Banaras in my mind was all about Banarasi silk and benarasi paan (a leaf chewed with areca nut and slaked lime). The other times when I thought about Banaras was when I thought about Dev Anand, the indian Gregory Peck and his movie Banarasi Babu. All other references about the place broguht mixed responses from fellow Indians and foreign visitors. To test the theories, we embarked on a journey to Varanasi, even though we had not made any bookings for travel and lodging.
The weather was clear, forty six degrees, and humid. The other thing we realised was that the journey by road even though 275km from Lucknow to Varanasi is dotted with around 12 railway crossings where might is right is followed. Pedestrians are everywhere, cycles, in the dust track next to the road, cars in the middle, and buses come at you from extreme left even though they should be on the right. Oh I forgot the stray dogs, holy cows and stupid donkeys. To reach the destination on time and in one piece itself is proof that God exists, and especially in the holy city of Varanasi. The first thing that strikes you is the effect of tourism on the place. Large signboards welcome you to the holiest city in India with "Extra chilled beer", something we can live without at least if a person comes on a pilgrimage (which we clearly were not).
Varanasi is the oldest continuously inhabited city in India. It lies on the banks of the river Ganges, considered the holiest of rivers. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime minister of India said, "From her source to the sea, from old times to new, the Ganga is the story of India's civilisation." Varanasi, also known as Kaashi or Benaras was a centre of learning and commerce in ancient times. It is famous for its temples, ghats, traditional gharana of music, weaving, lanes and universities. Varanasi is important to the followers of Hinduism, Janism and Buddhism.
The ghats at the river Ganges
A river of veneration, a sea of pilgrims, a celebration of life and death
A dip in the Ganges at Varanasi is considered to wash away one's sin.
Chaukhandi Stupa where Lord Buddha met his first disciples at Sarnath.
The octagonal structure on top commemorates Humayun's visit.
Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where Lord Budha gave his first sermon.
Buddha from Mulgandha Kuti Vihar.
Thank you very much for sharing these very precious and inspiring shots.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the story but certainly the pictures tells itself...liked these a lot.
So beautiful …
ReplyDeleteGood ideas....Beautiful project, photos....
Your pictures are stimulating, thanks very much for sharing. I hope one day I can take a dip in the Ganges at Varanasi
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