Shivoham
Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva, is also known as Varanasi (derived from the confluence of Varuna and Assi) , Benares (from the cotton sarees that are manually made) and Aanand Ban ( The oldest name of all, referring to the spiritual pleasure and satisfaction obtained from the place). This city is one among the sapta moksha puris, the cities where one can achieve Moksha or liberation. The Spiritual Capital of India, situated on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities and the most pious city all round the globe.
We flew from Hyderabad to Varanasi by Spicejet in the month of May. Had it been another time other than summer, the trip could have been much comfortable.Varanasi is known for Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple, which has been mentioned in the Puranas including the Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe.
In the sacred geography of Varanasi, six points are said to symbolize Shastanga (six-fold) yoga, which is performing by visiting the six sites. They are the Vishwanath Temple (the most important temple of Varanasi - dedicated to Shiva), the Vishalakshi Temple, the Ganges, the Kala Bhairava temple (dedicated to Varanasi's guardian deity and Vishalakshi's Bhiarava), the Dhundiraj Temple (dedicated to the god Ganesha - son of Shiva and Parvati) and the Dandapani temple (dedicated to an aspect of Shiva)
We reached Varanasi around 8 P.M, dined at Phulwari Restaurant and Sami Cafe and slept at the Aaram hotel near Sri Kashi Vishwanath mandir.
Day 1:
a) Sri Kashi Vishweshwar Mandir
We woke up as early as 2.30 A.M. and went for the mangala aarti and darshan of Shri Vishwanath swami scheduled from 3 to 4 in the early morning (300 tickets are available for this ritual. They can be bought near the temple or online in advance.) The pilgrims were allowed to touch the lord and perform abhishekam. The temple premises are so magnetically alluring that one tends to develop an inertia and wouldn't want to move outside the temple. The complex also accommodates Shri Lakshmi Satyanarayana swami, Kaala bhairav, Parvati amman, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vinayaka, Sanishwara and other gods including a number of Shivlingaas. There is a small well in the temple called the gnyaana Vapi (the wisdom well). There is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown colored stone which is enshrined in the Sanctum, placed on a silver platform. Structure of the Mandir is composed of three parts. The first compromises a spire on the Mandir of Lord Vishwanath or Mahadeva. The second is gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident.
Sindhu Bhairavi - Roopakam - Swati Tirunal
pallavi - staayi
vishvEshvar darsan kar cal man tum kAsI
anupallavi
vishvEshvara darsan jab kInhO bahu prEma sahit
kATi karuNa nidhAn janan maraNa phAsI
antara 1
bahtI jinkI purI mO gangA pay kE samAn vA kE taT ghAt ghAt bhar rahE sanyAsI
antara 2
bhasma ang bhuj trishUl ur mE lasE nAg mAl girijA ardhang dharE tribhuvan jin dAsI
antara 3
padmanAbh kamalanayan trinayan shambhu mahEsh bhaj lE in dO svarUp rahiyE avinAshI
b) Annapoorna Maata Mandir
Annapurna Devi Mandir is situated in Visheshwarganj. The devotees are obiliged with sparsh darshan of Amman here as well as a fistful of rice grains to take home. In Hindu mythology, there are two popular beliefs behind the origin of this temple.
Another noteworthy darshan is that of the Shivling in this temple engraved with Shri yantra on the top.
Once the goddess Parvati closed all three eyes of her husband Shiva. Due to this, the entire world was filled with darkness. Parvati stole her fair complexion (Gauri form). She asked Shiva for his help to reacquire her Gauri form. Shiva asked her to donate anna (food) in Varanasi. Hence, she took the form of Annapurna (the goddess of food) with a golden pot and ladle, and donated food in Varanasi.
According to another belief, once Shiva commented that the entire world (including food) is maya (illusion). Parvati, the goddess of food, got angry and decided to demonstrate the importance of food by making all the food on earth disappear. The world started to suffer due to hunger. Shiva finally came to Parvati and acknowledged the importance of food, begging for food at her door. Parvati became happy, offered food by her own hands to Shiva and then made a kitchen in Varanasi for her devotees.
c) Kaalbhairav mandir
Situated in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, this temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava (Kaal Bhairav), a fierce form of Shiva and wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. The word "Kaal" means both "death" and "fate". It is believed that even death is afraid of Kaal Bhairav.
Housed in the inner sanctum of the temple is a silver faced idol of Kal Bhairav who is seated on his vahana, a dog and is holding a trident. Only the face of the icon is visible to the devotees through the doorway. Rest of the icon is covered with a piece of cloth. On the rear door of the temple, there is an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another aspect of Bhairava.
We went for darshan at around 8 A.M. when Aarti was being performed.
d) Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir
This shrine of Mahadev is situated in Pandey Haveli, next to Bengali Tola Inter College,Bhelupur. It is believed that the Shivling in the temple emerged by itself 2,500 years ago and increases every year by the size of a "til" (Sesame Seed). The auto driver that showed us around told us that when he was a 5 year old, the Shivling was as short as he was back then, but now 3.5 feet in height and the diameter of the base is approximately 3 feet. The Shivling extends downward beneath the altar to the same depth as above.
e) Shri Sankatmochan Mandir
Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 1500s and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. The deity was named "Sankat Mochan" meaning the "reliever from troubles". The offerings to Lord Hanuman (Prasad) are sold like the special sweet Pedha" and "besan ke ladoo", which the devotees relish. This temple has the unique distinction of having Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Shri Ram.
The Sankat Mochan Foundation (SMF) was established in 1982 by Veer Bhadra Mishra, the Mahant (High priest) of the temple, and has been working for cleaning and protecting the Ganges river. Its projects are funded in part by aid from the U. S. and Swedish governments.
Each year in the month of April, the temple organizes a classical music and dance concert festival titled "Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh", in which musicians and performers from all over India take part.
f) Birla Mandir
Birla Temple is devoted to the Lord Shiva and it is an exact copy of the original Vishwanath temple but made of marble. The center of the temple has a Siva lingam and the walls of the temple have stanzas of the Hindu scriptures. Founded by the Raja Birla of the Birla family of great industrialists in 1965, it is located in the BHU (Banaras Hindu University) campus. The tower of the temple is known as the tallest temple tower, taller than the Qutub Minar.
g) Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
The ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was originally written at this place by Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century (c. 1532–1623). Ramayan was originally written in Sanskrit language by Sanskrit poet Valmiki between 500 and 100 BC. Being in Sanskrit language, this epic was not accessible to and understood by masses. In the 16th century, Goswami Tulsidas wrote the Ramayan in Awadhi dialect of Hindi language and the Awadhi version was called Ramcharitmanas (meaning Lake of the deeds of Rama). Due to Ramcharitmanas, the Ramayan was read by larger number of people, who otherwise could not have read it. Reportedly, prior to Ramcharitmanas, Lord Ram was depicted as a great King and it was Ramcharitmanas which bestowed him as a Deity.
Saint Tulsi Das is said to have been in penance in Vrindavan, when he was provoked by the lord himself, to move to Kashi and compose Ramcharitmanas. He later attained salvation here, and his samadhi is thereby known as the Tulsi ghat now.
Construction of the temple was finished in 1964 and was funded by the Thakur Das Sureka family of Bandhaghat, Howrah ,West Bengal. The temple was constructed in white marble and landscaping all around the temple. Verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas are engraved on the marble walls all over the temple.
h) Aadi Shakti Maa Durga Mandir
The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple.
In adhyaya-23 of the Devi Bhagavata Purana, this temple's origin is explained. As per the text, Kashi Naresh (king of Varanasi) called for a Swayamvar for his daughter Sashikala's marriage. The King later learnt that the princess was in love with vanvasi prince Sudarshan. So Kashi Naresh got his daughter secretly married to the prince. When the other Kings (who were invited for Swayamvar) got to know about the marriage, they got angry and went on war with Kashi Naresh. Sudarshan then offered prayers to Durga, who came on a lion and fought the war for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh pleaded to Durga to protect Varanasi and with that belief, this temple was constructed.
Constructed in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore in North Indian Nagara style of architecture, the temple is painted red with ochre to match the colours of the central icon of Durga. Inside the temple, lots of elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together.
i) Gavvalamma Temple
Kaudi (Gaudi) Mata also called Gavvalamma is located near Durga kund, in the lane opposite to the Durga mandhir in Bhelupur.
Kaudi Mata is considered as a sister to Lord Vishwanath. She is a Grama Devatha of South India who came to Benares to worship Lord Shiva. People here did not behave well with her. Irked with them, the goddess abandoned food and water.
After this, Maa Annapurna Devi came and placed her in the form of Kodiya Devi here. She blessed the goddess who is considered worthless and told that Kaudi/Conch shells which are usually considered worthless will become valuable and will be offered to her. With her good influence, there will be no grief in the Devotee’s life. Without offering Kaudis to her, a pilgrim’s Kashi Yatra would be incomplete. From then devotees offer a blouse piece, Kumkum, Turmeric and 5 conch shells to Kaudi Mata. Four of them are presented to her and the fifth one is returned to the devotee who secures it to become prosperous.
j) Kashi Vishalakshi Temple
Vishalakshi Temple is dedicated to the wide eyed Devi, Goddess Parvati. It is located at the Meer Ghat on the bank of the holy River Ganges. The Vishalakshi Temple is a Shakti Peettha, the most holy temples devoted to the Divine Mother, Adi Shakti. The Eye or Earrings of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi. The temple is situated by the famous cremation grounds ofManikarnika. Vishalakshi Temple is known for its temple festival on Kajali Tij, held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August).
Saama - Aadi - Muttuswaami Dikshitar
pallavi
annapUrNE vishAlAkSi akhilabhuvanasAkSi kaTAkSi
anupallavi
unnata garttatIra vihAriNi OHNkAriNi duritAdinivAriNi pannagAbharaNa
caraNam
pAyasAnnapUrita mANikyapAtra hEmadarvI vidhRtakarE kAyajAdi rakaSaNa
rAjHnI purANi paramEshvara vishvEshvara bhAsvari
nipuNatarE kAHncanamaya bhUSaNambaradharE tOyajAsanAdi sEvitaparE tumburu nArsdAdi
nutavarE trayAtIta mOkSaprada caturE tripadashObhita guruguhasAdarE
We had prasaadam lunch at the Annapurna Annakshetra Trust. Though we had many matka lassies, rabdies and matka chais, the taste of Anna prasaadam is so good and tummy full. All the plcaes in Kashi are close by and most of them can be covered by walk if the climate cooperates. Rickshaws and autos can take us to the nearest main road because the lanes are mostly narrow and overly crowded. We talked an Auto for Rs. 800 to show us around and we were taken to the nearest possible entry of the temple as it was early in the morning.
k) Lolark Kund
The Lorak kund, also called Surya Kund is an ancient stepwell pond located near Tulsi ghat, situated on the banks of river Assi. It's mention is also found in the Mahabharata. Steps lead down to the Kund from three sides. On the fourth side, the kund takes the shape of an enlonged, arched well, pointing into the direction of the rising sun (Ganges). In the vicinity is the Lolarkeshwar Mahadev temple.
Lolark Shasthi is a festival celebrated here during the monsoon season, on the sixth day of the shukla paksha of the Bhadrapada month as the Sun's rays directly fall on the waters on this day because of the tantric method used in the kund's construction. Couples perform rituals and pray to Lord Lolark Aditya that they be blessed with a child. Devotees leave behind their clothes and a fruit or a vegetable, from which they pledge to abstain thereafter, in the kund after taking a holy dip in the Lolark kund. Some devotees also throw considerable amounts of gold jewelry into the pond, which may later be harvested and distributed among the Brahmins in order to finance the event and it's clean-up.
l) Dhundhi Ganapati Temple
After Ganesh paved the way for his father, Lord Shiva made a great entry into the Kashi by praising him for all his deeds. All the devotees that visit Vishveshwar have to come across Dhundhi Ganapati as it's the entry point and they'll worship him first. A person who merely takes the name of Dhundhi Vinayak with full devotion will be blessed with all kinds of happiness.
Since there is heavy patrolling police and other forces, it is advisable to visit Dhundhi Ganesh in the early hours to avoid heavy crowd.
m) Shri Gowri Kedaareshwar Temple
One of the busiest ghats on the Ganga, the Kedar Ghat can be identified by its red and white steps from a distance. Thousands come here each year to pay homage to the Gauri Kedareshwar temple. This can be reached via boat or through the narrow lanes of Bengali Tola. The temple is famous for a replica of the Kedarnath lingam of the Himalayan temple. The irregular hump shaped lingam in stone is encased within a copper railing. People enter the temple after taking a bath in the Gauri Kund adjoining the river.
It is said that the water in this kund has healing properties. The Kedareswara Shiva Temple, at the Kedar Ghat has great mythological importance and it is believed that anyone who visits this temple gets blessings as the same after visiting Kedarnath Temple. According to mythology, the Kedar Ghat was the original site of Manikarnika Ghat and the Gauri Kunda on the ghat steps is referred to as “Adi Manikarnika.” These riverfront steps are referred to as greatest of the bathing tirthas in Kashi. It finds mention in the Puranas and is believed to be among the oldest ghats in Varanasi.
We started to Prayagraj by cab as we had to visit the MNNIT the next day. It's a journey of 3 - 4 hours by road and the cabwala would charge around 3000-3500 Rs.
n) Sita Samahit Sthal
On the way is the Sita madhi, where Goddess Sita did agnipravesh to prove her purity. When Lord Ram conquered Ravan and killed him he took his wife to Ayodhya. It is said that Lord Rama was made to prove chastity of her wife as she had spent a long time in Lanka, the abode of Ravan, the demon. To maintain public sentiment Lord Rama sent Sita in exile where she stayed in Ashrama of Sage Valmiki where she gave birth to Luv and Kusha.
When Lord Ram performed AshwamedhaYaag to prove his might over other rulers, his horse was captured by Luv and Kusha. When he reached at the place where his horse was tied, he was introduced by Sage Valmiki to his own sons. He was also asked to take Sita as she was pious. It is said that Ram asked Sita to establish her chastity before people of Ayodhya. Since Sita was innocent, she couldn’t bear the humiliation anymore and asked her mother earth to take her with herself. Soon earth erupted and Sita was submerged into it.
The local inhabitants believe that if earthen lamps are lit in the temple for fifteen or thirty days, their wishes are fulfilled. This place also accommodates a Shiva temple and a Hanuman temple with a huge Hanuman statue. The Lotus pond and walls decorated with paintings are added attractions.
Other places that may be visited on the way to Prayagraj from Varanasi are:
1. Vindhyavasini Devi mandir
2. Chitrakoot
3. Ayodhya
Prayagraj
Prayaga means Prakrishta Yaga, that means it is the place where Lord Brahma did a very great Yaga. Hence its name became Prayaga. Prayaga is considered as one of the Sapta mokshapuras. This place is also called as Theertharaj, that means king of all theerthas. Another important point is, this is the place of Triveni Sangamam.
o) Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj), the confluence of three rivers - the Ganges , the Yamuna and a third mythical river the Saraswati (an antarvaahini), A place of religious importance and the site for historic Kumbh Mela held every 12 years. The two rivers maintain their visible identity and can be identified by their different colours. The water of the Ganges is clear, while that of the Yamuna is greenish in colour.
We were taken by a boat over the river Yamuna towards the sangam point. The river Yamuna is calm are steady but as we move ahead, the river Ganga's swiftness can easily be witnessed. The boat waits there while we perform puja, leave coconuts into the waters, and take a holy bathe in the confluence. The waters are only waist deep with sand base underneath. The boat ride is an exciting experience with picturesque background all around. We bargained the ride to a rate of Rs. 1100.
The bank houses 14 temples in a fort built by King Akbar for his Hindu wife, Jodha. Access to this is through boat, but it all closes by 5.
p) Bade Hanuman Mandir
A prominent Hanuman temple near the Triveni Sangam is yet another important shrine. The devotees have access to the top view darshan of a sleeping Hanuman idol.
The offerings to Lord Hanuman are sold in the form of bhog or special sweet "besan ke ladoo" .
Ganga Aarti is performed at the Ram ghat from 630-8.
We dined at El Chico Restaurant and rested overnight at the LIC guest house, Civil lines
Day 2
After a good night's sleep, we visited Motilal Nehru NIT and returned to the room in the afternoon as we were very tired. Our plan was to stay at Prayagraj even the next day, but we had to go back to Varanasi. So, we had a quick darshan of the Madhaveshwari amma
q) Maata Madhaveshwari Shaktipeetth
Prayaga Madhaveshwari is one of the 18 Shaktippethas. She is also called as Alopi mata (the one who disappeared) or Lalita.
After Sati dahana and Dhaksha Yagna destruction, Lord Siva was disturbed mentally and carried Satidevi’s body which Lord Vishnu cut with his SudarshanChakra. Wherever Satidevi’s body part fell, a Shaktipeeth was formed. Prayaga is the last place, where fingers (last part of Sati devi’s body) fell on ground.
Here, there is no idol or symbol. We have to imagine the goddess present on a wooden jhula. Hence the name Alopi.
madhaveshvari mangalye prayagasthalavasini |
triveni sangame tire bhuktimukti pradayini ||
Other PLACES TO visit in Prayagraj
1) Veni Madhav mandir
2) Akshaya Vata vriksha
3) Aanand Bhavan ( Nehru ji's house)
4) Swaraj Bhavan
5) Ashoka pillar
6) Khusro Bagh
7) Allahabad Museum
8) Allahabad Fort
9) Allahabad Planetarium
10) Mankameshwar Mandir
11) All Saints Cathedral
On the way, we had dinner at a dhaba and reached Kashi to sleep along with an old couple (acquaintance who've come for a 9 month stay at Varanasi for Kashi nivaasam) at Challaa house beside Chintamani Ganapati mandir.
Day 3
r) Chintamani Ganapati Mandir
The Chintamani Vinayak temple is near the Kedareshwar temple. The devotees who come to worship the lord have all their wishes fulfilled.
s) Warahi Maata Mandir
Warahi is considered to be one of the Saptha Matas or seven forms of the Divine Mother. She is the Shakti (Power) of Vishnu when He took the form of a Boar (Varaha) to kill the demon Hiranyaksha and save the Earth.
The temple is situated on the Tripura Bhairavi Ghat, and is open only in the early of a day, 5 - 7 A.M. but these days till 9 A.M. The prayers to the Devi are finished before the first rays of the sun and the doors tightly shut. It is said that the Goddess roams around all night taking care of Kashi, so she's given rest all day.
The huge idolof Warahi Amman is in the basement, and the priest goes down the steps to bathe and decorate her. Devotees must however peep through two window holes from above to get a topview darshan of her face and feet.
The temple is situated on the Tripura Bhairavi Ghat, and is open only in the early of a day, 5 - 7 A.M. but these days till 9 A.M. The prayers to the Devi are finished before the first rays of the sun and the doors tightly shut. It is said that the Goddess roams around all night taking care of Kashi, so she's given rest all day.
The huge idolof Warahi Amman is in the basement, and the priest goes down the steps to bathe and decorate her. Devotees must however peep through two window holes from above to get a topview darshan of her face and feet.
t) Bindu Madhav Temple
Situated on the Panchaganga ghat (the rivers Yamuna, Ganga, Saraswathi, Kirana and Dhutpapa flow here), this temple can be reached by road as well as through the river Ganges. We chose a boat ride, as we were told we'll have to walk a long way after being dropped by an auto. The ride costed us 300 bucks and was totally worth it.The temple can be reached after a flight of around 200 steps.
The Deity of Lord Bindu Madhav is very attractive to the mind and the soul. This is a self-manifested shaligrama vigraha. The Deity of Lord Bindu Madhav is a four handed Narayana form holding Panchajanya, Sudarshana, Lotus and Kaumodaki along with Goddess Lalshmi. The Deity is so attractive that just a glance can make you enchanted for lifetime.
During Kartika month, beginning from the Sharad Purnima day to the Karthika Purnima day, mangala-arati happens at 4:00 am followed by the makhan-arati at 4:30 am, shrikhand-arati at 5:00 am and shringar-arati at 6:00 am. Along with these aratis and other sevas, the Sheshashayi Shringar happens on Devotthani Ekadashi after which the Lord wakes up on the Dvadashi that comes after Chaturmasya. On Dvadashi, after Tulsi Vivaha the Deity of Lord Bindu Madhav is taken on a horse ride. On Trayodashi, the Lord is given a Jhulan Seva. The Lord is offered a Vaikuntha Abhisheka at night. On Purnima, Panchamrita abhisheka is done at noon followed by anelephant ride and offering of 56 delicacies. At 6:00 pm, the Utsava Vigraha of Lord Bindu Madhav is taken on a pallaki ride throughout Varanasi City and the festival ends with a mesmerizing display of fireworks.
During the Karthika Month, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is also one among the prominent festivals which marks the event of Lord Vishnu donating Kashi to Lord Shiva. In celebrations, Lord Vishnu offers Bilva leaves to Lord Vishwanath and Lord Vishwanath offers tulasi leaves to Lord Bindu Madhav.
bindumaadhava ityaakha-sam trailokya vishruta |
kaashyam bhavashyati mune, mahaapaapau dadhaatini ||
kaashyam bhavashyati mune, mahaapaapau dadhaatini ||
u) Tailang Swami Temple
In the opposite street to Bindu Madhav swami temple is Swami Telang Matth. A great Hindu Yogi famous for his divine powers and regarded as a renowned stature of the Bengal, is believed that Trailanga Swami was incarnation of the Lord Shiva and referred as the “The walking Lord Shiva of Varanasi”. There are many stories behind him about his spiritual and yogic powers. He lived a long life around 300 years and resided in Varanasi approximately 150 years.
v) Shri Kanchi Kaamakoteshwar Mandir
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankaracharya Mattham at Varanasi is located at Hanuman Ghat. On special occasions when Ganga Snaan is performed by pilgrims, TriDevi Darshan is arranged wherein the devotees can have darshan of the deities of Sri Kanchi Kamakshi, Sri Madurai Meenakshi and Sri Kasi Visalakshi at the Mathtam.
w) Pushpadanteshwar Mandir
An ancient temple established by a gandharva and a great Shiva bhakta by the name Pushpadanta. The Hindu mythology refers to Pushpadanta as he steals flowers from a royal garden to worship Shiva, but accidentally steps on bilva leaves, but is forgiven by the lord and the king for his great shloka "Mahimnastava". His pride for the composition of the shloka is also lowered by the lord.
x) Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedha Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat located close to Vishwanath Temple and is the most spectacular ghat. The Hindu legend associated with the ghat is that, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva and also he sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.
Ganga Aarti is held daily at dusk for about 45 minutes, starting after sunset. In Summers, the Aarti begins at about 7 P.M. and in Winters, it starts at around 6 P.M. Thousands of people gather at the ghat every evening to watch the event. Several priests perform this ritual by holding a variety of lamps and moving them to the rhythmic tune of bhajans. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is not very heavily crowded as the Aarti is also performed on other ghats these days. Also, the devotees witness the Aarti from over the boats parked at the hem of the river. The Aarti is thus performed on a platform surrounded on all sides by devotees swaying to the tune of the bhajans.
Other places to visit in Varanasi
1) The Manikarnikeshwara Temple
2) Ekadanta ganesh temple3) Vyas Kashi (on the other side of the river with an ashram and great ambience)
4) Sarnath (Buddhist stupas)
5) Sakshi Vinayak Temple
A short trip is never really sufficient to visit the city with a temple at every doorstep and at least one important shrine in each street, Varanasi is one such place in the world where once visited is hardly a qualification. People including foreigners plan a considerably long stay here. Indians especially plan to live here for 9 months (or at least 9 days) to get rid of the sin of growing up in mother's womb before being delivered into the world.
