Vibhu's Vibes: March 2009

There is certainly no place in the whole world that can boast of such a beautiful mixture of spiritualism and a materialistic world such as Varanasi also known as Kashi. The place is as old as history goes. If legends are to be believed this city was founded by Lord Shiva 5000 years ago, and if history or so called scientific history is to be believed this city is atleast 3000 years old. I would like to quote a famous American writer Mark Twain here, he wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

The Beautiful Morning at Ganges (Ganga), Varanasi 2009.

During my recent visit to the city I was truly overwhelmed by the spiritual feeling the city holds. Mornings in Varanasi are the most beautiful ones, and I am sure no one who has been to Varanasi would disagree. Its a city of temples. you just can't count them. The city has a beautiful religious history. Some of the credit can be given to Ganga river, the most important and respected river in SANATAN DHARMA or popularly known as HINDUISM, the river is so much respected that everyday in the evening a special prayer event takes place.Varanasi has narrow winding lanes that remind you of community living in ancient India and to westerners or Europeans it would remind one of lanes in Spain.

Reconnecting Spiritualism in Varanasi...

Sadhu (Sage) From Varanasi...

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that bathing in the river Ganga causes the remission of sins and facilitates the attainment of salvation or nirvana. People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganga at Varanasi. Some of these sacred places, located on the Ganga, are Varanasi, Haridwar and Prayag (Allahabad).The mouth of River Ganga forms a vast delta, the Sundarban delta (the largest delta in the world).
B.H.U- It is not just spiritualism but also culture and progress of Varanasi worth mentioning here. Banaras Hindu University is one of the top three residential universities in the world.The Banaras Hindu University has a sprawling campus, spanning across 1300 acres. It has well maintained roads (crossing each other at right angle), extensive greenery, a temple, an airstrip and buildings, which are an architectural delight. There is another campus of the Banaras Hindu University at Barkachha, in Mirzapur district, covering an area of 2700 acres.

The BHU comprises of 3 Institutes, 14 Faculties, 124 Departments, 4 Interdisciplinary Centers and 3 Constituent Schools, teaching a vast range of subjects pertaining to all branches of humanities, social sciences, science, technology, medicine, fine arts and performing arts. Banaras Hindu University also has 6 centers of advanced studies, 10 Departments under Special Assistance Programme and a large number of specialized Research Centers. There are four Degree Colleges in Varanasi that are affiliated to the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University consists of about 15000 students, coming from to all streams of life, castes, religions and races. It has about 2000 teachers and nearly 5000 non-teaching staff. Another important feature of the BHU is the number of foreign students. A large number of students come from the U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc.
HANDICRAFTS : Varanasi has hailed as a leading center for some of the finest Indian handicrafts. The most renowned craft of Varanasi city is silk weaving. Banarasi Sarees', produced by local craftsman are among the most preferred, not only in India but also all over the world. Besides the famous Benarasi Sari, brassware, copperware, ivory work, glass bangles, wood, stone and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other crafts Varanasi city is famous for. Among the other shopping attractions of Varanasi and surrounding areas are the Bhadohi Carpets and musical instruments.

People Love Shopping for handicrafts in Banaras.

My Visit to Varanasi became an unforgettable journey ..thanks to God's such a beautiful creation.... Below are some pictures of Gangaji's Aarti which is truly an exhilarating experience.....