Varanasi, also referred to as Banaras or Kashi, is more than just an ordinary travel destination. Varanasi is a living, breathing spiritual phenomenon. Pilgrims have been walking the narrow streets of Varanasi for hundreds of years, and it’s believed that every step taken here brings one closer to attaining moksha. A travel guide that focuses and studies the city’s intricacies and details is of utmost importance because of its unique rhythms of the city, most noticeably, the diferent scheduled times for the various rituals that the temples have to offer. Planning to attend a darshan, visiting a ghat at dawn or dusk may or may not be a grand experience.
The city is a place where the visitors displays an endless amount of patience, and underdstanding is equally as important, which is why this guide is designed to provide a spiritual context to the various routes that the temples are set on, and aid in providing a sense of peace to what otherwise could be a chaotic experience.
Why Varanasi Is the Spiritual Heart of India
Varanasi is known as the “eternal city,” and the divine creator of the city and all of the cosmos is believed to be the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Ancient Hindu scriptures tell us that even the ravages of time and destruction cannot erase the city. A Varanasi pilgrimage is a multifaceted journey through devotion and liberation.
The city of Varanasi is built around the sacred Ganges River, known as the Ganga, which is the core and spiritual center of the city. While the banks of the Ganga are the spiritual center of the city, every hour of the day is spiritually significant from the dawn ‘snan’ rituals, which are bathing rituals, to the evening ‘aartis’ which are Hindu ceremonies of worship through a type of ritual offering. Travelers of all socioeconomic and spiritual backgrounds, including priests, householders, and widows, share the ghats, which are the riverbanks where one can most affordably experience democracy from a spiritual perspective.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Timings for Darshan and Rituals
The soul of Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the center of Varanasi. The temple is one of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ or divine manifestations of Shiva and is the primary temple that attracts and justifies the pilgrimage of millions.
Kashi Vishwanath Timings (Subject to Change)
- Mangala Aarti: Before sun rise
- Bhog Aarti: Middle of the day
- Shringar Aarti: night
- Sandhya Aarti: After sunset
The perspective of pilgrims varies based upon which time of day they come to the temple. The early morning is generally calm and most peaceful, while the evening is the most devotional and intense. There are special queues for seniors and pilgrims that are differently abled.
Timings of Ganga Aarti and Ganga Ghats
In total, there are 84 ghats in Varanasi, each with individual functions including prayer, education, and farewell rituals, but when combined, they offer a comprehensive spiritual experience.
Key Ghats to Visit
- Assi Ghat aarti and yoga in the morning
- Dashashwamedh Ghat Primary venue for Ganga Aarti
- Manikarnika Ghat rituals of Moksha
- Harishchandra Ghat cremations
Timings of Ganga Aarti
- Aarti in the morning is done at sunrise
- In the evening it is done after sunset (varies seasonally)
- Preclosure of the ghats, entry of the audience is permitted.
- The best way to ensure a good view of the Aarti is to arrive early, particularly in the busy tourist months.
One Day Itinerary in Varanasi (Focusing on Temples)
If you only have a day in Varanasi, it’s best to center your attention to parts that are more meaningful rather than diffusing your focus.
Morning
- Sunrise at Assi Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan
- Annapurna Devi Temple
Afternoon
- Vishalakshi Temple
- Lunch near Godowlia
- Rest
Evening
- Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Walk along the ghats
- This itinerary focuses on the spiritual and rhythmical darshan rather than the visual.
Two Day Itinerary in Varanasi (Complete Experience)
With two days, Varanasi unfolds slowly and meaningfully.
Day 1
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Kal Bhairav Temple
- Walk through the Ghats and attend the evening aarti
Day 2
- Take a boat ride in the morning
- Visit Sarnath
- Visit the Banaras Hindu University Temple
- Experience the evening calm at Assi Ghat
- This itinerary combines the best between devotion and exploration, while also giving you time to reflect.
When is The Best Time to Visit Varanasi?
When you visit the place is very important.
The Best Months
- Pleasant weather with lots of pilgrims: October to March
- Intensely spiritual with high humidity during the monsoon: July to September
- No crowds but very hot: April to June
- The best time to visit for planning the activities is during the festivals of Mahashivratri, Dev Deepawali, and Kartik Purnima.
Walking around Varanasi and Temple Directions
Walking is the best way to get around Varanasi. Most of the temples are in small streets that you cannot access with a car. A guide can help you understand the order of the rituals and save you time by not backtracking.
Some good areas to walk are
- The Vishwanath Gali
- The Ghats
- The walk between Assi and Dashashwamedh
- Walking shoes and a good attitude will help you enjoy your trip more!
What to Do in Varanasi Besides Darshan
- Take a boat ride on the Ganges
- Listen to classical music near the ghats
- Visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon
- Walk in the evening through the old lanes of Banaras
- These activities emphasize and add to the spiritual experiences gained from the temples.
Practical Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- Traveling with elders? Avoid the peak hours of darshan.
- During temple darshan, keep belongings to a minimum.
- There may be photography restrictions, and these should be respected.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially if it is hot.
Conclusion
Varanasi reveals itself, but it takes time and patience. With a good guide, the confusion can be minimized so the focus can be on the devotion. Varanasi, especially when approached with humility, will change your plans, but more importantly, it will change your inner pace.
Make your Varanasi visit smoother and more spiritual with travel tips from Tirth.com.
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