The holy city of Varanasi had once left legendary American author Mark Twain completely awestruck. “Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together,” said the author of the famous Huckleberry Finn about the city’s mystical charm.
Embedded in history as well as in mythology, Varanasi is one of the most important centres for Hinduism. Besides, the ancient city of Banaras is famous for its old buildings, narrow, maze-like lanes, savoury street food, the Ganges and the many Ghats and ancient temples, which is reason enough for you to check out flights from Delhi to Varanasi.
Here is a list of three revered temples in Varanasi that you can visit once you’re there.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This is home to a Jyotirlingam shrine of Lord Vishweshwara or Vishwanath, more commonly known as Lord Shiva. Built around 1780 by the Maratha queen Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the temple of Kashi Vishwanath is among the most significant Hindu shrines. The temple is also referred to as the “Golden Temple'' as three of its domes are covered with gold. Of these, two domes were plated with gold by Ranjit Singh, the King of Punjab.
Annapurna Devi Mandir
Dedicated to one of Goddess Parvati’s incarnations, Annapurna Mata, the goddess of food, nourishment and prosperity, Annapurna Devi Mandir is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kashi. Built in the eighteenth century by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao, the temple is believed to protect Kashi from any kind of food crisis. The temple is a tribute to Annapurna Mata who is believed to have convinced Lord Shiva about the significance of material things for the smooth functioning of our planet. People living in and around Delhi can take flights to Varanasi to participate in the celebrations hosted every year during the festival of Annkoot.
Sankat Mochan Mandir
One of the most popular temples in Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Mandir is dedicated to the deity Hanuman. Built in the nineteenth century by the initiative of famous freedom fighter and educationist Madan Mohan Malviya, the temple sees thousands of devotees every day in the hope to get their wishes granted. The devotees can also be seen feeding monkeys at the temple premises to please the deity. The temple is also popular for its delicious prasad – besan ladoos, which is said to have been a favourite of Lord Hanuman himself. Set by the river Assi, the temple is a must-visit when you visit Varanasi.
A couple of days in the holy and ancient city will be an experience of a lifetime. Also, if you’re running on a tight schedule, a flight from Varanasi to Delhi will make things simpler.
Varanasi, set by the holy river Ganges, sees extraordinary footfall of devotees looking to pay their respects to these historical shrines. Anybody who has ever been to Varanasi would surely tell you that a trip to this mystical city is an absolute must.