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The Statuesque Ramnagar Fort

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Ramnagar Fort was built in Ramnagar, Varanasi in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is a 17th century fort and palace situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. The fort, still impressive in its magnificence despite minor crumbling, has been the ancestral home of the royal Maharajas of Banaras or Kashi Naresh since the 18th century. The Kashi Naresh, or king of Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, is given much honor and respect because he is believed to be an incarnation of the Lord Shiva, the Hindu Supreme God. He is an important part of all religious rituals and also the chief cultural patron. To this day, the fort-palace is used as the residence of the royal family members. The present king who resides in the Fort is Anant Narayan Singh.

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The magnificent Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort was marvelously built by Maharaja Balwant Singh using creamy red Chunar sandstone and precious marble. It was constructed in Munghal-style, using a blend of Islamic and Indian architecture characterized by picturesque pavilions, carved [Read more…]

Spiritualistic Eating and Drinking in Varanasi

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Travelers in search of a gastronomic experience will find eating and drinking in Varanasi a treat. There is a wide variety of local delicacies to feast on, as well as traditional Indian cuisine offered in many food outlets around the Holy City. However, some tourists might find it astonishing to discover that most of Varanasi menus are vegetarian. Unfortunately, despite Varanasi sitting close to the Ganges River, the river is too polluted to provide any freshwater fish to the city. Vegetarians all over the world will then surely rejoice in the varied Vegetarian offerings of Varanasi.

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Delicious malai dessert

The ascetic quality in the Varanasi diet may be in conjunction withthe people’s belief that the gods must be appeased by not allowing the killing of other creatures. According to ancient religious scriptures, in order to have spiritual advancement, one must have the [Read more…]

A Stroll in the Vishwanath Temple

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One of the most revered and holiest places in India is the Vishwanath Temple. Originally built in 1490, the temple is located in the Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh state of India. This temple was said to be one of the 12 temples where the Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Jyotirlingam or “the Lingam of Light”. This is because Varanasi was said to be the center from which the fiery pillar of light broke through when Shiva showed his supremacy over the other gods. Today, this temple is a popular destination among Hindus in pilgrimage and other tourists who are drawn to city’s history.

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Vishwanath Temple

This Golden Temple is cradled near the Dashashwamedh Ghat of the Ganges River. However, getting to the holiest place in the city is quite a physical challenge. Who would have thought that a narrow crowded little alley along Vishwanatha Lane would lead up to one of [Read more…]

The Core of Hindu Philosophy at Banaras Hindu University

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Considered as one of India’s premiere universities, the Banaras Hindu University (commonly known as BHU) is spread over 1,350 acres of land located in Varanasi, India. World-famous and said to be Asia’s biggest residential university, BHU is a public university that boasts a total of over 24,000 enrolled students in campus, consisting of both Indians and foreign students. It is also ranked 3rd according to India Today’s Top 45 Universities as of 2011.

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The Banaras Hindu University

The land it sits on was donated by the hereditary ruler of Banaras of the Kingdom of Kashi, Kashi Naresh. He is deeply revered by the people of Varanasi as a reincarnation of Lord Shiva and the chief cultural patron and a religious leader. [Read more…]

The Famous and Spectacular Dasashwamedh Ghat

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The Dashashwamedh or Dasashwamedh Ghat is found at the cultural and religious city of Varanasi, in the northern part of India. It is the most famous and considered to be the most spectacular main ghat found along the sacred Ganges River. Other famous landmarks located near the ghat is the Jantar Mantar created by the Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur and the Vishwanath Temple.

dashashwamedh ghat, india, varanasi

Dasashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

Dasashwamedh literally means “the riverfront of ten sacrificed horses”, which is related to one of the two Hindu mythologies where Lord Brahma killed ten horses during the Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna for Lord Shiva. Another version of this myth relates that the ghat [Read more…]

Panoramic Adventure while Boating in Varanasi

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Boating in Varanasi or taking boat rides in the holy city is one practical way for travelers to take in the panoramic view of the west bank of the Ganges River. Boating has also become a popular pastime not just with visitors but also with locals. It is also considered to be the highlight of any Varanasi trip that can ultimately show what the city really has to offer.

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Boating around the Ganges River

With ghats and temples that dot the riverbanks of the sacred river, boat rides are the most popular way to get around, especially during sunrise and sunset. Varanasi cruises or boat rides allow a traveler an unimpeded view of the colorful sights of pilgrim bathers [Read more…]

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