Discovering the Spiritual Essence: Temples in Varanasi and Must-Visit Tourist Places

 Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a kaleidoscope of spirituality, culture, and history. Known as the spiritual heart of India, this city, situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, attracts millions of pilgrims, seekers, and tourists each year. In this blog, we delve into the divine aura of Varanasi through its ancient temples and explore the other captivating tourist places that make it a unique destination.

Temples in Varanasi:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as the most revered shrine in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its gold-plated spire and the sanctum sanctorum that houses the holy Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath is a journey to spiritual awakening.

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Sankat Mochan Temple is a haven of peace and tranquillity. It is believed that regular visits to this temple can relieve one from life's troubles and challenges. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene atmosphere for prayer and meditation.

3. Tulsi Manas Temple:

Situated near the famous Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Temple is a modern structure dedicated to Lord Rama. The walls of the temple are adorned with verses from the Ramcharitmanas, a holy text written by the sage Tulsidas. The serene ambiance and intricate carvings make it a must-visit for both devotees and art enthusiasts.

4. Durga Temple:

Also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys in the vicinity, the Durga Temple is dedicated to the fierce goddess Durga. The vibrant red colour of the temple and the intricately carved architecture attract visitors from far and wide.

Tourist Places in Varanasi:

1. Ganges Ghats:

Varanasi is synonymous with its numerous ghats lining the Ganges River. Each ghat has its own significance, offering a unique experience. The Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for its Ganga Aarti, and the serene Assi Ghat are among the most popular.

2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU):

A blend of education and culture, BHU is one of the oldest and largest residential universities in Asia. The Bharat Kala Bhavan within the university campus houses a remarkable collection of artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

3. Ramnagar Fort:

Across the Ganges, the Ramnagar Fort stands as a testament to the grandeur of the bygone era. The fort, built in the 18th century, houses a museum with vintage cars, royal artefacts, and an impressive armoury collection.

4. Sarnath:

A short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar are major attractions, offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage.

5. Bharat Mata Temple:

Dedicated to Mother India, the Bharat Mata Temple is a unique shrine where the map of undivided India is worshiped. It symbolizes unity in diversity and is a testament to the city's cultural richness.

Experiencing Varanasi’s Spiritual Tapestry:

Exploring Varanasi is not just about visiting temples and Tourist Places in Varanasi; it's about immersing oneself in the spiritual tapestry that the city weaves. The narrow alleys, the bustling markets, and the sounds of temple bells create an atmosphere that resonates with the ancient soul of India.

Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or a historical journey, Varanasi offers a profound and multifaceted experience. It's a city where the divine and the earthly coexist harmoniously, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who wander its sacred streets. Visit All temples in Varanasi and unravel the mystique that has drawn seekers and travellers for centuries.

Dancing Flames on the Ganges: Witnessing the Enchanting Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

As the solar dips beneath the horizon, casting an orange glow at the ancient metropolis of Varanasi, a hush falls over the bustling ghats. The air thickens with anticipation, and the rhythmic clanging of bells fills the air. This is the prelude to the Ganga Aarti, a spell binding ceremony that has been captivating hearts for hundreds of years.

More than just a spiritual ritual, the Ganga Aarti is a cultural spectacle that paints the Ganges River with fire and devotion. Every nighttime, as dusk paints the sky in shades of gold and crimson, masses of pilgrims and curious vacationers gather on the ghats, their faces reflecting the flickering flames of lots of diyas.

The Ceremony Unfolds:

The aarti takes region on several ghats, with the Dasaswamedh Ghat being the maximum popular. As the sun disappears, seven monks, clad in saffron gowns, stand on a raised platform decorated with flora and incense. The air fills with the chanting of ancient Vedic hymns, praising the sacred Ganges River.

The clergymen start their rhythmic dance, every retaining a massive, multi-tiered brass lamp packed with burning camphor and oil. With each synchronized movement, they provide the flames to the river, growing a spell binding spectacle of mild and shadow. The flickering flames dance on the water, reflecting inside the eyes of the devotees, developing a scene of airy beauty.

More Than Just Fire:

The Ganga Aarti isn't only a visual treat; it's miles a multisensory revel in. The chanting of the monks, the mild clanging of bells, and the aroma of incense create an environment of peace and serenity. Devotees waft small diyas (earthen lamps) on the river, sending their prayers and wishes downstream with the gentle contemporary.

The ceremony is likewise a effective reminder of the deep connection among the humans of Varanasi and the River Ganges. For centuries, the Ganges has been the lifeblood of the city, imparting water, sustenance, and religious solace. The aarti is a manner for the human beings to explicit their gratitude and reverence for this sacred river.

Beyond the Ceremony:

The Ganga Aarti is simply one piece of the vibrant tapestry this is Varanasi. After the rite, the ghats come alive with pastime. Vendors sell souvenirs and snacks, musicians play traditional tunes, and sadhus (holy guys) provide advantages. This is a perfect opportunity to soak within the ecosystem, have interaction with the locals, and experience the authentic essence of Varanasi.

Tips for Attending the Aarti:

• Arrive early: The ghats get crowded, in particular during top season. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the rite to stable a good spot.

• Dress modestly: Respect the non secular significance of the rite via dressing modestly and covering your shoulders and knees.

• Be respectful: Avoid the use of flash photography and chorus from speak me loudly for the duration of the ceremony.

• Offer a donation: While no longer obligatory, a small donation to the priests is liked.

• Take a ship journey: Experience the aarti from a specific attitude by way of taking a boat ride on the Ganges.

Witnessing the Ganga Aarti in varanasi is a completely unique and unforgettable enjoy as a way to stay with you long after you go away Varanasi. It is a journey into the heart of Indian way of life and spirituality, a party of existence, and a testomony to the enduring electricity of faith.

Top Tourist Places in Varanasi where past meets with present

 Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city that holds a unique place in the heart of every Indian. Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a city of ancient traditions, spirituality, and mysticism. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and is a prominent destination for both domestic and international tourists. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through some of the must-visit tourist places in Varanasi.

1. The Ghats: Varanasi is famous for its Ghats, a series of steps leading down to the Ganges River. There are more than 80 Ghats in the city, each with its own unique significance. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous Tourist Places in Varanasi, known for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony that attracts thousands of visitors. Manikarnika Ghat is where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place, offering a glimpse into the circle of life and death in Hinduism. Taking a boat ride along the Ghats during sunrise or sunset is a mesmerizing experience.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This ancient and revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most sacred places for Hindus. The temple's gold-plated spire and intricate architecture are a sight to behold. Be prepared for long queues, as it's one of the most visited Tourist Places in Varanasi, but the spiritual experience is worth it.

3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU): BHU is not only a center of academic excellence but also a beautiful tourist spot. The sprawling campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which displays a rich collection of art, sculptures, and historical artefacts. The university's serene surroundings make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

4. Chunar Fort: Situated on the diversion between Prayagraj and Varanasi, Chunar fort is also known as Tilismi quila or the magical fort. It is also mentioned in the book “Chandrakanta” that it is open for visitors from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.   

5. Tulsi Manas Temple: This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its beautiful marble walls adorned with verses from the Ramayana. It's a tranquil spot for reflection and spirituality. This temple is a must visit Tourist Places in Varanasi if you have interest in the history of India.

6. Shopping in Varanasi: Don't forget to explore the bustling markets of Varanasi, especially the famous Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia Market. Here, you can shop for Banarasi silk sarees, exquisite handicrafts, and a variety of traditional items that make for perfect souvenirs.

Varanasi, with its rich cultural heritage and spiritual aura, is a destination like no other. There are more amazing tourist places in Varanasi which offer a unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life, making it an unforgettable experience for tourists. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment, historical insights, or simply a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of India, Varanasi has something to offer every traveller. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to this timeless city, where the past meets the present on the banks of the sacred Ganges.

Unveiling the Mystical Charm: Discover the Top Tourist Places in Varanasi

 Discover the enchanting allure of Varanasi as we unveil its top tourist places. Immerse yourself in spirituality, history, and cultural splendour. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is a city that exudes spirituality, ancient traditions, and a rich cultural heritage. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India, Varanasi is regarded as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Beyond its religious significance, this enchanting city offers many tourist attractions that captivate visitors from all walks of life.

In this article, we will embark on a journey to uncover the top tourist places in Varanasi, delving into the rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and cultural splendour that makes this city a must-visit destination.

1. The Ghats of Varanasi

The Ghats of Varanasi are undoubtedly the iconic landmarks of the city. These stepped embankments lining the river Ganges are a visual spectacle, offering a mesmerizing blend of devotion, spirituality, and everyday life. There are over 80 Ghats in Varanasi, each with its unique significance. Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most popular, known for its grand Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests perform rituals and prayers accompanied by music and incense.

 

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the holiest temples in Hinduism and an important pilgrimage site. With its intricate architecture and spiritual aura, the temple attracts millions of devotees every year. The main deity, Lord Vishwanath, is believed to be the ruler of the universe, and visiting this temple is considered highly auspicious.

3. Sarnath

Located just a few kilometres from Varanasi, Sarnath holds immense historical and religious importance. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermo after attaining enlightenment. This tranquil site is home to several ancient Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and museums that provide a glimpse into the life and teachings of Buddha. The Dhamek Stupa, dating back to the 5th century, is a remarkable architectural marvel and a focal point of Sarnath.

4. Ramnagar Fort

Situated on the eastern bank of the River Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is a majestic structure that stands as a testament to the royal heritage of Varanasi. Built in the 18th century, this sprawling fort blends Mughal and Hindu architectural styles. It houses a museum showcasing vintage cars, antique weapons, and a fascinating collection of manuscripts. The fort also serves as the residence of the royal family of Varanasi, who actively participate in the vibrant Ram Leela celebrations during the Hindu festival of Navratri.

5. Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a premier educational institution and a prominent tourist attraction in Varanasi. Spread across a vast campus, BHU boasts stunning architecture, lush gardens, and numerous temples. The Bharat Kala Bhavan museum within the university showcases a vast collection of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India. The Vishwanath Temple within the BHU campus is a miniature replica of the main Kashi Vishwanath Temple and attracts devotees and visitors alike.

6. Gyanvapi Mosque

Standing adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Gyanvapi Mosque, a significant historical and architectural marvel. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb constructed the mosque in the 17th century, and its grandeur is awe-inspiring. The unique feature of the mosque is the presence of Hindu architectural elements integrated into its structure, reflecting the religious harmony that prevails in Varanasi. Visitors can witness the architectural fusion while exploring the mosque and experiencing the coexistence of different faiths.

 

7. Benaras Hindu University Art Gallery

For art enthusiasts, the Benaras Hindu University Art Gallery is a treasure trove of creativity. The gallery houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artefact from different periods of history. From ancient Indian art to contemporary works, the gallery offers a comprehensive visual journey through time. The artworks depict various themes, including mythology, religion, and social issues, showcasing the artistic prowess of Indian artists.

 

8. Boat Ride on the Ganges

No visit to Varanasi is complete without experiencing a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. As the boat glides through the calm waters, you can witness the city's vibrant riverfront, the Ghats, and the numerous temples that dot the riverbanks. The boat ride also provides a unique perspective of the Ganga Aarti ceremony, as devotees gather on the Ghats to offer prayers and release floating lamps onto the river. It is a serene and soul-stirring experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spiritual ambience of Varanasi.

 

Varanasi is a city that encapsulates the essence of ancient traditions, spirituality, and cultural heritage. From the serene Ghats to the revered temples, from the historical monuments to the vibrant university campus, the city offers diverse tourist attractions. Exploring Varanasi is an enriching experience allowing you to delve into Indian history, spirituality, and art. The city's mystical charm and religious significance create an atmosphere that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. Whether you seek spirituality, admire architecture, or are an art enthusiast, Varanasi has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Varanasi, where ancient traditions  blend harmoniously with the modern world, leaving an indelible impression on every traveller's heart.

 

Call it Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi!

Immersed in religious colors, this oldest city in India is called the city of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this grand city stands on the "Trishul" of Lord Shiva. Kashi is also called the spiritual and cultural capital of ancient India.

Countless ghats, two famous universities Kashi Hindu University and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University are situated in Kashi. There are around 85000 temples here. The city has been a commercial and industrial center for muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory, and crafts.

Someone has aptly said “Kashi is a city older than history, older than tradition, older than legend, and twice as old as all these combined!

There are many mythological stories associated with the Ghats in Varanasi, each one as interesting and shocking as the other.  Even though this city is crowded, its glory has been sung in various scriptures. But still, the peace that is in the land of Kashi is nowhere else.

Let's know what is so special in this city!

Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti

Located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this Ghat is one of the most important Ghats of Banaras. A trip to Varanasi is considered incomplete if you do not witness the Ganga Aarti performed by the priests every evening at the ghats. A dip in the Ganges in Kashi opens the door to salvation. A large number of foreign tourists also come to Varanasi to watch the Ganga Aarti. That's why it is said that if you want liberation, then come to Kashi!

Ganga Aarti lasts for 45 minutes.

Starting Time: 6:45 PM

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach salvation. The specialty of this ghat is that the pyre's fire never calms down here. Funeral pyres burn 24/7 at this ghat, and around 200 cremations take place every day. It is said that Lord Shiva has blessed Manikarnika Ghat with eternal peace. It is believed that the truth of life lies at Manikarnika Ghat. It is believed that the fire rites of the dead body of Mata Sati were performed by Lord Shankar at Manikarnika Ghat. That is why it is called Mahashamshan.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the west bank of the holy river Ganges, this temple adds to the dignity of Varanasi. Many people call it the Golden Temple of Lord Shiva because the two domes of the temple are covered with gold. People believe that when the earth was formed, the first ray of the sun first fell on Kashi. The temple opens daily at around 2:30 am. There are 5 aartis daily in the temple.

Rivers of Varanasi

The expansion of this city is said to be between the two confluences of the river Ganga, one with the river Varuna and the other with the river Asi. The distance between these confluences is about two and a half miles. Parikrama of this distance is called holy Panchkosi Parikrama among Hindus.

Panchkosi Parikrama

Panchkosi Yatra is one of the most important yatras undertaken by pilgrims around the holy Kashi Mandal. This holy journey begins with a holy dip in the river Ganga at the matchless Manikarnika Ghat. Kardameshwar, Shivpur, Rameshwar, Bhimchandi, and Kapildhara are the five places where devotees have to complete their Panch Koshi Parikrama.

Boat ride in river Ganga

Going to Banaras and enjoying a boat ride in the river Ganga will make your journey more fun. Sitting in the boat, the view of all the ghats will fascinate you. You can book your boat from Manmandir Ghat. If you do this journey in the morning, then there can be no better time than this. In this holy city, the hymns of the sadhus on the ghats in the morning, the chirping of birds, the Morning Prayer, and the redness of the rising sun make this city even grander.

Sarnath

Located 10 km from Banaras, this ancient city is home to the first sermon of Buddha at Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddhism came into existence. The main attraction of Sarnath is the Chaukhandi Stupa which was built by Ashoka after his conversion to Buddhism. If you ever come to Kashi, do not forget to visit Sarnath.

Banaras Silk

India exports its silk to more than 200 countries across the world and its demand is increasing especially in Europe and America. Banarasi silks and sarees are produced exclusively in the ancient city of Varanasi and surrounding villages, using special techniques and unique creations. Located on Chhawni Road, the Banaras Silk Emporium is a huge exporter of traditional silk.

If you want to see the whole of traditional India, then I suggest that you must come to Kashi once.

Brief Information about Banaras Ghats

Varanasi is commonly called the city of ghats and temples. This city is also known by many different names Varanasi, Kashi, and Banaras. All the ghats here are situated on the banks of the river Ganges. There are a total of 88 ghats in the city of Varanasi. Most of these ghats are used for bathing and worship ceremonies. While two ghats are exclusively used as cremation sites.

History of Ghats of Banaras
Most of the ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt after 1700 AD when the city was part of the Maratha Empire. The patrons of the present Ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwais. Many of the ghats here are associated with legends or mythology, while many are privately owned. Tourists come here in large numbers to watch the early morning of Banaras and boat ride along the Ghats.

Assi Ghat
Foreign students, researchers, artists and tourists visit this Ghat in large numbers. Around 300 people come here daily in the morning and around 2500 people per hour during festivals. Around 22,500 people gather at this ghat at a time during Shivratri. According to a belief, Goddess Durga threw her sword here after killing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The river where the sword fell was known as Asi river. The confluence of river Ganges and Asi is known as Assi Ghat.

Ahilyabai Ghat
The Keolagiri Ghat was expanded in 1778 and built under the patronage of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Madhya Pradesh. That's why this Ghat was named after him. Apart from the palace, there is a huge residential complex and Hanuman temple on this Ghat and there are two other temples.

Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is known as the main Ghat in Varanasi. It is located close to the Vishwanath Temple and is one of the most spectacular ghats. Lord Brahma is believed to have built it to welcome Lord Shiva. There is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh here. The Ganga Aarti of this ghat is very famous which is performed every evening. Aarti is performed here for Lord Shiva, Ganga, Surya, Agni and the entire universe. 

Narad Ghat
The old name of this Ghat is Kuwai Ghat. It was built in 1788 by Dattatreya Swami, a mutt head. The four important idols at Narada Ghata are Naradeshwara, Atriswara, Vasukishwara and Dattatreyaswara.

Ganga Mahal Ghat
Ganga Mahal Ghat is one of the main Ghats of Varanasi. It was built by the Narayan dynasty in 1830 AD. Since the palace was placed on a ghat, the ghat was named "Ganga Mahal Ghat". This palace is now used by educational institutions. The first floor is used by the "World Literacy Program of Canada" and the upper floors are used by the "Indo-Swedish Study Center" hosted by Karlstad University.

Lalita Ghat
The late king of Nepal built this ghat in the northern region of Varanasi. It is the site of the Ganga Keshava Temple, a wooden temple built in the Kathmandu style, the temple houses an idol of Pashupatieshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. It is a favorite site for painters and photographers.

Harishchandra Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat is one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. The ghat is named after a legendary king Harishchandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the firmament of truth and charity. It is believed that the gods rewarded him for his resolve, charity and truthfulness and returned his lost throne and his dead son. It is believed that if a person's last rites are performed at Harishchandra Ghat, then that person attains salvation.

Chet Singh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat is a historical Garh Ghat. A battle took place at this place in 1781 between the army of Warren Hastings and Chet Singh. Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh took over the fort and the ghat from the British in the late 19th century. There are four parts of this Ghat which are known as Cheeta Singh Ghat, Niranjani Ghat, Nirwani Ghat and Shivala Ghat.

Jain Ghat
Jain Ghat was named after Suparshvanatha, the 7th Jain Tirthankara who was believed to have been born in the neighborhood. A temple was built in his memory in 1885 on the upper part of the Ghat. Before 1931 it was a part of Vacharaja Ghat, but when Babu Shekhar Chanda separated this part with the help of Jain monks, since then it is called Jain Ghat.

Scindia Ghat
Scindia Ghat is at the top of Manikarnika Ghat and is also known as the range of Shinde Ghat. The Shiva temple located here is about 150 years old and is partially submerged in the river.

Manikarnika Ghat
It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying the burning body of Goddess Sati to the Himalayas, parts of Sati's body started falling on the earth. Wherever the pieces of the body of Goddess Sati fell, Lord Shiva established Shakti Peetha. The ear's ornament of Mata Sati had fallen at Manikarnika Ghat. It is one of the most famous, sacred, and oldest ghats in Varanasi. The last rites can be performed at this ghat according to Hindu rituals.

Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Earlier it was a part of Dashashwamedh Ghat. In 1979, the Ghat was named Rajendra Prasad Ghat in memory and honor of the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad. The Bharashiva Naga kings are believed to have performed horse sacrifices here in the 3rd century AD. By the early 980s, the wharf was used for trade in timber, sand, and stone plates.

Vizianagaram Ghat
This Ghat was named after the then Vizianagaram princely state of South India. The Maharaja of Vizianagaram provided funds for the construction of this ghat in 1890. This is the only Ghat in Andhra Pradesh. There are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nispapeshwar.

Raja Ghat
This ghat was built by Rajarao Balaji in 1720. There is a palace in the northern part of this Ghat and Annapurna Math in the southern part. In 1965, the Uttar Pradesh government renovated the ghat and built steps made of red stone. Oil Deepotsav is organized at this Ghat in honor of Maa Ganga.

Know the amazing things related to Ganga Aarti of Varanasi

In Hinduism, Kashi is mentioned as one of the Sapta Puri and according to Skanda Purana, Kashi is the most important city in Sapta Puri. All Saptapuri cities worship the river in one form or the other on a daily basis, but the Ganga Aarti performed in Varanasi is one of the most spectacular performances in the entire world.

Today we all know Varanasi, the city of Shiva, as the spiritual capital of India. Along with this, Varanasi is known to the country and abroad for its Ganga Aarti. Every day thousands of local and foreign citizens come to the Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi to see the Ganga Aarti. Aarti is done daily at sunset time.

Varanasi Ghat Ganga Aarti is popular all over the country.

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga is the most sacred river and it is believed that if any person takes a dip in the river Ganga once with true devotion, then all his sins are washed away and generally people visit Varanasi Ganga Snan and Kashi Vishwanath Darshan. You can see devotees taking a dip in the Ganges at almost all the ghats of Varanasi, but during this journey, all the devotees definitely go to see the Ganga Aarti because this Aarti gives new energy to the life of the devotee.

Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is held daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is the most important ghat of Varanasi this ghat is located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, at sunset, the priests of Varanasi perform the very beautiful and elaborate aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Devotees can easily watch the Aarti being performed at the Ghat from Assi Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat.

At the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one moment there is hustle and bustle to find the right place to watch the aarti, and the next the whole city falls silent when a conch (conch) is blown. The conch shell indicates that the aarti is starting and it attracts everyone's attention. Since the Ganga Aarti of Banaras is for the river Ganges, an idol of Goddess Ganga is placed in the center on one of the many elevated platforms. Aarti is performed with the sound of bells and chants and the lighting of incense sticks and lamps.

The priests worship the river Ganga during Ganga Aarti in such a way that it becomes a mesmerizing sight. Priests have been performing Ganga Aarti in front of thousands of people for years, practice and unwavering devotion make them perfect in their work. Though it sounds indecisively risky, it is practically impossible to perform aarti for 45 minutes with several huge lamps and to close your eyes even for a second during Ganga Aarti.

This is the reason why Varanasi Ghat Ganga Aarti is popular all over the country. When you come to Varanasi, it is such an experience that a person who is a follower of any religion, be it Jain, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, or Christian but Ganga Aarti is celebrated by people of every religion, every caste. She fascinates him and fills his body with such energy that he can never forget in his whole life.

Ganga Aarti Timing in Varanasi

Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening in Varanasi, the city of Shiva. The timing of Ganga Aarti is fixed for after sunset. In summer, it is around 7 PM, and during winter around 6 PM. By the way, Ganga Aarti is performed twice a day where the morning Aarti is performed at Assi Ghat and the popular evening Ganga Aarti is performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The Ganga Aarti performed at Assi Ghat is very early in the morning, its time is before sunrise around 5 in the morning and due to more early morning at this time, the number of people who see the morning Ganga Aarti is usually compared to the evening Ganga Aarti. But it does not mean at all that the morning Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat is not beautiful, in fact, the morning Aarti at Assi Ghat is equally beautiful. Here, not only Ganga Maiya is worshipped, but you also enjoy some Vedic mantras, ragas, and yoga. The morning Ganga Aarti timings are from 5 am to 7 am in summer and 5:30 am to 7:30 am in winter.

The Morning Aarti is called Subah-e-Banaras.

The morning aarti is called Subah-e-Banaras and is considered the ideal way to start the morning in Varanasi. It was an initiative of the state government of Uttar Pradesh which started in 2014.

It begins with Vedic verses and is followed by Ganga Aarti. Homage is also paid during the aarti to the four basic elements that comprise everything in this universe: earth, water, sky, and fire.

The aarti performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening is the same as the aarti performed at Assi Ghat in the morning. After the Aarti, the classical musicians of Banaras Gharana with their classical music and ragas create a different energy flow in the whole of Varanasi along with all the people who came to see the Ganga Aarti. Everyone in the Banaras Gharana specializes in the craft of music or dance. The Banaras Gharana was founded 200 years ago by Pandit Ram Sahai. It is one of the six common styles of tabla playing. Pandit Ram Sahai himself was trained in the Lucknow Gharana.

Tips for Visiting Varanasi and Watching Ganga Aarti

Of all the spiritual places in Varanasi, you must visit Dashashwamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti and Assi Ghat for Subah-e-Banaras (Ganga Aarti).

Both these aartis are free, however, you will be asked to make an offering for the evening aarti. However, this is not mandatory. You can also offer whatever amount you can afford.

Reach the ghat at least one hour before for evening aarti, as there is a huge crowd to watch the evening aarti and if you reach late it will be difficult to get a good seat, so it is better to watch the evening aarti. You must arrive at least an hour in advance to find the best spot for yourself.

There is no rush for morning aarti. But it is recommended that you experience Subah-e-Banaras to the fullest. In such a situation, it is better to go to bed early so that you can wake up fresh and join the Suba-e-Banaras the very next day.