PLACES YOU MUST VISIT
Kashi – The City of MAHADEVA
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered the SPIRITUAL CITY of India. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, it holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
Unique Aspects of Kashi: The MOKSHA city
Kashi is believed to be the ABODE of Lord Shiva, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a testament to this divine connection. Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganga River grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
The Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is a captivating and deeply spiritual ritual performed daily on the banks of the sacred River Ganga. It’s a highlight for many visitors to this ancient city, offering a mesmerizing display of devotion, light, and sound.
Timings & Seasons
- Winter (Nov–Mar): ~6:00 PM to 6:45 PM.
- Summer (Apr–Oct): ~6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Mark Twain famously remarked, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” The city’s rich history spans thousands of years, with mentions in ancient texts like the Rigveda.
Unlike any other place in the world, Manikarnika Ghat burns funeral pyres 24/7, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life and death. It is believed that Lord Vishnu created the ghat, and Lord Shiva whispers the ‘Taraka Mantra’ in the ears of the departed souls, granting them salvation.
Kashi as a Dham is not just a place—it is a living presence, a holy place in the spiritual geography of India. In Hindu tradition, a Dham is more than a pilgrimage spot—it is a place where divine energy is intensely concentrated, where spiritual transformation is not only possible but inevitable.
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord shiva declared: “Kashi is my most beloved city, where liberation is easily attained.”
Shiva is not just the deity of Kashi; he is the guardian, the guru, and the liberator.
“Even during Pralaya (cosmic dissolution), Kashi stands untouched.”
Among all the Tirthas (sacred crossing points), Kashi is called Tirtha Raj—the king of them all. It’s a place where the three planes—heaven, earth, and the underworld—intersect.
One who dies in Kashi attains liberation, regardless of karma.” Pilgrims from all over India come to reconnect with the source of consciousness itself.
Varanasi is one of those places that has the kind of energy and spirituality that can stir something deep inside you. It’s a city where time feels like it stands still, but at the same time, it forces you to confront the eternal cycle of life and death. The ghats, the Ganges River, the temples, the rituals—all of them have this raw, almost electric vibrancy that can make you reflect on your own existence.
If you’re talking about how it ignites yourself, I think it’s because it touches something elemental. The Ganges flows like a reminder of the constant flow of life; people come there to cleanse, to meditate, to let go of attachments. It’s not just about the physical energy of the city, but also the profound spiritual atmosphere. You might feel like you’re part of something much bigger than yourself—some universal current of life.
It shocks you awake—with its intensity, contradictions, and beauty.
It stirs a deep yearning—not for more, but for freedom from all.
It teaches you to see the divine in the ordinary—in the chanting, the chaos, the river, the people.
“Kashi not just a destination; it is an experience that transcends time, a place where spirituality, history, and life itself converge in their most profound forms.”
City at Glance
Kashi (Varanasi) is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and architectural marvels. Here are some of the most significant historical and regional places in Kashi:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered the spiritual heart of Varanasi. The temple has been rebuilt multiple times, with its current structure dating back to the 18th century.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
The most famous ghat in Varanasi, known for its grand Ganga Aarti held every evening. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed a 10-horse sacrifice (Dashashwamedh) here.
3. Manikarnika Ghat
The main cremation ghat of Varanasi, where funeral pyres burn 24/7. According to legend, Lord Shiva whispers the Taraka Mantra to the souls here, granting them moksha (liberation).
4. Sarnath
Located about 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It houses the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and several Buddhist monasteries.
Upcoming Festival/Events
RATH YATRA IN VARANASI
Date: 06/27/2025
An enormous Hindu celebration known as the Ratha Yatra is held annually at the renowned Jagannatha temple in Puri, Odisha, India. Kashi/ Varanasi also celebrate this Hindu festival in Jagannatha temple located in the area of Varanasi Known as Ravindrapuri Rd, Near Assi Ghat, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010. As per Hindu Lunar calendar, the Hindi date of the Ratha Yatra, is “Dwitiya Tithi” during “Shukla Paksha” in the month of “Ashada“. According to the Gregorian calendar, it currently on 27th June 2025.
An example of a traditional “bhog” for Lord Jagannath is the NANKHATAI, a type of desi cookie. Nankhatai is mandatory for those attending the Rathyatra Mela. They return it as prasa for their loved ones after presenting it to the Gog Jagannatha.
Kashi Vishwanath Annual kalas yatra- Nirjala Ekadashi
Date: 06/06/2025
The annual Kalash Yatra of Kashi Vishwanath was celebrated with tremendous fanfare on Friday morning in honor of Nirjala Ekadashi. The Yatra began from shree Rajendra Prasad Ghat at 7 AM, and it concluded at Baba Vishwanath Temple Gate No. 4.
This year, Kashi Vishwanath kalas Yatra, is devoted to Operation Sindoor and a huge number of female audience with our national flag participated in this event. Women continued repeating Har Har Mahadev while holding a pot of Ganga’s water (for JALABHISHEK OF LORD VISHWANATHA) on their heads and maintaining the Nirjala Ekadashi fast.
Banaras Lit Fest
Date: 03/07/2025
Celebrating the rich literary heritage of Varanasi, the Banaras Lit Fest brings together authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts for discussions, readings, and workshops. The 2025 edition is scheduled to be held at Taj Ganges, Varanasi.
Dev Deepawali
Date: 11/05/2025
Often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” for the divine, Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the full moon night of the Kartik month. Unlike Diwali, which is a more commercial celebration, Dev Deepawali is steeped in religious fervor and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
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