Varanasi, often called the City of Lights, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, extending a gracious welcome to the esteemed guests of the Maharajas Express, renowned as the epitome of luxury train travel worldwide. Following a sumptuous breakfast on board, the guests embark on a journey to Sarnath, a mere 10 kilometers away, to explore the ancient ruins and the museum. This sacred site commemorates the very place where Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon. Visitors are captivated by the array of sculptures in the museum, some dating back to the 3rd century. The next segment of the Heritage tour in Varanasi leads to a Silk Weaving Center. Benaras silk, celebrated globally, might enthrall guests with its exquisite sarees threaded with gold and silver, making for an irresistible keepsake. A regal luncheon awaits at the Taj Gateway Hotel, followed by a leisurely stroll through the old city, where guests tread upon stones steeped in millennia of history. Post-lunch, a visit to the banks of the River Ganges unfolds, offering a splendid boat ride that grants glimpses of life along the riverbanks. As evening descends, guests are treated to a visual spectacle - the Evening Aarti. Enriched by these encounters in this ancient city, guests return to the foremost luxury train in the world for a delectable dinner, as the train sets forth towards Lucknow, the subsequent royal destination.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, extending a warm welcome to the esteemed guests of the Maharajas Express, renowned as the world's foremost luxury train. With origins deeply rooted in history, Varanasi holds a sacred place in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is believed to be the very place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the inception of his ministry.
Nestled between the Varuna River to the north and the Asi River to the south, Varanasi's name finds its origins in these flowing waters. While officially recognized as Varanasi today, the city is affectionately referred to as Banaras or Benares by many. Pilgrims, on the other hand, hold the name Kashi dear, as it is an ancient appellation for this sacred abode.
The association of Varanasi with Lord Shiva is of paramount significance. Legend has it that Shiva, along with a host of deities, chose to make Kashi his eternal abode after his marriage to Parvati. This enduring connection between the city and Shiva is woven into the very fabric of time.
Varanasi's cultural and spiritual eminence has earned it comparisons to revered cities like Jerusalem and Mecca. With a history that dates back over ten centuries before the birth of Christ, Varanasi finds mention in ancient scriptures like the 'Vamana Purana,' Buddhist texts, and the epic 'Mahabharata.' The renowned author Mark Twain once expressed, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
The city's significance in Hindu mythology is unparalleled. For the devout Hindu, Varanasi holds a special sanctity. It is considered highly auspicious to breathe one's last here, as it ensures a direct passage to heaven.
Varanasi, with its sprawling ghats along the banks of the sacred Ganga, embodies a way of life that is deeply intertwined with the river. Every day, before the break of dawn, thousands gather on the riverbanks, eagerly awaiting the first light. It is then that they immerse themselves in the holy Ganga, seeking to cleanse their souls of earthly afflictions and wash away their sins.
The ghats also witness the sacred ritual of cremation. Among them, the Manikarnika Ghat, associated with Goddess Parvati, holds the highest reverence. The Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as the paramount shrine in Varanasi, embodying the spiritual essence of the city.
Varanasi, nestled on the western bank of the sacred Ganga, is more than a city; it is an embodiment of sacred light. The Ganga, believed to have descended from the heavens to purify humanity, forms the very essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light.'
Varanasi has forever been intertwined with the river's sacred waters. It is a place where sins are believed to be absolved, where prayers are offered, and where the departed find their final solace. The offerings made to the holy waters vary, ranging from flowers and fruits to lamps and heartfelt prayers.
In this ancient city, wisdom and learning have always held a revered place. The Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya, continues this legacy. Situated to the south of the city, the university campus stands as a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of enlightenment.
Varanasi, with its rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and tradition, beckons travelers and pilgrims alike. Its ancient alleys and bustling ghats bear witness to the timeless flow of life along the sacred Ganga. In Varanasi, the past and the present coalesce, offering a glimpse into eternity and continuity.
Dashashwamedha is Varanasi's most renowned and easily accessible bathing ghat. Here, one can witness rows of pandas seated on wooden platforms shaded by bamboo umbrellas. Masseurs ply their trade, while boatmen actively vie for patrons. Its name, "ten horse sacrifices," is rooted in the elaborate series of rituals Brahma conducted to test King Divodasa. Both Shiva and Parvati were convinced the king's resolve would waver, leading him to leave Kashi. This departure would then pave the way for them to reclaim their city. However, the sacrifices were executed with such immaculate precision that Brahma consecrated the Brahmeshvara lingam at this very spot. Since then, Dashashwamedha has emerged as one of the most revered tirthas on the planet. Here, pilgrims can partake in the immense spiritual offerings simply by immersing themselves in its sacred waters.
Manikarnika Ghat stands as Varanasi's foremost cremation ground. Unlike conventional belief that such grounds should be located on the outskirts of cities, the entire city of Shiva is considered Mahashmashana, the Great Cremation Ground for the universe's final resting place. Here, funeral processions are a constant presence, with the Doms, the guardians of the ghat, diligently assisting those fortunate enough to find their eternal release here. The public cremations have always held a profound fascination for visitors, although photography is strictly prohibited. Even having a camera visible can be interpreted as intent and may elicit hostility.
At the heart of the five tirthas, Manikarnika Ghat encapsulates the concepts of both creation and destruction. This is exemplified by the juxtaposition of the sacred well, Manikarnika Kund, believed to have been dug by Vishnu during the time of creation, and the hot, sandy, ash-laden grounds of the cremation site, where time meets its conclusion. According to Hindu mythology, Manikarnika Kund predates the arrival of the Ganga and traces its source to the depths of the Himalayas. Vishnu, under Shiva's guidance, created the kund using his discus and filled it with the perspiration generated from his efforts in creating the world. This act gave rise to Manikarnika, meaning "Jeweled Earring," marking it as the world's first tirtha. Each year, after the receding floodwaters have left the pool covered in alluvial deposits, the kund is meticulously re-dug. The surroundings are cleansed and adorned with vibrant folk art, portraying the presiding goddess, Manikarnika Devi, inviting pilgrims to bathe and offer worship at its modest Vishnu shrine, as well as at the marble-set paduka (footprint) of Vishnu on the ghat's embankment.
Strictly speaking, Manikarnika encompasses both the kund and the ghat. The ceaselessly active cremation ground is known as Jalasi Ghat, distinguished by a somber, smoke-stained temple constructed by Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore in the eighteenth century.
The grand riverbanks in Varanasi, adorned with pavilions, palaces, temples, and terraces from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, are accompanied by an unbroken succession of stone steps - the ghats - that stretch along the entire waterfront. These ghats undergo a transformation in appearance with the dramatic seasonal changes in the river's water level. Each of the hundred ghats, whether large or small, is distinguished by a lingam and holds its own unique significance in the religious topography of the city. While some have succumbed to the ravages of time, others remain vibrant, hosting early-morning bathers, Brahmin priests conducting puja, and individuals engrossed in meditation and yoga. For Hindus, the Ganges is revered as amrita, the nectar of life, bestowing purity upon the living and salvation upon the departed. However, skeptics from outside often emphasize the pervasive and acute lack of sanitation. As the devout engage in their rituals of bathing and ceremonial cleansing, the waters carry the ashes of the departed, effluents from open drains, and remnants from religious ceremonies.
Situated a mere 10 kilometers from the sacred city of Varanasi, Sarnath exudes an air of profound serenity. For Buddhists around the world, India holds a special place as the land of the Buddha, and a journey to this country is akin to a pilgrimage to the hallowed sites associated with the Enlightened One.
Following his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, the Buddha made his way to Sarnath. It was here, in the Deer Park, that he delivered his inaugural sermon, initiating the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan) in religious parlance.
Sarnath has yielded a bountiful trove of Buddhist sculptures, encompassing numerous images of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Regarded as some of the most exquisite specimens of Buddhist art, these treasures find their abode in the museum adjacent to the site. The antiquities showcased in the museum span from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Among the prized possessions of the museum is the Lion Capital of the Mauryan Pillar, which has been adopted as the National Emblem of India. Additionally, a diverse array of Lord Buddha images depicting various postures, as well as exhibits like Tara, octagonal shafts, and umbrellas, grace the collection.
Revered as the Golden Temple, this sacred site is a tribute to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of the city. According to ancient lore, Varanasi is believed to be the very spot where the first jyotirlinga emerged. This fiery column of light symbolized Shiva's assertion of supremacy over the other gods, piercing through the earth's surface and radiating towards the heavens. Beyond the Ghats and even the Ganga, it is the Shivalinga enshrined in this temple that stands as the central object of devotion in Varanasi.