Varanasi, the oldest city was originally named Kashi,
which was derived from the word ‘Kash’, which means to shine.
On my
visit to Varanasi, like a typical explorer, I had a list of places in my mind
and the first thing on my to-do list was to witness the sunrise at Assi
ghat which was luckily within walking distance from my hostel.
Providentially, reached before time and Ah! I sat in astonishment for an hour
on the ghat, just staring at the stunning sunrise woah. Someone has wisely said
that ‘There is always a way and always a hope in the next sunrise,
in the next second, and the next minute’. I felt these lines.
Later in
the day, I went for the darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, which is one
of the twelve Jyotirlingas. I was flabbergasted to feel the
powerful vibrations as I meditated inside the temple, after offering my prayer.
It is rightly said that one must visit this temple at least once in a
lifetime.
Many
renowned spiritual leaders say that those who want to initiate their spiritual
journey shall come to Varanasi. This city is also referred to as the home to
Sadhus. Perhaps, the environment which you seek that helps you get spiritually
inclined plays a significant role. Accordingly, in Varanasi that environment
can be obtained. It is believed that if dead people are cremated at Manikarnika ghat
then the departed soul attains moksha or the pain which is
caused (because of our Karma) at the time of death, also diminishes. On the
banks of the sacred river Ganga, you can witness the cycle of life and death
regularly.
During
my evening stroll in the market of the city, I tasted certain popular
delicacies of Varanasi. As I say I travel for food and experiences, so I ate
one of my favorite Malaiyo, which is also termed as a winter sweet
of Varanasi, as it can be prepared only in the winter season. It is a kind of
sweetened milk foam that just melts in the mouth. Other delightful dishes which
satisfied my craving for a piquant taste were kachori (fried pie with Savory
stuffing) and idli, followed by a few delectable beverages like lassi, thandai,
etc, and last but not least, the world-famous Banarasi paan.
As I was busy eating, I observed as if the
whole city was stepping towards Dasaswamedh Ghat. A long queue of
boats could be seen from the ghat who were gathered to get a glimpse of the Ganga
aarti. It was fascinating to see the faith of people from not only India
but all over the world. One can feel goosebumps when the ghats are packed with
devotees chanting Har Har Mahadev together. Ganga ghats will
always be the mirror reflection that exhibits the cultural and spiritual beauty
of Banaras. The ancient city provides life to the living and salvation to the
dead.
