Varanasi - Spiritual heart of India
- Aj
- Mar 17
- 7 min read
You know that feeling when something's just... missing? Despite having everything, there's still this weird empty space inside that just won't go away? A sense of being aloof, disconnected from the world.
This city in India is basically a magnet for people feeling exactly like that. Welcome to Varanasi.
Varanasi is a place that connects you with the Divine, strengthens you spiritually, rejuvenates your soul, and makes you capable of facing the challenges life has for you.
The funny thing is, nobody actually goes to Varanasi by accident. Something pulls you there. Be it dealing with anxiety, overcoming your loneliness, or just your curiosity to deep dive into the culture, peace and sanctity surrounding that place.
You should see the sunrise here – it's like nature's greatest show, happening every single morning over the Ganges River. Picture this: you're sitting on these ancient steps (they call them ghats), probably nursing a cup of chai, watching these tiny candles float down the river while temple bells ring in the distance. Indeed, the sight is pretty magical.
And those yogis and mystics you'll meet? They're not what you'd expect. Some of them have smartphones and YouTube channels with which they preach. They might tell you to stop trying so hard to find yourself and just... be.
People have been coming to these same streets and riverbanks, asking these same big life questions for thousands of years.
Sometimes, you need to travel halfway across the world to realise it's not really a void.
Story behind this Ancient City
Picture this, you're standing on ancient steps leading to the Ganges River. The morning sun's doing its daily light shows bells ring from temples that have seen more drama than all seasons of your favourite reality TV combined. Welcome to Varanasi, where every stone has a story; even the air feels like it's whispering secrets from centuries ago.
Let's talk about the origin story. Legend has it that Lord Shiva (the ultimate cosmic influencer) had this massive fallout with Brahma, the creator of the universe. He dropped one of Brahma's heads right where Varanasi now stands.
Fast forward through a few thousand years during Buddha's time. Chinese travellers would make the ultimate pilgrimage here and write home about temples on every corner and monks dropping wisdom.
During the medieval period, poets like Kabir mixed spiritual truth with social commentary, preaching philosophy with more enlightenment. Then came the Mughals, doing their whole empire thing, followed by the British, who were like, "Nice city you've got here, maybe add some roads?"
Today's Varanasi is a beautiful blend of ancient and modern times. You'll see holy men checking their phones between blessings, ancient rituals happening next to Instagram photoshoots, and wisdom being passed down between bites of the best street food you'll ever taste. The approach to philosophy might have changed, but the essence remains the same. Beware of the monkeys there who've mastered the art of snack-snatching.
The morning prayers, the evening ceremonies, and the constant hum of spiritual energy, which is real and raw, are what capture the soul and are surprisingly relevant to our modern lives.
Facing an existential crisis or just needing a break from your regular programming, Varanasi's got you covered. Just remember to pack light.
P.S. Don't forget comfortable shoes. Enlightenment is a journey, and in Varanasi, it involves a lot of walking!
Things About Varanasi
Varanasi is said to be the most authentic, genuine city and definitely has the upper hand over other cities with regard to its enriching experience. It's a cool, slightly eccentric one who has the best stories and doesn't care what anyone thinks. That's Varanasi for you!
A City of Many Names
First off, this city's got more names – Kashi, Banaras, Varanasi – take your pick! It's like that friend who goes by different nicknames in different friend groups. "Varanasi" comes from two rivers doing a meet-Varuna and Assi.
The Ultimate Hall of Fame
Do you know how every small town claims that some famous person was born there? Varanasi, too, has been home to some famous people. We're talking about people who were not only famous but have created history with their works here:
Kabirdas: A well-known Indian mystic poet and saint whose verses can be found in Guru Granth Sahib (Scripture of Sikhs).
Munshi Premchand- An Indian writer famous for his modern Hindustani literature.
Ustad Bismillah Khan- An Indian classical music artist who popularised shehnai, a reeded woodwind instrument.
Planetary Influence by the Divine Power
Varanasi is said to be the first place on Earth to catch some rays. That is the original sunrise spot! Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism who creates, protects and transforms the universe, is said to rule over the planets. As the story goes by, Shani (Saturn) had to wait for seven and a half years just to enter the Vishwanath Temple.
The Quirkiest Wedding You'll Ever Attend
Now, here's something that you might find weird to know: when the monsoon's running late, folks here arrange Frog Weddings. It happens at Ashwamedh Ghat, with a proper priest conducting the ceremony.
The Final Check-Out
In true Varanasi style, reflecting on life is unique here. There's literally a "death hotel" called Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan. People believe dying in Varanasi is like hitting the spiritual goal: instant moksha (liberation)!
Temple Visits
With over 23,000 temples, you could visit a different one every day, but it would still not be enough. The city's temples were erected at different times throughout the history of Varanasi by various kings, saints, monasteries, guilds and communities. Each one's got its own style and story, from the grand Kashi Vishwanath to hidden gems in narrow alleys.
Walk by the Ghats
Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the Ganges River. The city has 84 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremonial ghats, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites.
Most of the ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt in the 18th century under the Maratha patronage. The patrons of the current ghats are Maharajas of Benares, Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies, while other ghats have private histories and users. A morning boat ride on the Ganges along the Ghats is a popular visitor attraction.
Some of the ghats are Assi ghat, Ganga Mahal ghat, Dashashwamedh ghat, Lalita ghat, Manikarnika ghat, etc.
Varanasi Music
Music in Varanasi is a tradition linked to the ancient times of the Pauranic legends. Lord Shiva, who is reported to have established this city, was credited with developing music and dance forms. Notable musicians of Varanasi include the iconic sitar player Ravi Shankar, the Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, Sarod maestro Vikash Maharaj and singer Girija Devi. Has joined the global bandwagon of UNESCO "Cities of Music" under the Creative Cities Network.
The local music styles that developed were the Banarasi Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Hori, Bhairavi, Kajri, Tarana, Ghato, and many more. In addition, new forms were created, such as Tirwat, Sadra, Khamsa, Lavni, Chaturang, Sargam, Ragmala, Kirtan, Qauwali, Kathagayan, Bhajan and Ramayan kirtan. Pandit Ram Sahai developed the Benares gharana of the tabla two hundred years ago.
Morning Glory
Drag yourself out of bed for Subah-e-Banaras – a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. It's like the most magnificent feeling with fresh morning air and a magical view of sunrise but with added spiritual benefits. Adding to the magnificence are the morning bells and chants.
A City That Lives in Your Soul
In Varanasi, spirituality dances in the streets, and tradition flows as freely as the sacred Ganges.
Take the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, standing proud in the heart of it all. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara, which means Lord of the Universe.
When festival season hits, Varanasi transforms into something magical. During Dev Deepawali, countless diyas light up the river banks. Maha Shivratri turns the whole city into one massive celebration of faith and culture. It's pure magic, wrapped in marigold garlands and set to the rhythm of temple bells.
Artisans
Our artisans? They're basically magicians. Those famous Banarasi silk sarees aren't just garments; they're stories woven in threads of gold. Each piece of metalwork and wooden toy carries centuries of skill passed down through generations.
What really makes Varanasi special is how it embraces everyone – Hindu festivals flow seamlessly into Muslim celebrations, creating this beautiful tapestry of shared joy. Whether watching the month-long Ramlila or joining the vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations, you'll find yourself part of something bigger than yourself.
So come, let Varanasi surprise you. Just remember – this isn't a city you visit; it's a story you become part of.
When to Visit: Timing Your Adventure
Timing plays an important role when visiting a city like Varanasi. The ideal time to experience this magical place is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the festivals are in full swing.
If you’re into the buzz of the Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years, then make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Kumbh Mela
It is celebrated in a cycle of approximately 12 years (Maha Kumbh Mela) & 6 years (Kumbh Mela) to celebrate every revolution Brihaspati (Jupiter) completes at four riverbank pilgrimage sites: Prayagraj (Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati rivers confluence), Haridwar (Ganges), Nashik (Godavari), and Ujjain (Shipra). A ritual dip in the waters marks the festival, but it is also a celebration of community commerce with numerous fairs, education, religious discourses by saints, mass gatherings of monks, and entertainment. It’s a spectacle like no other!
Winter (November to February): This is the peak season for tourists. Temperatures are around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), making it colder in the mornings and evenings. A light jacket and layers are a must.
Spring (March to April): Temperatures start to rise, ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). This is when the city begins to blossom, and the weather is perfect. You can experience the beautiful colours of spring and enjoy sightseeing!
Summer (May to June): The temperatures start soaring high, and the atmosphere turns hot! Temperatures can soar up to 45°C (113°F), so it's essential to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade. If you visit during this time, early mornings and late evenings are your best friends.
Monsoon (July to September): The rains bring relief but can get humid and wet. Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). While the landscapes are lush, prepare for occasional flooding in some areas.
