad that my ma was a girl again!
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