BOAT TOUR AT DAWN AND DUSK
Ganga, Descending from the snow clad Himalayan Mountain the abode of Lord Shiva,
flows to Bay of Bengal. The 1400 miles long river sustains the life
and living of the majority of North Indians Hindus have personified Ganga
as Mother, the subjective feelings of the believers are that the river
purifies the individual to attain "Mokhsha" salvation from the
cycle of birth and death.At the crack of dawn when Sun rises, a new
day begins, thousands of pilgrims and locals negotiate the steps
(Ghats) to have a Holy dip and perform the rituals.The Ghats are
dotted with temples monastries, palaces and pilgrims rest
houses.The Tour begins at Dawn from Assi Ghat with a visit to Jagarnath Temple.
(1) Embark at Assi - Row upto Chet Singh Ghat to disembark to see the historical
sites, temples, abode of ascetics etc.
(2) Embark again - passing through Harischandra, Narad, Kedar Ghat
- disembark at Raja Ghat, an 18th Century Haveli used for feeding the Brahmin
Scholars. From the Roof Top have a panaromic
view of the crescent shaped Ganga.Embark again to move
towards Dashashwamedh Ghat dotted with many temples and shrines, mythological stories
and legends are connected with this place from times immemorial. Walk around
to observe, feel the of religious fervor. See the Jai Singh observatory
at Man Mandir Ghat. Nearby is the house of Dom Raja, the
Uncrowned King of Manikanika Ghat (Cremation Ghat)Back to Hotel. At Dusk getting
off at Godholia - Passing through Bazar, seeing Vishwanath Temple embark
at Dashashwamedh Ghat and proceed towards Manikanica eventually culminating
at Cremation Ghat and see the rituals from a respectable distance. Embark again
to proceed towards Panch Ganga Ghat getting off to see the
Bindu Mahadev Temple, the Mosque and walk around the area for a while to see
an old School of Sanskrit learning before embarking on the boat to proceed
at the northern end of the city - Disembark to see Ravi Das /
Aadi Keshav Temples.
MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
TOUR
Varanasi city itself is a museum, the oldest living city has various
historic and archeological site.
Sarnath, 10 Km from the city where Lord Budha preached his first sermon to the five
disciples preaching the middle fold path to "Nirvana". The sacredness of the place
made great Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd cent BC build monastery, stupas, raised columns.
Many kings and kingdoms contributed during various times to add glory to the place.
The details of this monastery are found in the writings of the Chinese travellers
Huen Sang some 1500 years back. The monastery town was destroyed in 1194.
A. Sarnath museum houses sculptures of Buddhist and non Buddhist period. The
3rd cent BC lion capital is adopted as national emblem of India, 1st cent
AD Bodhi Satwa image from Mathura and the 5th cent AD preaching postures Budha are
the marvels of Indian sculptures. The place has a Jain temple dedicated to its Tirthankar
Shrais Nath. The Maha Bodhi Society temple with the scenes from the life of Buddha
painted on the walls, also preserved the holy relics of the Lord. Nearby is the
tree, a branch of the Bodhi tree from the original located at Bodh Gaya under which
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
B. Bharat Mata Temple is not religious temple. It is dedicated to the Mother
land built during the freedom movement. Properly scaled relief map of India made
in marble gives a good idea of the topography of India and its neighboring countries.
C. Bharat Kala Bhawan is situated on the campus of the Banaras Hindu University.
D. Ram Nagar : Across the river Ganges the fort of Maharaja of Banaras has
a museum with ivory palanquins, Howdas, armory and an unique astronomical clock
besides photographic exhibition of the famous Ram Lila.
E. Man Mandir Observatory : Located at Manmandir Ghat, the Observatory was
built by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur in the 16th cent.
SPIRITUAL RELIGIOUS &
MYSTIQUE TOUR OF BANARAS
(Those in search of Spiritual, religious and mystique experience can
have a half day tour in the evening starting from Batuk Bhairav (dedicated to Bhairav,
another manifestation of Shiva) located near Kamachha, and proceed towards
Mumukcha Bhawan and aboard of ascetics and Mata Anand Mayi Divine Mothers's
Ashram, imbark on a boat at Tulsi Ghat to proceed to Dasaswamedh Ghat
and see the evening Aarti and finally walk back through the bazaars to the
hotel.)
ASTROLOGY AND PANCHANG STUDY
(Visit to an astrologer's home not only for palm reading but to
know how they can prepare the astrological chart,
panchang- the calender of the year of religious events, movement of
planets, auspicious and inauspicious days and time of the
day for starting a new business or new house building, undertaking
a journey or social functions or spouse compatibility. The
astrologers are scattered all over town and some reputed ones are in Saraswati Phatak
and Mir ghat area. The visit is by appointment only.)
YOGA AND MEDITATION
("Yoga" the English equivalent word of which is "YOKE", to join
or unite. Yoga is not only a physical exercise
but a philosophy to keep the body in good shape. Along with
it goes meditation practiced for peace of the mind. Lecture,
demonstration and practice etc. can be arranged
by appointment.)
TRADITIONAL LEARNING (GURU SHISHYA
PARAMPARA)
(Varanasi has been a seat of learning from times immemorial. The
traditional knowledge is imparted by GURUS in their homes
and in some schools. Knowledge of religion and
Sanskrit, music and physical culture is imparted to the
deciples called "shishyas". A visit to Sanf Ved Vidyalaya at Ram Ghat, traditional
school in Kangan Mal Haveli at Panchganga Ghat,
and at musicians homes by appointment as well as Kon Bhatt
Akhara at Bibihatia and Jai Bharat Vyamshala where
young men practice wrestling and traditional acrobatics, is highly recommended.)
HISTORICAL TOUR OF BANARAS
Kashi, the luminous city's history, can not be dated. The religious
literature, legends and traditions lead us to believe the existence of habitat to
almost two thousand BC. The archeological sites excavated at Rajaghat and Sarnath
have given us sculptures, artifacts from 3rd cent BC till end of 12th cent AD when
these places were destroyed by invaders.
A full day tour with break for lunch or two half day tours will give the visitor
an opportunity to see the historical and acrhelogical sites that abound the oldest
living city.
Begin the tour at
A. NAG KUAN :
The place, where on Nagpanchmi day, the snake worship is held, is connected with
Rishi Patanjali the famous Sanskrit grammarian, located at Jaitpura (3rd BC).
B. RAJGHAT : Excavated ruins of the old fort, the old
location of the city is the present day Krishnamurti foundation and where all India
Congress Committee session was held in 1905 (1st BC).
C. CHAITANYA VAT : The site is famous for Chaitanya Maha Prabhu's
(incarnation of Lord Krishna) arrival at Varanasi. Located near Visheshwarganj 915th
AD).
D. SARNATH :
Lord Budha preached his first sermon and founded the order of the monk. The ruins
consist of stupas, vihars and temples. The place has an archelogical Survey
of India Museaum (5th Century BC).
E. GHATS OF VARANASI
(18th century BC) : Dotted with temples, shrines and havelis, Dasaswamedh,
Manikarnika, Panchganga, Tulsi, Chet Singh, Man Mandir observatory etc. (from 17th
to 19th Century BC).
F. BIRTH PLACE OF RANI LAXMIBAI
AT BHADAINI : Warrior queen of
Jhansi was born here (19th century BC).
G. CANTONMENT : British bureaucracy and the military were
stationed here. There are few old churches and colonial buildings as well. The site
is connected with archeological evidences, legends and special events (18th century
AD).
FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF TRADITIONAL
MUSIC OF ANCIENT BANARAS.
(Indian Music is of divine origin, sound communicates with
the cosmic soul. Varanasi as a seat of learning has rich
traditions of music. Most of the top artists of India are either
born or educated in this city. In the above tour, a visit to modern
music college at the University Campus and visit to a musician's home
by appointment can be arranged with prior reservation)
ANCIENT & REVERRED TEMPLES
Varanasi (Kashi) the oldest living and most venerated
city for the Hindus has countless temples dedicated to all the
Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Many were raised to the
ground from 1194 by sucessive muslim rulers and
intolerent Mughal mperors.The undying spirit of the Hindus saw
to it that the emples were rebuilt, whenever an opportune time came.The
faith of the believers, the traditional rituals are a sight to Behold.
The Temple Tour can begin any time with a break to conclude in
the evening.
(A) Bara Ganesh (the Remover of Obstacles) at Lohatia near Maidagin.
(B) Maha Mrityunjaya ( Shiva the Conqueror of Death) at
Dara Nagar.
(C) Kal Bhairava (Another form of Shiva) near Bishesharganj.
(D) Kashi Vishwanath (Shiva the Lord of Universe) in Vishwanath
Gali.
(E) Ma Annapoorna ( Mother Provider of Food) at Vishwanath Gali.
(F) Ma Durga ( Goddess of Strength - Consort of Shiva) at Durga Kund.
(G) Sankat Mochan (Hanuman the Monkey Lieutenant of Lord
Rama near Lanka.
(H) Batuk Bhairava & Kamakhya Devi( Form of Shiva & Goddess) near Kammacha.
(I) Aadi Keshav (Temple dedicated to Vishnu destroyed in 1194, rebuilt
in the 18th Century located at Rajghat.
Temples are generally open from 5.00 Hours to 23.30 Hours
Aartis are held between 4.30 to 5.30, 12.30 to 13.30, 18.30 to 19.30 and 21.30 to
22.30.
( PLEASE RECHECK THE TIMINGS)
SOCIAL SERVICE
IN ACTION
Religious City attracts disabled , poor and self
seeker sadhus who live by charity. Charity being a virtue pilgrims give
alms individually but in recent times organised social services
are getting momentum. SOS Village, Lepers Service Centre, Schools for blind and
hearing impaired and Cow Protection Shelter
at Rameshwaram are some of the main institutions
doing social ces are worth a visit.
MUSICAL TRADITION
The sound produced by the vocalist
and instrumentalist are meant to communicate with the Cosmic Sound
- Nadam - Brahma. Most of the top artists of classical
music were either born or educated in this city. A visit to
these musicians' home for demonstration
and interaction can be arranged by appointment One can visit
the Music College situated in the University Campus
of Banaras Hindu University.
PANCHKOSHI
YATRA
Pilgrimage or Yatra is of prime importance in Hindu Religion.
The tradition of Yatra is as old as Religion itself.In
Varanasi "Panchkosi"( 25 k.m.) outer circle of Varanasi is circumbulated
in 4 or 5 days time at a certain period of the Year. Pilgrims
take the vow (Sankalp) and first take bath in the
Ganges at Manikanica after visiting Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath
Temple take a boat to reach Nagwa Ghat, then
proceed to Kardameshwar, Rameshwaka Bhim Chandi
and finally Kapildhara Temples. The Walking Yatra is done
in 4 or 5 days stopping overnight at four spots then finally come back to
the starting Point at Manikanika by boat. The entire route is dotted
with 108 sites with shrines of Ganesh, Bhairava, Goddesses and
Shiva Temples.A tour by Car and Boat with some walking can be done in 4 to
6 hrs.
CHAR DHAM
Varanasi has assimilated entire India and Hinduism into her
lap. All the reverred and recommended pilgrimage Centres of India are located
here. One May do all the possible pilgrimage by taking this Yatra to
the Holy spots.
DHAMS
(1) Badrinath-Near Trilochan Ghat and Kedar Temple. (Original
location- Foothills of Himalayas.
(2) Rameshwar - at the Panchokoshi site also near Man Mandir-original
location- South India.
(3) Dwarka - (Sankho Dhara) original location Western India in
Gujarat.
(4) Puri - Near Assi Ghat Jaganath Temple. originally location
East Coast in Orissa.
SEVEN PURIS
(1) Ayodhya - Rama Pura Laxman Pura and Rama's birth place
Sri Nagar Colony Kund.
(2) Mathura - Lord Krishna's birth place near Agra - Hare _____ Kund
area is regarded as Mathura.
(3) Haridwar - City on the foothills of Himalaya is located here at Assi Ghat.
(4) Kanchi of South India is located here in Panchganga Ghat.
(5) Ujjain - In Central India. is
located here near Bisheshwarganj and Dara Nagar with
Maha Mrityunjay Shiva Temple.
(6) Dwarika - is in Sankho Dhara - Baijnath Temple originally at West Coast
Gujarat.
The Thirthas are:
(1) Prayag at Prayag Ghat Panchganga
(2) Pashupatinath - Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat
(3) Kurukshetra - Near Delhi where famous Mahabharat Battle was fought.
(4) Mansarovar - Near Narad Ghat- Originally in Mount Kailash.
NAV DURGA
In Oct-Nov and in Feb-March, Nine forms of Shakti
(Durga) is worshipped for nine days known as Nav Ratri (Nine Nights)
They are:
(1) Shaila Putri - Near old Rly Station
(2) Brahmacharini - Near Durga Ghat
(3) Chitraghanta - Lakhi Chautra
(4) Durga - Durga Kund
(5) Bageshwari - Jaitpura
(6) Skand Mata(Katyani)
(7) Kalratri
(8) Maha Gauri (Annapurna) also Sanktha
Mata
(9) Sidh Mata
EXCURSIONS :
Ram Nagar Fort : 18 Kilometers from Varanasi on the banks
of river Ganges. It houses a museum of
royal collections of Vintage Cars, Palanquins, armory works
of ivory and other antique. Chunar Fort : 40 kilometers from Varanasi on the banks
of river Ganges. Main attractions Sun Clock and a huge well besides
being of tremendous historical importance. The fort offers a splendid view
of river Ganges. Vindhyachal : 75 Kilometers from Varanasi. One of the Shaktipeeths.
Vindyavasini Devi Temple, Ashthbhuja and Kalikhoh
are the major attractions. Rajdari & Deodari Falls : 80 kilometers from Varanasi.
Scenic falls.
CHUNAR (37 K.M.)
(Part of the countryside tour)
The historic fort overlooking the Ganges witnessed
struggle between the Afgan and Mughal Rulers. It was captured by Akbar in
1575.Chunar is also connected with the
Vaishnava Saint Ballabhacharya.A day trip to
Chunar with a stop at Ram Nagar to see the Fort of Maharaja of
Banares , museum with old Howadas, palanguins, armouries, astronomical
clock and photographic exhibits of the famous Ramlila is worth visiting.
JAUNPUR(Part
of the countryside tour)
This City founded by Feroz Tughlak in 1369 was once the capital of Sharki
Kingdom stretching from Western U.P. to Bihar. Jaunpur has the
credit of being an important centre for culture and learning.
The famous stone bridge built by Mughal Emperor Akbar and some
tombs and mosques have beautiful architecture. The famous
Atala Mosque was once a temple.Tour begins in the morning and back in the
evening. Advised to carry lunch boxes and mineral water.
Local attractions, events, and activities include:
Local attractions : River Ganges, Vishwanath Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Bharat MataTemple,
Durga Temple, Bharat Kala Bhawan at BHU, Banaras Hindu University
and Sarnath - Lord Buddha preached his first sermon and founded the order
of the monk. The ruins consist of stupas, viharas and temples. The place has
an archaelogical Survey of India Museum (5th Century B.C).
VISIT TO BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
(This is perhaps the largest residential University in Asia housed in an area
of approximately 2000 acres gifted by the former Maharaja (King)
of Varanasi, a scholar of Hindu Philoscopy and Sanskrit, founded
by Pt.Madan Mohan Malviya.)
THE ABOVE TOUR HAS TO BE BOOKED AT LEAST 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE
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