My Unfiltered Walk Through Varanasi!
Hi, I’m Shreya — a spiritual soul, a seeker of stories, and someone who believes that some places don’t just exist — they call you. And when we are talking about spirituality, we must mention Varanasi – The holy city of India, situated on the banks of the Ganga river and surrounded by beautiful temples. According to Hindu mythology, this city is considered to have been founded by Lord Shiva. Varanasi, also called Benaras, Banaras, or Kashi, is a city in northern Uttar Pradesh that's known as the heart of spirituality and religion in India. Varanasi is full of historic charm and cultural depth, making it a top destination for travellers seeking something truly meaningful. The city boasts one of India’s most stunning and expansive riverfronts, lined with countless ghats — long steps that lead down to the sacred river Ganga.
I’ve been to this ancient city many times. But when I first had the blessing of visiting its ghats and temples, the experience felt truly transformative. This wasn’t just sightseeing. This was a reunion with something ancient inside me. I’m pretty sure, by the end of this blog, you’ll be searching for ways to experience the magic of Varanasi yourself. So I’ve got you covered—here’s a link to book your Kashi package, stress-free and budget-friendly, with Tranasha- Varanasi 3D2N spiritual trip And if your heart’s already set on exploring beyond Varanasi—think Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Ujjain—I’ve got just the thing. This 6-day, 7-night Dham tour covers it all, blending spirituality, history, and ease. I’ve linked it right here, so you don’t have to lift a finger planning- Dham Tour- Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Ujjain 6D7N
Let’s start with talking about the divinity of the Holy Ghats: Where Peace Meets Chaos
The first time I stood at the ghats, I felt a strange kind of peace. I visited Manikarnika Ghat (the sacred cremation ghat), Assi Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat. I watched the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, then took a boat ride over the glowing waters. If you’re ever in Varanasi, this is a must-do. The aarti feels like the universe breathing in rhythm with the river. And hey, don’t forget to grab a pair of those OG Assi Ghat vibe jhumkas while you’re soaking in the Aarti or just casually strolling along the ghat. Trust me, they’re more than just earrings—they’re a whole vibe. So, girls get them, and boys, gift them.
Temple-Hopping in Varanasi? Here’s My No-Skip List
Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Spiritual Heart of Varanasi This is the most famous temple in Varanasi and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city, this temple is believed to grant liberation (moksha) to all who visit. People from all over the world come here to seek blessings and soak in the divine energy of Baba Vishwanath. It's said — if you haven't been here, you haven't truly been to Kashi.
Kaal Bhairav Temple – The Guardian of Kashi Kaal Bhairav is a fierce form of Lord Shiva, known as the Kotwal (chief guardian) of the city. Locals believe that no one can stay in Varanasi without his permission. Pilgrims make it a point to visit this temple, as it's said your trip to Kashi is incomplete without taking his blessings. The temple has a strong spiritual aura, and people often buy a sacred thread (kala dhaaga) here for protection.
Durga Kund Temple – The Power of the Goddess This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is said to be swayambhu (self-manifested), not installed by anyone. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen, it reflects traditional North Indian temple architecture. Right next to it is a sacred pond (kund), which adds a calm and ancient vibe. During Navratri, the temple becomes a major center of devotion and celebration.
Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir – A Tribute to the Ramayana Built in white marble, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and is named after the great poet-saint Tulsidas. It's believed that Tulsidas got a divine vision here, which inspired him to write the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi. The temple walls are inscribed with verses from the Ramayana, making it feel like a beautiful blend of literature, devotion, and peace.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir – The Problem Solver of Varanasi No trip to Varanasi is complete without visiting this temple of Lord Hanuman. “Sankat Mochan” means the remover of troubles, and true to his name, devotees come here seeking relief from life’s challenges. The temple was established by Tulsidas himself in the 16th century. It’s especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Also, don’t miss the sweet besan laddoos offered as prasad — they're iconic!
Truth is—Varanasi isn’t a place you just read about. It’s a feeling, a rhythm, a divine chaos that words can barely contain. And honestly, there’s so much more to this magical city that one blog just doesn’t do it justice. So yes, this is just the beginning. More tiny (and not-so-tiny) pieces of Varanasi are coming your way in the next parts of this series—stay tuned! Until then, why not start planning your own journey to Kashi? You can head back to the top of this blog and click on the links I’ve already shared, or simply visit Tranasha to explore a range of spiritual, cultural, and adventurous trips we’ve curated just for travelers like you. Go on—your next unforgettable experience might just be a click away.