subject: Uncover Indias City Of Lights In Sacred Varanasi [print this page] Home to more than 2000 temples the sacred city of Varanasi is known as the City of Light or City of Temples in India by no coincidence. Also known as Benaras and Kashi in ancient times this glimmering city by the River Ganges is also rumored to be among the oldest cities in the world with religious texts dating back centuries recording its existence and intrinsically linking the hamlet with the spiritual identity of India as we know it. Also dubbed the religious heartland of India Varanasi is one of the seven sacred venues for Hindus. In fact every devout Hindu must pay at least one visit to this deeply spiritual corner of Uttar Pradesh at least once in his/her lifetime and immerse one's self in the waters of the Ganges River before walking along the holy Panchakosi path. So it is no wonder that some of the most breathtaking temple edifices in all of India are concentrated in this pious locale popularized as the City of Shiva where countless pilgrims come to realign their lives with the path to nirvana and find" mokshaor" in their final days.
Varanasi's most famous temple is of course what is known as the Golden Temple or Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Located on the fringes of the Ganges this stunning edifice constructed in 1780 is believed to contain the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva himself and the relic is said to be enshrined within the confines of this stunning temple. Commissioned to be built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is best known for its golden domes and towering structures while the venue is equally venerated for the Naubatkhana added by Mohammed Ibrahim Khan. The Durga Temple which looks over scenic Durga Kund is another must-see highlight as the 18th century temple is an architectural marvel for the ages. Displaying classical Nagara style elements the statuette of goddess Durga within the shrine is believed to have appeared from thin air according to legend. Abuzz with activity during the Navratri festival the best times to visit the temple also includes the reenactment of the Nag Panchami where Lord Shiva is presented in snake form inside the ochre hued Kund.
As one of the oldest religious institutions in Varanasi the Tilbhandeshwa Temple is another point of interest in the city of temples. Revered as a fine amalgamation of Banarsi and Malyali cultural elements the Tilbhandeshwar Shiv Lingam at the venue is also believed to magically grow in scale with each passing year.
Other must-visit temples in Varanasi include the Sankat Mochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman and the Vishalakshi Temple which is devoted to the worship of goddess Parvati while the New Sri Vishwanath Temple is a religious compound that contains nine temples in one venue. The Baba Keenaram Sthal centre and the Annapurna Temple are also worthy of exploration in addition to the Tulsi Manas Temple which is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Visitors in search of a luxury Varanasi hotel will find no finer alternative to The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi. Providing guests with elegant living spaces furnished to perfection this stylish is rest is undoubtedly one of the best Varanasi hotels for both business and leisure travellers.
