Varanasi City : Most Ancient City In The World

Varanasi, perhaps as ancient as the Indian civilization itself, is one of the world's oldest cities, over 3,000 years old. It is considered by Indians to be a holy city, and is the most revered pilgrimage spot in India. The Ganga River is a central part of this city, and it is felt that one dip in the holy Ganga will purify and wash away all mortal sins. Most Hindus believe that if one is graced to die and/or be cremated in Varanasi, they will attain liberation. So there are many burning ghaats (pyres) found along the banks of the river itself. After a body is burnt, the ashes are put in little leaf boats, or simply thrown into the holy Ganga River.

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Sarnath -Place Of Lord BUDDHA

Sarnath is a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

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Ghats Of Varanasi

Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of River Ganga. The city has nearly 100 ghats.Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while a few are used exclusively as cremation sites. Most Varanasi ghats were built after 1700 AD, when the city was part of Maratha Empire. The patrons of current ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. Morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.

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