The Bliss Of Being In Varanasi

A trip to Varanasi—a city steeped in Indian tradition and spirituality—while being enchanting, is also a journey within, says Nandini Hoon

- Nandini Hoon

Varanasi is the link between the earth and the sky as well as birth and death.

The oldest city of India, also known as the gateway to moksha, Varanasi signifies eternity; the cycles of birth and death and the life-in-between. Known as the abode of Shiva, Varanasi is the soil where the seeds of spirituality lie in every nook and corner. With Kashi Vishwanath as its centre, it is considered to be the 12th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and the oldest surviving city in the world.

Devotees throng the bylanes of Varanasi to celebrate its age-old heritage and beauty. The narrow lanes and an old heritage fort across the river Ganga showcase its culture. All across the city, are the shops selling traditional Banarasi sarees and carpets.

Apart from Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath is a revered place, from where Lord Buddha first preached on enlightenment. It has an age-old stupa with a maze and strong pillars, with his sermons written over them.

One feels a connection with the Ganga while attending the Ganga Aarti, an event marked by a boat ride over the river, which provides a panoramic view of Varanasi.