Varanasi, a.k.a, Kashi and Benaras, is the oldest surviving continuous living settlement in the world. Deeply rooted in antiquity yet amazingly modern in thoughts, this city inspires at every step.
"Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." – Mark Twain
Varanasi screams religion at each and every step you put forth there. Be it Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, or any other faith that exists, nobody feels like an alien in Kashi.
Keep going for some of the best religious places to visit in Varanasi, India.
Assi Ghat …
… is one of the most popular Ghats frequented by tourists in Varanasi. Hindus believe that this is where the saint Tulsidas left for his heavenly abode.
Don’t forget to catch the early morning aarti on the ghat and to take a boat ride in the Ganges.
Dashashwamedh Ghat …
… is the main and most vibrant ghat in Kashi. According to a Hindu legend, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva to Earth.
Ganga Aarti (ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges river) is the famous ritual that takes place on this ghat every dusk, and is a major tourist attraction.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple …
… is located on the western bank of river Ganges, and is one of the holiest Shiva temples in the world.
Many ancient Hindu scriptures mention this temple. A visit to this temple is believed to be one of the many methods leading a person on the path of liberation.
Tulsi Manas Mandir …
… is of historical and cultural importance in Hinduism.
It is believed that the ancient Hindu scripture, Ramcharitmanas, was written by saint Tulsidas in the 16th century on the very spot this temple stands today.
Durga Mandir …
… a.k.a. Durga Kund Mandir, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, a popular form of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.
Built in the 18th century by Bengali Maharani, Rani Bhabani of Natore, this temple is located just 250 meters north of the Tulsi Manas Mandir.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple …
… is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman and was consecrated by the 16th century Hindu saint, Tulsidas.
The temple is located very near to the famous Benaras Hindu University and is visited by thousands of devotees each day.
Nepali Mandir …
… also called Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Varanasi.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was commissioned by King Rana Bahadur Shah of Nepal and is the replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
Dhamekh Stupa …
… is located in Sarnath, just 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi city.
This world-famous Buddhist place of worship marks the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.