Can you capture death in its darkest frame and life in its brightest frame? You certainly can in Varanasi. Being one of the holiest and oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is filled with colors, myths, fun, food, knowledge, peace, and much more. Quite a heterogeneous mix, isn't it? Let us explore some of the most interesting facts about Varanasi!
This temple of Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is the most visited in Varanasi. It has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 5 times in the history of its existence. It was last rebuilt in 1780 by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. The temple, today, shares its walls with the Gyanvapi Mosque. It was later built by Aurangzeb after destroying the temple during the Mughal invasion.
2. Number of Ghats
The city has more than 80 ghats, the most famous of which are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, Scindia Ghat, and Assi Ghat. These ghats are used for both ceremonial and domestic purposes. Some ghats are exclusively for cremation.
3. Bhang Lassi
Varanasi is famous for Bhang (Bhang). Apart from the famous thandai, bhang pakoras and laddoos; Bhang Lassi is a growing attraction in the city. It is a delicious dish and it is legal, at least in Varanasi it is.
4. Banarasi Paan
It's all in the fold, they say. You will find Banarasi Paan almost anywhere in India. But the real taste can be found only in its native place Varanasi.
5. Sheshana's Well
Are you a fan of myths and fantasy stories? There is a well in Jaitpura area of Varanasi-the home of Karkotak Nageshwar Shivling—that is taken out every year on the eve of Nag Panchami. It is believed that at the bottom of the well is the 'gate of hell' guarded by serpents. Yes.
6. Frog Marriage
Frogs are married at Ashwamedh Ghat every year during the monsoon season to please the rain gods.
7. Birthplace of Famous Musicians
The great sitar player- Pandit Ravi Shankar, the shehnai player- Ustad Bismillah Khan, the queen of thumri- Girija Devi (in the image), was born land.
I've never been to Varanasi, but somehow those streets and those ghats look very familiar. Every crack in the stone steps of the ghat feels like an etching of the cuckoo-cuckoo experiences in my dreams. A major comeback of Euphoria's iconic song Dhoom Pichak Dhoom was shot in the picturesque ghats and streets of Varanasi (and this counts as one of the many interesting facts about Varanasi)!
What do you feel about Varanasi? Do you know some more interesting facts about Varanasi? Let me know in the comments section!