Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — a nightly fire ritual performed in unison by priests, watched from boats.
Why Varanasi is sacred
Varanasi, also called Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is held to be Lord Shiva's own city. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and dying within the city is traditionally believed to grant moksha (liberation).
At a glance
- Deity
- Lord Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath)
- River / Locale
- Ganges (Ganga)
- Best Time
- Oct – Mar, cool riverside mornings for the ghats
A brief history
Texts describe Varanasi as a centre of learning, philosophy, and the arts for over 3,000 years. The current Kashi Vishwanath Temple was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore after earlier structures were repeatedly destroyed; the gold-plated domes were added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839.
Highlights & rituals
A sunrise boat ride along the ghats remains the defining Varanasi experience.
Manikarnika Ghat, one of the city's cremation ghats, burns continuously and is considered auspicious for the departed.
A glimpse of Varanasi
Practical information
How to reach
- →Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport connects Varanasi to major Indian cities and select international routes.
- →Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is a major railhead on the Delhi–Kolkata line.
- →Ghats are best explored on foot or by boat; the city centre is compact and walkable.
Best time to visit
Oct – Mar, cool riverside mornings for the ghats
Altitude
80 m above sea level
Nearby attractions
Sarnath (Buddhist site, 10 km)Dashashwamedh GhatManikarnika GhatBanaras Hindu University