The holy city of Varanasi (synthesis of the words bara (12) & assi (80) adding to 92, which are the number of ghats along the Ganges), known as the city of temples and learning, is a place of great historical and cultural importance. This religious capital of India, also fondly called Benaras, is situated on the banks of the holy & deadly polluted river Ganges and is presided over by Lord Shiva, unfortunately amidst filth, sewage & dirt! It is regarded as the heart of India and an epitome of melting pot of cultures, religions and races. The river-front of the city is decorated by hundreds of well built ghats which is a unique feature. The holy Buddhist place, Sarnath is in its precincts . Varanasi is the premiere most place of Oriental learning. Simultaneously it is keeping pace with modern advanced knowledge. It has three universities, a Tibetan Institute and an Institute of Arabic Studies. The city is reputed for silk fabrics, perfumes, artistic brass and copper wares and a variety of handicrafts. It is an important centre of literature, art and culture. It has inspired great poets, writers, musicians and scholars to create masterpieces! This vibrant city of joy, knowledge and liberation has a magnetic attraction for people all over the world, but is sadly in a highly neglected state.
Ancient havelis, refurbished into boutique hotels, many with rooms facing Ganga, Mother to the many Hindu devout, are the places to stay in, should you want to get catapulted into the past. Meandering thru the labyrinths of lanes & bylanes and loosing one's way only to find it again, is an intersting game akin to 'Patience'!
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