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BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
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BUDDHIST SITES |
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| VARANASI |
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| Varanasi (also known as Benares, Banaras, Kashi and Kasi) is a Hindu holy city on the banks of the Ganges River in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The name "Varanasi" is derived from the twin tributaries of Ganga Varuna and Asi, on whose shores the city stands. The city has a unique culture, quite different from other places in the region, and is one of the major cultural centres of northern India. Just 12 km from Varanasi is Sarnath, an important Buddhist sacred site.
Varanasi is the site of the holy shrine of Lord Kasi Viswanatha (a form of Lord Shiva) and is one of the revered 12 Jyotirlingas (linga of light). Along with its positional advantage on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this has given Varanasi a place at the forefront of the Hindu religion. |
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| Varanasi Attractions |
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple :
Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is the one of the major holy shrines for the Hindus in India. Located in a crowded 'Vishwanath' lane, the Vishwanath temple is also known as the 'golden temple' due to the gold plating (1000 kilograms) done on its 15.5 meter high spire, which was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the year 1839. The temple, which was originally built in the Gupta period around 490 CE, faced many invasions from the Muslim invaders, but was rebuilt in the year 1777 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore, and since then has maintained its glory. Today, the temple comprises an old Shiva Lingam, an image of the Goddess Annapurna along with other Gods and Goddesses. Besides, the temple also enshrines an image of the God Shiva, whose glimpse or darshan is permitted only twice a year on special festive days.
Tulsi Manas Temple :
Built in the year 1964, the Tulsi Manas temple is one of the major attractions of Varanasi. The 'white marble' temple, which has been dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Rama and His consort, the Goddess Sita, also reflects an excellent work of art in its interiors.
Bharat Mata Temple :
Dedicated to the mother India, the Bharat Mata temple is open to people of all the faiths. The temple, which was built by Babu Shiva Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1936, comprises a graven map of undivided India in place of a deity.
Banaras Hindu University :
Scattered over a vast area of 2,000 acres, the Banaras Hindu University has the privilege of being the largest and the oldest university of north India. The university, which was established in 1916 by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, consists of different faculties such as Arts, Science, Language and Literature, Engineering, Medical, Humanities, Music and others along with a huge Vishwanath temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. |
| How to Reach |
Air - The Babatpur airport, 25 kilometers away, is a domestic airport and well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kathmandu and other major cities of India.
Rail - The Varanasi railway station is well linked with other important Indian cities directly.
Road - Varanasi is located on the National Highway number 2, which links Kolkata to Delhi via Allahabad. Varanasi can be reached conveniently by a coach, bus or a taxi.
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