Why is Varanasi the Spiritual Capital of India?

Varanasi or Kashi or Benares is known as the spiritual capital of India. It is because the region occupies the prime position in the list of the holiest of holy destinations for Hindus in India. Varanasi has been the ultimate land of pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Varanasi is synonymous to Spiritualism, Mysticism, Sanskrit, Yoga, and Hindi. For ages, it has been the epitome of knowledge and learning. To quench your thirst for spiritual knowledge there are many places to visit in Varanasi.

Going for a Classic India Tour, which includes all these places to visit in Varanasi is a good plan to get drowned in the ocean of spirituality. Some of the places you must visit are listed below:

• Ghats of Ganga

Situated on the Ghats of Ganga is the most prominent and recognizable feature of Varanasi. There are long steps built on the banks of the river Ganga that passes through the city. These Ghats are famous all over the world and have always attracted the tourists.

Various artists perform their shows and many people perform various rituals on the Ghats. It is also considered as the holiest cremation grounds. The Ghats are considered to cleanse all your sins once you dip in it. The Ghats are located close to each other.

The famous Ghats are Dassashwamedha Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat. The famous Ganga Aarti is a sight for all to cherish and rejoice for a lifetime. The Ganga Aarti will cast a spell on you as you will visualize the holy light encircling and the priests chanting mantras amidst the sacred ringing bells. This is a spectacular sight to keep close to your heart and soul.

• Temples of Varanasi

The temples in Varanasi are something that will keep calling you to this place again and again. There are multiple and elaborate temples in this holy city. There are different temples to worship different Gods.

Some of the famous temples which you must visit in your trip are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and Durga Mandir. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is considered as the most prestigious temples for the Hindus. Lord Shiva is the presiding God of the city and Mahashivratri is a festival celebrated here with great pomp show. Tourists from all over the world use to come here to witness it.

• Sarnath

Sarnath is the place where Buddha first attained Enlightenment. It has many temples which attract a lot of tourists. Sarnath is a very popular place not only for the Buddhist but for other communities as well. People come here to detox their souls as this place has a calming and soothing effect on them. This place takes you to another era and tells the tales from history and mythology.

• Ramnagar Fort

It is situated on the Eastern Ghats of the Ganga, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat of the city. It has served as a dwelling place for many kings. The present royal family still dwells there. The fort is adorned with beautiful structures and is built in the great Mughal style. It has a beautiful museum where several kinds of jewels, weapons and vintage cars are kept for display.

• Gyanvapi Mosque

In spite of being a holy place for Hindus, Varanasi has several mosques depicting the secular front of the city. It has thus been rightly said that people from all community come here in search of spiritual thrust, but leave the place with belief that humanity is the biggest religion. Gyanvapi mosque was built by Aurangzeb after destroying the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple; therefore the remains of temples can still be seen there.

Visit the holy place and get indulge in the divine atmosphere. Don't forget to include these places to visit in Varanasi in your itinerary.