Mythological History:

Varanasi is like a really special place for Hindus. It's on the banks of the Ganges River and has been around for a super long time. Devotees think it's a holy spot where Lord Shiva, a big god in Hinduism, does a special dance. That's why it's full of divine energy.The Ganges River in Varanasi is super important too. Devotees believe that taking a dip in its waters can make your soul clean from mistakes. There are lots of special stairs called ghats along the river, each with its own special meaning. People love to watch the Ganga Aarti, a cool worship ceremony for the river, which happens every day. Varanasi is not just old; it's also a big hub for learning and art. There's a famous university there called Benares Hindu University that helps keep traditional knowledge alive.Varanasi is a really special place for Hindus. It's not just about old stories and gods; it's a place where people go to feel close to their spirituality, wash away their mistakes in the Ganges, and experience the amazing cultural vibes of this ancient city.

 Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is an ancient city located on the banks of the Ganges River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a very important pilgrimage site in the Hindu religion and is also a pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Jain religions. In Hindu belief, it is called "Avimukt Kshetra". Varanasi is one of the ancient inhabited cities of the world. The culture of Varanasi has an unbreakable relationship with the river Ganga and its religious significance. This city has been the cultural and religious center of India, especially North India, for thousands of years. The name Varanasi probably originated from the names of two local rivers, the Varuna River and the Asi River. These rivers join the Ganga River from the north and south respectively. Varanasi or Kashi has been considered the holiest city in Hindu religion. More than 10 lakh pilgrims come here every year. 

According to mythology, Kashi city was founded by Hindu Lord Shiva about 5000 years ago, due to which it is an important pilgrimage site today. This is one of the holy Saptapuris of Hindus. This city is mentioned in many Hindu texts including Skanda Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the oldest Veda, Rigveda. Generally, the city of Varanasi is considered to be about 3000 years old. However, according to Hindu traditions, Kashi is considered to be much more ancient than this. The city has been a trading and industrial center for muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory, and crafts. During the time of Gautam Buddha (born 567 BC), Varanasi was the capital of Kashi state. Shitala Mata Temple near Dashashwamedh Ghat of Banaras was built by Arkavanshi Kshatriyas.

Places to Visit in Varanasi Tirth Kshetra

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of the ancient city of Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple has been situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga for the last several thousands of years. The main deity of the temple is known as Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwar, which means Lord of the Universe. It is believed that by visiting this temple once and taking a bath in the holy Ganga, one attains salvation. Varanasi was called Kashi in ancient times, and hence this temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is considered by Hindu scriptures to be a central part of worship in Shaiva culture.

Kaal Bhairav Temple: Kaal Bhairav Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This temple is the oldest temple of Varanasi which is completely dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva i.e. Kaal Bhairav. Kaal means death and time. It is said that Lord Shiva used to assume this form only then. When someone had to be killed. Kashi was a very favorite city of Lord Shiva, hence Lord Shiva had appointed Kaal Bhairav as the area's governor i.e. Kotwal. That is why it is said that Kaal Bhairav also has the right to punish the people of Kashi. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there is a silver idol of Kaal Bhairav, which rests on Bhairav's vehicle, a dog.

Annapurna Temple: The temple of Mata Annapurna is a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. She is considered the mother of all three worlds. It is said that he fed food to Lord Shiva. There are paintings on the wall of this temple. In one picture the goddess is holding a ladle. There are some statues installed in the courtyard of Annapurna Temple, among which are the temples of Maa Kali, Shankar Parvati, and Lord Narasimha. Devotees can visit the golden statue of Maa Annapurna for one day on Annakoot Mahotsav. Annapurna Devi is also believed to be related to the Harsiddhi temple of Ujjain. In the Annapurna temple, Adi Shankaracharya had written Annapurna Stotra and wished to attain knowledge and renunciation. There is a provision of free food in Annapurna temple where the visitors can take prasad and can get a slip cut by donating as per their devotion.

Durga Mata Temple: Durga Temple, also known as Monkey Temple; was Built sometime in the 18th century. Due to the presence of a large number of monkeys here, it is called Monkey Temple. According to belief, the present Durga idol was not man-made but appeared automatically in the temple. There is a crowd of thousands of devotees here during the Navratri festival. Non-Hindus are prohibited from entering this temple.

Kedareshwar Temple: There is a Kedareshwar temple near Kedar Ghat in Banaras. This temple was saved from the havoc of Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Gauri Kund is near this. This is called Adi Manikarnika or Original Manikarnika. Vishnu Charanpaduka is near Manikarnika Ghat.It is marked with marble. It is called the holiest place of Kashi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here. Manikarnika Kund is near this. It is believed that Lord Shiva's gem and Goddess Parvati's earrings had fallen into this pond. Chakrapushkarni is a square pond. There is an iron railing around it. It is considered to be the first pond in the world.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: Kashi is located near the Vishwanath temple and is the most magnificent ghat. There are two mythological stories related to it: According to one, it was built by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. According to the second story, Lord Brahma had performed ten Ashwamedha Yagyas here. Every evening a group of priests perform Agni-Puja in which offerings are made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Sun God, Fire God, and the entire universe. A grand aarti of Goddess Ganga is also performed here.

Manikarnika Ghat: There are two stories related to this ghat. According to one, Lord Vishnu, while doing penance for Shiva, had dug a pond here with his Sudarshan Chakra. It was filled with his sweat that came during penance. When Shiva came there happy, the earring of Vishnu had fallen into that pond. According to the second story, Lord Shiva could not get any leave from his devotees. Goddess Parvati was troubled by this and to keep Shiva from stopping her, she hid her earring Manikarnika there and asked Shiva to find it. Lord Shiva could not find him and till today whoever is cremated at that ghat asks him whether he has seen him or not. According to ancient texts, the owner of Manikarnika Ghat was the same Chandala who had bought the truthful king Harishchandra. He had made the king his slave and given him the job of collecting taxes from the people coming to perform funerals at that ghat. The specialty of this ghat is that Hindu funerals take place continuously here and the pyre's fire keeps burning continuously on the ghat, he hid it there and asked Lord Shiva to find it.

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