The City of Light

SAMSARA

"Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

The Sacred Steps

The 84 ghats of Varanasi are where life and death meet. Each stone step holds a thousand stories of liberation.

Manikarnika

The primary burning ghat. It is believed that the fires here have not been extinguished for centuries. To be cremated here is to break the cycle of rebirth.

Moksha Dwar

Dashashwamedh

The most vibrant ghat, bustling with pilgrims, priests, and vendors. Legend says Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here. This is the stage for the nightly Ganga Aarti.

The Main Stage

Assi Ghat

Located at the confluence of the River Assi and the Ganges. A place for seekers, long-term students, and morning yoga. A peaceful start to the riverfront.

South End
Every Evening at Sunset

Ganga Aarti

"Agni (Fire) is the mouth of the Gods. Through the medium of fire, we offer our gratitude to the River Goddess."

The Ritual

Seven young priests, draped in saffron and cream, lift heavy brass lamps shaped like snakes. The air fills with the scent of sandalwood and camphor. The synchronized movement of the lamps to the rhythm of hymns creates a trance-like atmosphere.

The Offering

Thousands of devotees float small leaf-boats carrying flowers and a candle (Diyas) onto the water. As you watch from a boat, the dark river transforms into a reflection of the starry sky above.

Timeless Kashi

c. 11th Century BCE

The Origins

Archaeological evidence suggests settlement. Mythologically, it is the city founded by Lord Shiva himself as his earthly abode.

528 BCE

The Buddha

Lord Buddha delivers his first sermon at Sarnath, just 10km away, turning the Wheel of Dharma. Kashi becomes a center of spiritual confluence.

1780 AD

The Restoration

Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore constructs the current Kashi Vishwanath Temple, restoring the glory of the city after centuries of invasions.

Present Day

The Eternal City

It remains the cultural capital of India, a center for classical music, weaving, and philosophy. It is said that Kashi stands on the trident of Shiva, separate from the earth.

Begin Your Pilgrimage

Let us guide you through the maze of alleyways to the divine.