VandeMataram
New Member
Banaras, now known as Varanasi is one of the most prominent and important pilgrimage destinations of India, situated on the bank of the Holy River Ganges. This is an ancient city of India, which was found about 5000years ago and was earlier known as Kashi. The city has its reference in the Hindu scriptures, Rig-Veda, Skanda Purana, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The city also has several myths attached to it and it is believed that people who dies in this city goes to heaven. The city is visited everyday by millions of visitors from all over the World and this is not only for its religious importance but also for historical monuments, art, culture and literature. This was one of the most prominent learning center during the olden times. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is a major attraction of the pilgrims. The place houses several bathing ghats on the bank of the river. The Sankat Mochan Music Festival is one of the most coveted music festivals for the music lovers and this festival showcases the various forms of Indian classical music and dance, which attracts people from all over the World. Some of the major tourist attractions include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple, Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Museum, Ramnagar Fort, Gyan Kup, Darbhanga Ghat, Harish Chandra Ghat,Panchganga Ghat, Rana Ghat,Shivala Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat, etc are just to name a few. Banaras Hindu University is another major attraction and scholars from all over the World years to be a part of this prestigious institution.