|
VARANASI
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Area |
73.89 sq.km |
| Altitude |
80.71 metres above sea level |
| Best Time to Visit |
Between October and March |
| Temperature |
Min
|
Max.
|
| Summer |
32 C
|
43 C
|
| Winter |
5 C
|
15 C
|
| Rainfall |
111 cms. Annually (approx.) |
| Clothing |
| Summer |
Cottons |
| Winter |
Woolens |
| Language |
Hindi, English |
| STD Code |
0542 |
INTRODUCTION
Varanasi is the amongst the oldest living cities in the world,
it is also the holiest of Hindu pilgrimages. It is so old that it
is a part of Indian mythology and finds mention in the epics Ramayana
and Mahabharta. Through the ages Varanasi was also known variously
as Avimuktaka, Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha,
Sudarshana, Ramya and Kasi - the city of light. Nearly 5,000 years
ago, Kasikanda described the glory of the city in 15,000 verses
in the Skanda Purana.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS IN VARANASI
 Kashi
Vishwanth Temple : Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples.
The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple built
for the presiding deity of Varanasi. The Emperor Aurangzeb who built
the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site destroyed the temple in 1669.
Annapurana Temple : Close to this shrine is a temple to
Sanichar (Saturn) where offerings are made to appease the deity
in times of trouble, and the Annapurana Temple dedicated to the
goddess of anna or grain.
Tulsi Manas Temple : This temple is a modern structure in
marble is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is located on the site
where Tulsidas lived and composed his Ram Charit Manas.
The Sankar Mochan Temple : This temple is dedicated to Lord
Hanuman and is very popular with the local citizens. New Vishwanath
Temple : This is located in the campus of the Benares Hindu University.
Bharatmata Temple : It is an unusual shrine for it is dedicated
to Mother India and has a large relief map of India and carved in
marble within.
Other places of interest in Varnasi include the Alamgir Mosque
built by the Emperor Aurangzeb above the Panchganga Ghat in the
17th century. The great mosque of Aurangzeb - the Gyanvapi Mosque
is a magnificent structure with all minarets.
Today the Benares Hindu University is perhaps the largest residential
university in Asia with 32 area of study. The university is noted
for its studies in Sanskrit and in Indian culture, including art
and music and attracts students from India and abroad.
Shopping
Varanasi is a noted centre for silk weaving and brassware. Fine
silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brassware, jewellery,
woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades and masks of Hindu
and Buddhist deities are some of Varnasi's shopping attractions.
The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath
Lane, Lahurabir, Thatheri Bazar etc.
Museums
The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum on the campus of the Benares Hindu
University is noted for its splendid collections of sculpture and
terracotta from places like Mathura, Sarnath, Khajuraho, miniature
paintings and manuscripts.
The Fort Museum at Ramnagar Fort has displays of arms, costumes,
palanquins and royal memorabilia.
The ABC Gallery located near the Tulsi Manas Mandir has an exhibition
of contemporary art.
Access
BY AIR - Well connected by air to other major cities.
The airport at Babatpur is 22 km from the city.
BY RAIL - A major railway junction on the Northern and
North - Eastern Railways, Varanasi is linked to major cities all
over India.
BY ROAD- Varanasi is well connected by road to major cities
in UP and Bihar and is located on three National Highways - NH2
from Kolkata to Delhi, NH7 to Kanyakumari and NH29 to Gorakhpur.
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