Varanasi: The land of spirituality

Times Travel takes you to the land of spirituality. The land which is not only famous for it mythology but also lures Indian as well as international tourist with its beautiful waterfronts... Also referred to as Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Famous author Mark Twain, who was smitten by the mythology of the city once said, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." This sacred land of Varanasi has been an ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. They consider this land to be abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, who are believed to be the foremost citizens of the city as they lived here for sometime after their marriage and worshiped for being the holiest city along side Ganga, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals and thus, the innumerable Ghats of Ganga in the city are accounted for. Also probably due to its unique culture, Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. Soothing water front The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps - the ghats-progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is marked by a lingam, and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city. Some have crumbled over the years, others continue to thrive, with early-morning bathers, brahmin priests offering puja, and people practicing meditation and yoga. Skirted with ghats all throughout, the major water fronts in this heritage city are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Asi Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Lalita Ghat. While the ghat which receives the maximum tourist footfalls is the Asi Ghat which is the southernmost in the sacred city, at the confluence of the Asi and the Ganges, pilgrims bathe prior to worshipping at a huge lingam under a peepal tree. Another lingam visited is that of Asisangameshvara, the "Lord of the Confluence of the Asi", in a small marble temple just off the ghat. Traditionally, pilgrims continued to Lolarka Kund, the Trembling Sun", a rectangular tank fifteen meters blow ground level, approached by steep steps. Now almost abandoned, except during the Lolarka Mela fair, when thousands come to propitiate the gods and pray for the birth of a son, Lolarka Kund is among Varanasi's earliest sites, one of only two remaining Sun sites linked with the origins of Hinduism. Equated with the twelve adityas or divisions of the sun, which predate the great deities of Modern Hinduism. A shoppers' paradise With hustles and rickshaw drivers keen to drag tourists into shops offering commission, shopping in Varanasi can be a nightmare but its worth seeking out the city's rich silk weaving and brasswork. The best areas to browse are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gall with its Temple Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewellery). State run emporiums in Godaulia, Lahurabir and the Chowk - the three Handlooms outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar and Neechi Bag, and Mahatex in Godaulia - of fixed prices and assured quality. Housed in a former palace in the Cantonment, the CIE has a large and impressive selection but, despite its official-sounding name, is outrageously expensive Kashmiri-run chain aimed exclusively at the five-star market. The city is famous for silk weaving also Banaras brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other craft the city is famous for.