Uttar Pradesh • 7 monuments
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the India’s most famous Hindu temples located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Known as one of twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple is regarded as the epicenter of all the karmic activities. Standing proudly on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, this temple is visited by millions of visitors from around the world, every year. The temple is decked like a new bride on the occasion of Mahashivratri. During the month of Saawan the temple and nearby areas shine like a pearl. In order to visit the temple, one has to pass through the glittering Vishwanath Gali. The gali is popular in Varanasi for affordable shopping. Other nearby attractions include, New Kashi Vishwanath Temple (located in Banaras Hindu University campus), Alamgir Mosque, Annapurna Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Ramnagar and the 5 important ghats.
Considered to be the symbol of morality, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the only two burning Ghats in the holy city of Varanasi. The Ghat represents both creation (life) and destruction (death). The Cakra-Pushkarini Kund created by Lord Vishnu brings glory to the Ghat. Famous for its serene environment, Manikarnika Ghat is believed to be the holiest spot in Varanasi to attain salvation. According to a Hindu belief, the burning of dead bodies is the religious way to attain Moksha (salvation). Attracts numerous visitors every year, the cremations performed by Doms on the Ghat is quite popular among foreigners. Other nearby attractions includesHarishchandra Ghat, Vishwanath Galli, Tulsi Ghat, Alamgir mosque, Vishwanath Temple Benares Hindu University, and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
One of the 19 surviving pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka way back in the 3rd century BC, the one at Sarnath is the most popular one. Ruined in power struggles, the pillar has only the base left at its original site and is known as Ashoka Column. The Lion Capital that was originally mounted at the top is now exhibited at the nearby Sarnath Archaeological Museum. The pillar was erected by Ashoka to mark his visit to Sarnath, at the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Formerly believed to be some 50 m. high, today the base stands only about 15 m. high. The key highlights are the four animals illustrated on this sandstone pillar. These include elephant, bull, horse and lion, each of great significance in Buddha’s journey. The Lion Capital, consisting of four Asiatic lions standing back to back on an inverted lotus flower, inspire India’s National Emblem, while the chariot wheel (dharma-chakra) can be seen in the centre of the Indian National Flag.
Undoubtedly the most picturesque ghat (river bank) in the holy city of Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat bustles with numerous activities right from the crack of dawn. Offering stupendous views of the sacred River Ganga (Ganges), the ghat has many mythological and historical tales associated with it. According to the most popular one, it is the place where Lord Brahma performed Ashwamedh Yajna and sacrificed ten (das) horses (ashwa). The most invigorating highlight of the ghat is the evening aarti (prayer) dedicated to Goddess Ganga, God Sun, God Agni (fire) and Lord Shiva. Local priests use huge lamps and chant sacred mantras, while devotees in huge numbers too follow with small lamps. The whole ghat glitters like a galaxy and the atmosphere is filled with immense mysticism. Activities like bathing in the holy waters, religious rituals and birth and death rituals can be seen performed at the ghat. One can also enjoy the attractive views of the ghat while boating on the river. Many popular attractions, including Vishwanath Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory and Mata Sitla Temple, near the ghat are worth visiting.
Banaras Hindu University, one of the oldest institutes in India, houses the very popular Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum which displays the best of Indian history, heritage and culture. There are many sections with exhibits ranging from beautiful paintings and religious artefacts to archaeological items and costumes and textiles. Manuscripts, jewellery items, bronze statues, decorative art items and materials related to Indian philosophy and literature are other highlights. Among many galleries is Nidhi Gallery (for which you need to pay addition fee), which houses rare items like coins, terracotta figures, precious and semi-precious stones, coins and royal antiques. Other galleries in the museum include Textile Gallery, Chhavi Gallery, Terracotta Gallery, Numismatic Gallery and Archaeological Gallery among others. Items at the museum belong to different eras, including Gupta Kingdom period, Mughal Era and others. The place allows wonderful exploration of India through different centuries. Warnings Video photography is prohibited. Permit and fee required for documentary shooting.
Archaeological Survey of India maintains numerous site museums across the country, one at Sarnath being the oldest one. Dedicated to the riches of Buddhist culture, the museum displays collections dating way back from the 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. Sculptures, Buddha images, artefacts and edifices associated with Buddhism and many powerful dynasties like Mauryas and Guptas. Ashoka’s Lion Capital is indeed one of the prime attractions. Other highlights of the museum are touch-screen information kiosks, museum shop and coffee shop within the premises. The museum has special amenities for physically challenges visitors and these include wheelchairs and ramps, Braille descriptions and restroom. One can also visit the archaeological sites and other tourist attractions in Sarnath, including Buddhist stupas and viharas, Ashoka Pillar and Jain Temples. Warnings: Don’t make noise and don’t touch the exhibits.
Counted among the most ancient Buddhist structures, Chaukhandi Stupa is one superlative tryst as one enters the historic and spiritual town of Sarnath. The red brick structure with square edifice has an octagonal tower of Islamic style at its top. Built in around 5th century to honour Lord Buddha’s first meeting with his first five disciples, it is among the top sites on various Buddhist pilgrimage circuits. The Islamic tower was added later on the orders of Emperor Akbar to honour his father Emperor Humayun. The lavishly green lawns and inimitable tranquillity surrounding the structure are the striking aspects sure to engage your senses. There are many other Buddhist structures located in the close proximity to the stupa. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the stupa also has the ASI museum located nearby. Visitors are expected to respect the religious sentiments associated with this heritage treasure.
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