Facts about Varanasi and Ganges River India

Varanasi

Varanasi (वारंनासी) is located at the confluence of three rivers in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, these are called Ghaghara, Gandaki, and Sarasvati. These rivers flow from north to south in this region. This city is famous for its temples, religious places, and Ghats. Many pilgrims visit this place for spiritual purposes. There are many popular Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India like Rameswaram, Dwarka, Haridwar, etc. But Varanasi has been chosen over others as the holiest of them all.

 People come here to make offerings to the holy river Ganga and get moksha (liberation). Varanasi is known as the City of Light or Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Varanasi is considered sacred due to its connection with Hinduism's holiest river, the Ganges. One can take boat rides along the Ghats (steps leading down into the water that is lined with ashram monasteries like Sarnath and Bodhgaya), visit temples and shrines, or simply enjoy the sunsets over the city. The city is popularly known as Banaras and is located on the bank of the river Ganga. It is considered sacred by Hindus and has been since time immemorial. There are many Ghats on the banks of the Ganga River where people come to dive into the water. Also, many temples attract thousands of Hindu devotees.

Ganges River

The Ganges River originates in the mountains of Nepal and flows through several states in northern India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river was named after King Gautama Buddha and is considered sacred by Hindus. Every year millions of Hindu pilgrims visit the banks of the river and bathe in the water. They believe that bathing in the waters of the Ganges can wash away their sins. 

The Ganges is the largest river in Asia and the third-largest river in the world, flowing through Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and then flows into the Bay of Bengal. Its length is about 689 miles (1097 km). Of these, only 100 miles (160 km) are located within India. River Ganges is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva's hair. It is considered the holiest of rivers and flows through the north-eastern Indian states and the West Bengal region. Many Hindus visit this river and offer prayers of devotion.