TOURISM IN BANARAS AND PURWANCHAL

Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, 'paan' and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days, Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the Bank River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place. It is believed that three nights of fasting in Varanasi city can reap you rewards of many thousands of lifetimes of asceticism!

Varanasi is the oldest city of the world. Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. In Varanasi, there are temples at every few paces. Looking at the number of temples in Varanasi, it is hard to believe that a large number of them were demolished during the medieval times. Jyotirlinga Visvanatha Temple rebuilt in 1776, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jnana Vapi well (meaning 'Well of Wisdom) is believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva himself. It is believed that the majestic Alamgir mosque has replaced one of the most ancient shrines known as the temple of Bindu Madhava. The thirty-three hundred million shrines fill one with awe and wonder with sheer numbers.

The Ganga Ghats (river front) are the most popular pilgrimage spot of Varanasi and are centers of music and learning. There is a great tradition of Yatras in the holy city of Kashi and the most sacred path is that of Panchkoshi Parikrama, the fifty-mile path with a radius of five miles that cover 108 shrines along the way, with Panchakoshi Temple as its main shrine. Other popular pilgrimage route is Nagara Pradakshina, which covers seventy-two shrines along the way. Since time immemorial Varanasi is a great center of learning. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Guatama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali.
it called kashi .here alot of ghat and revers and here alot of fort .

Vishwanath Temple is located amidst the crowded lanes in the holy city of Varanasi also known as Kashi and Benares. The Vishwanath Temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Varanasi is the point at which the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remain the devotional focus of Varanasi. Millions of pilgrims converge here to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam with sacred water of river Ganga.
This very popular Shivaratri legend from Puranas explains why people stay awake all night on Shivaratri. Besides, it also tells us why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha.

Legend Behind Samudra Manthan
Once Indra - the King of Gods, while riding on an elephant came across Durvasa Muni who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but put in on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant was irritated by the smell and it threw the garland on the floor. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada. Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.

In battles that followed this incident, devas were defeated and asuras (demons) led by Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. Lord Vishu told Devas that we would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.
The legend of Lubdhaka is deeply related to Mahashivaratri and explains the popular custom of all-night worship of Lord Shiva on the festival. As a tradition devotees recite the legend of Lubdhaka while they observe fast in worship of Lord Shiva on Mahashivaratri. And, it is only after observing an all night fast that devotees eat the prasad offered to Shiva.

There is yet another version of this legend, which is popular as the legend of King Chitrabhanu. This legend has been narrated by Bhishma in Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata and has been discussed later in this article.

Arrival
After your arrival in the religious city of Varanasi, you are received by our reception team cordially. Since you are tired after the journey, we'll take you to the hotel so that you can get fresh for the day. Later we'll go for a sightseeing trip to Sarnath.

The religious city of Varanasi which has always been a popular centre for learning and civilization is said to be created by Lord Shiva. The Hindus consider the place to be divinely blessed and due to the combined effect of all these factors, the place is enormously popular as a tourism destination. Varanasi offers you access to a wide variety of cuisines and a good range of handicrafts, specially silk, as well.

If you are asked to name one tourism attraction of Varanasi, chances are that you are definitely going to talk about the holy river Ganga. All the Ghats are located on the southern bank of the river which attract host of tourists as well as the devotees. You can spot the devotees performing their holy rituals who strongly believe that these can help them in attaining eternal salvation. There two ways to tour the place you can either choose to join the crowd or take a boat ride along the Ghats so that you can get a panoramic view of the happenings on the Ghat.

Varanasi Attractions
Kashi Vishwaanath Temple - This temple was destroyed in various invasions and was later renovated by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this Golden Temple which is called so because of the fact that the spire of the temple is gold plated. The gold for the purpose was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The Ghats of Varanasi - The city of Varanasi is called the eternal city because it is believed that the city has existed in a continuum throughout in the history. So is the case with its Ghats which are the main tourism attraction of the city. People throng to the Ghats every day in large numbers to take bath in the holy river after which they proceed to the temples located on the banks to worship. Another prevalent practice since ancient times is to worship the rising sun in the morning.

Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is an observatory constructed by Jaisingh which is in line with those built in Delhi and Jaipur. It is a scientifically built structure which gives you measurements that are as exact as any other measurements by advanced scientific instruments are.

Banaras Hindu University - The Banaras Hindu University is among the oldest educational institutions in India which was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malwiya in 1916. The university was an important hub of activity in the independence movement of India.

Sarnath - Situated only 10 km away from Varanasi, it is considered a very pious destination by the Buddhists all over the world. After Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, he delivered his first sermon to his five disciples in Sarnath. Emperor Ashoka built many of the monuments in Sarnath in memory of Lord Buddha as it was he who spread the message of Buddhism all across the world therefore Sarnath was very special for Emperor Ashoka. When Sarnath was at its peak, the place used to be a major centre of Buddhist learning for the students.

Sarnath Attractions
Chowkhandi Stupa - This square structured monument is visible from a distance and it is situated on a small hillock. The place where today the Chowkhandi Stupa is situated was where Lord Buddha was first welcomed by his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment.

Dhamek Stupa - The lower portion of Dhamek Stupa is constructed in stones whereas the upper portions have been built with bricks. Ashok Pillar - The Ashoka Pillar is 20 meter high though it is not in the best of the condition today. There is an Ashok Chakra on the pillar upon which four lions are situated, out of which only three are visible at a time. It has been declared the national symbol of India now. Departure Amidst this hectic activity, we haven't forgotten to arrange for your lunch and dinner. Along with us, you'll leave Varanasi for Gorakhpur in the evening. KUSHINAGAR - Kushinagar is another principal centre of Buddhism, worth a sincere admiration, is the place where Lord Buddha passed away at this place near the Hiranyavati River and was cremated at the Ramabhar stupa. It was once a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom. Many of its stupas and viharas date back to 230 BC-AD 413. when its prosperity was at the peak. In 543 BC, on a full moon night of Magh the legend delivered lecture to his Sangha and declared that he is going to leave the mortal world soon enough. The excavations led by general Cunningham has revealed some antique artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism. Kushinagar also expresses the common thread of all sects of Buddhism through its magnificent Viharas, Chaityas, temples and Tibetan monasteries. In ancient times, the town was also known as Kushinara and Kasia. Location Kushinagar is situated at a distance of 53 km west of Gorakhpur, in Uttar Pradesh, in the northern part of India. Attractions Nirvana Stupa and temple - This stupa made of bricks, excavated by Carlleyl in 1867, stands at a height of 2.74 meter. The excavations leading to the finding of the copper vessel and the Brahmi inscription on it proving the matter that Buddhas ashes were buried in the pace, made this place a suddenly important destination for all Buddhists devotees. Besides, the huge reclining statue of Buddha in the temple is also very attractive. Mahaparinirvana temple - This is more than 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. Wat Thai temple - The unique temple, built to celebrate the victory of King Bhumibol's great accession of the throne, and the subsequent Golden Jubilee, is worth a watch, especially because of the innumerable trees that were planted here.Besides, there's the Chinese temple, the Meditation Park and an International Buddha trust, and the Birla temple to add charm to roaming around in the city. Ramabhar Stupa - About 1.5 km away from Mahaparinirvana Temple, this large Stupa rises to a height of 49 ft. It marks the site where the Lord Buddha was cremated. In ancient Buddhist texts, this Stupa has been referred to as 'Mukut-Bandhan Vihar'. Japanese temple - A beautiful eight metals statue of the Buddha, which was brought from from Japan, can be visited here. Excursions Gorakhpur - Gorakhpur is an important Hindu destination, due to the numerous temples, including the Gorakhnath temple, the Vishnu temple, gita Vatika, Gita press, and the Arogya Mandir. Besides, there are important institutions of other religions such as the Imambara. The planetarium and the circuit house are also worth a visit. Lumbini - This immensely important Buddhist pilgrimage, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is in Nepal, at a distance of 122 km from Gorakhpur, houses some of the most important artifacts of literature and art related to the life of Lord Buddha. How to get there Air - Gorakhpur is the nearest airport, at a distance of 44 kms from the place. Kasia airstrip-5 Kms, Amausi airport Lucknow-252 Kms, Babatpur Airport in Varanasi-286 Kms. Rail - The nearest railway station, a convenient one, is Gorakhpur, which is linked to important railway stations. Road - The national highway numbered 28 connects the place with other important destinations of the state. There are accommodation facilities available, in the Dharmashalas and other charitable trusts. In Kushinagar, there's Hotel LOTUS NIKKO IS 55 kms from Gorakhpur railway station. International Guesthouse, Hindu brila Buddha Dharmashala, Nepalese Dharmashala etc are good places to stay. The UP Tourism accommodation, the Pathik Niwas is also quite good. SARNATH - At a distance of only 10-km from the famous Hindu pilgrimage Varanasi, after attaining Enlightenment the Buddha went to Sarnath. Lord Buddha had visited Sarnath looking for his five companions who abandoned him in Rajgir while they deviated from the viewpoint of Lord Buddha on self-mortification. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan). The Emperor Ashoka (c 304 - 232 BC), who spread the Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking distance. Attractions Dhamekha Stupa The stupa is the most impressive structure in Sarnath. Built around 500AD the excavations have revealed that some earlier construction was present at the site. The stupa is a place where one can see the devoted Buddhists circumambulating the structure, Ashoka might have built the stupa to earmark the Dharmachakrapravartana to five ascetics. Chaukhandi: The first impression of the ancient Buddhism monuments while one enters Sarnath from Varanasi, this Chaukhandi was built to mark the meet of Lord Buddha with his five companions. Todar Mal added an octagonal tower to the structure to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Akbar to the city in 1588. Asokan Pillar - This Pillar is the national emblem of India, presents a splendid representation of art during Ashoka's period, and the Asoka Wheel down the base adorns the Tricolor national flag. The pillar also records the visit of Ashoka to Sarnath. The year of his visit is said to be around mid 3rd century BC. It is interesting to note that at one time, the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath stood over 17 meters in height. Its capital with the four lions back to back that has been adopted as the official emblem of modern India can be seen in the museum at Sarnath. If you are in Sarnath, don't miss this pillar. The Monasteries - The Buddhist temple built only in 1931, claims to have Buddha's original relics. Moreover, the temple houses some of the most interesting mural paintings depicting the story of Buddha's life. The Digambar Jain temple - Associated to Shreyanshnath, a Jain Tirthankar, this temple famous among the Jain community and good for visualizing some interesting paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Lord Mahavira. Excursions Varanasi - At a distance of 10 km from Sarnath, Varanasi, called 'Kashi' in the scriptures and popularly known as "Benaras", is said to be the oldest living city in the world with a glorious history that goes back to thousands of years. Varanasi is a revered Hindu pilgrimage, well known for the pristine Ghats, bathe rituals and the numerous temples. The golden temple, with stunning golden towers does attract majority of the pilgrims and is definitely an attraction. Ramnagar - If you belong to history, do visit this place, 14 km. from Varanasi. This fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Benaras. Built in the 18th century Ramnagar fort has carved balconies, open courtyards and picturesque pavilions. The Vidya Mandir museum, inside the darbar hall has a wide range of old armours, antique clocks, medieval costumes, gold & silver palanquins, silver Howdahs & jewellery on display. Chunar Fort - Associated with one of the greatest leaders Sher Shah Suri, the fort is also famous for the fact that Saint Bhatrihari had taken "samadhi" inside the Fort. How to reach For Sarnath, Varanasi is very convenient centre regarding Air, Rail and Road facilities. Air - The nearest Airport is 22 kms from Varanasi and 29 kms from Sarnath. Varanasi is connected with Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhuvaneshwar and kathmandu with direct flights. Rail - Varanasi is a major station in Broad gauge network, Varanasi Cantt. and Mughal Sarai (16 km, one of the main railway stations of Varanasi) are the important rail junctions, that link Varanasi with all major cities of India. Road - Well-laid motorable roads connect Sarnath with Varanasi and other important cities. Taj Ganges - Now should be written as “ The Gateway hotel Ganges Varanasi LUMBINI - Lumbini : Lord Buddha was born at Lumbini while his mother was on her way to parental home from Kapilvastu. Lumbini should be visited and seen by a person of devotion, Lumbini is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism. Buddha was born in Lumbini during the full moon day in the month of Baisakh in 623 B.C. he was born under a Sal tree (Shorea Robusta) when Maya Devi was going to her maternal town on the occasion of delivery. After birth Buddha took seven steps towards north and, looking in all directions, he declared that "I am the foremost of all creatures to cross the riddle of the ocean of the existence, this is my last birth and here after, I will not be born again". This newly born Prince named Siddhartha had supernatural birth & signs, which indicated that the new born child will bring deliverance to the world. Ascetic (Rishis) warned the king that the boy might renounce the world anytime if he happen to come across: (1). The diseased, (2). The old man, (3). The dead body & (4). The ascetic.The king alarmed to hear this and married Prince Siddhartha at an early age and almost imprisoned him in pleasure palaces providing therein all kinds of enjoyments. Location Lumbini is situated in Nepal about 22 kms from Bhairahawa of Nepal in the foot hills of Himalayas. 122 kms from Gorakhpur city in Uttar Pradesh . 181 Kms from Kushinagar of Uttar Pradesh and 240 kms from Sravasti of Uttar Pradesh of North India. Attractions The place itself is interesting as a whole, the landscapes and the green forestry. However Maya Devi temple and the Stupas and the Pillar built by Ashoka are really worth a visit. Recently, several beautiful shrines have been constructed by devotees from all over the world. A visit to Lumbini is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one gets in such a calm and peaceful place. Maya Devi Temple - Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. In 1895, Feuhrer, a famous German archaeologist, discovered the great pillar,further exploration and excavation of the surrounding area revealed the existence of a brick temple and a sandstone sculpture within the temple itself which represents the scenes of Buddha’s birth. On the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maha Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. The temple is built gradually and is composed of many temples, one after the other. It is also found that there is possibility that a Ashoka Stupa existed in the place of temple. The Ashokan pillar - The Ashokan Pillar, essentially erected by Ashoka (249 BC) visited Lumbini and erected an inscribed Ashokan Pillar on the spot of Buddha's birth. The inscription of the pillar (the oldest in Nepal) declares that Ashoka granted Lumbini tax-free status in honor of Buddha’s birth. It is 6m high and half of it is beneath the ground. It is behind the Maya Devi Temple, to the west of the temple. Emperor Ashoka erected many other pillars throughout India. The carved top of the pillar has never been found. The Buddhist monastery - Its built in the way of the modern Buddhist temples of Nepal but is quite important in the purview of architecture of the walls. The middle hall contains some exquisite murals resembling the medieval periods'. Excursions Kapilvastu - A holy destination related deeply with the life of a legend, Lord Buddha, eventually Kapilvastu is the place where Lord Buddha had lived the childhood and the days of teenage, in complete luxury. The capital of King Shuddhodhan, Kapilvastu still carries with it the mystic charm. It houses many sculptures of Buddhism, which present a landscape before that visitors that makes them feel calm, content. Kapilvastu carries the visitors away to the ancient days when Buddha was a small child, a prince. The place is situated 27 km south of Lumbini. How to get there Air - Bhairahwa is the nearest airport, 22 kms , well connected to Kathmandu airport. At present, about 22 international airlines connect Nepal to various other destinations in Asia and the Middle East. Rail - Gorakhpur, In India, is the nearest railhead, 122 km from Lumbini. Road - Good motorable roads connect Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important cities of Nepal. India border is 22 kms. Where to stay Some of the hotels in Bhairahwa are quite useful, but it is advisable to stay in the nearby Dae Sun Suk Gu Sa monastery in the village.

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