Varanasi Where Hindus Attain Salvation

The Ganges emerges from the towering heights of the Himalayas in Northern India. From the Northern Heights it descends to the plains and eventually submerges with the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It is not only a spectacle of countries turbulent geography but also a wonder that knits humanity closely all through its travel.

Considered as the holiest river in India the shores are major pilgrimage centers. Hindus worship many rivers as Mother Goddess but the Ganges attains the highest status.

The confluence of the holy river is at Devprayag where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers intermingle. At more than 12000 MSL Gaumukh and Khatling Glaciers are the origins of these rivers. At Devaprayag the confluence creates the Ganges which flows down nurturing many cities and settlements. Some of the popular places on the banks of this river are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Farkkubad, Kannauj, Kanpur, Kolkata, Allahabad, and Varanasi. The last two are very important as pilgrimage centers while the former two top as long-distance pilgrimage venues.     

The stepped embankment at Ghats of Varanasi is the place for worship. Numerous Sadhus or holy men perform rites and rituals for visiting pilgrims. Bathing at the Ganges is considered a pious act of extreme importance among the Hindus. 

Worshiping of deceased elders is also an important Hindu ritual. The prayers are performed by the holy men mostly Brahmins. Along with rituals a vast variety of hymns, songs and prayers are performed on the ghats.  

Holy Dip

The most important bath of one's life takes place at Ganga Banks. This absolves one of past sins and misdeeds. The bath is performed on many occasions as per the Hindu Calendar. Pilgrims come from far and wide to perform this important ritual. The holy dip has greater significance on many occasions.     

Maha Aarti 

This is an important event after a prayer/bhajan session that takes place in the evening. A group of pujaris performs this mass prayer. The session is scheduled for the evening. The prayers are performed using fire in a metal container or plate of copper or brass etc. The fire is created using clarified butter on a thick wick supported by kneaded flour.  This is a Vedic fire ritual called homa. This is an ode to Lord using the elements of fire, water, air, earth, and ether.

A large number of people partake in Maha Aarti and processions. For tourists, this is an interesting event worthy of being described as a spectacle. 

To die at the Ganges is considered a sacred event that takes one right to heaven. This belief is based on the fact that the Ganges descended unto the earth from heaven. Hence to meet one's end and be cremated here means ascent to heaven.

The Ganges transgresses netherland, heaven, and earth, hence she is trilok path gamini or one who travels betwixt three worlds.

Instant salvation is attained whence a deceased is cremated at the Ganges else on can also attain by having his ashes immersed in the holy river. For the pious, all roads lead to Ganga. Throughout its journey to the Indian Ocean, its is a sight of deep fascination and reverence. Its landscape holds many geological wonders especially the mangroves bordering Bangladesh before its final deep. In between ins journey, it creates one of the finest river systems giving birth to diverse ecosystems that support myriads of life forms.   

Varanasi a sacred town of Hindus is renowned for its temples which are spread all over the city more so at its ghats.

It is situated in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh in the North.

Temples

Some of the popular temples of the city are:

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
• Kashi Mandir
• Bharat Mata Temple
• Durga Temple
• Tulsi Manas Temple 
• Kala Bhairav Temple
• Mrituyanjaya Mahadeva Temple

Ghats

Ghats or stepped embankments are a special feature of this holy city. They are situated all over the rivers around Varanasi. The Marathas were the most prominent rulers to build ghats and temples in and around the city. They are usually of two types: for bathing and for cremation. There are eighty-four such stepped embankments here.

Some of the important ghats are:  

• Harish Chandra Ghat (Cremation)
• Manikarnika (Cremation
• Dasaswahwamedh Ghat
• Scindia Ghat
• Man Mandir Ghat 
• Lalita Ghat

Varanasi is rich in architectural splendor with numerous temples, palaces, and forts. The ancient cradle of civilization holds forth unto modern symbols as well.  The city has many palatial hotels, malls, cinemas, and restaurants to compete with the modern world.  

Apart from pilgrims who arrive here in large number many people interested in sightseeing also visit the city. Of these impressive numbers arrive from foreign countries. The interaction with foreign tourists often takes place with the holy men at ghats and the city. These are the hub of activities that captivate with intrigue and absolute fascination.

The tourists at Varanasi Holy City are on spiritual quests for inner peace. This they do by listening to a discourse by Hindu saints, learning meditation and yoga, taking part in prayers and rites and rituals. Apart from seeking inner peace the tourists also come to understand the complexities of ancient Hindu Religion and Vedas the scientific texts which originated more than five thousand years back...

In order to visit the holy city, you can join a package tour organized by a tour operator in India.