Yoga in Varanasi, India
Varanasi or Banaras is known as the ancient land of knowledge, enlightenment, spirituality, and the River Ganga. India’s oldest and holiest city, Varanasi, is known for its ancient 3600-years history. This city will greet you with crowds, chaos, cows, color, food, and other countless sights, which you will experience for the first time.
Lakhs of tourists throng this mystical place for its old-world charm that has stood the test of time and remains unchanged even in the modernized world. It transports you to a different world altogether, which leaves you wanting. November to March is perfect for visiting as during summer, it’s sweltering, and the temperature can go up to 45 degrees. One of the popular movies, Eat. Pray. Love. was shot in Varanasi. Here, Julia Roberts decided to embrace Hinduism.
Some come to Varanasi looking for answers, some to pay homage to the River Ganga, some to tap into their spiritual side, while some for yoga – an ancient wholesome practice dating back 5000 years.
Top Yoga Centres & Ashrams in Varanasi
Varanasi is also one of India’s leading yoga learning centers, and there is no better place to start your yoga journey than here. Learning yoga in Varanasi will ensure that you understand the correct, most authentic traditions. Some of the best yoga gurus are in Varanasi and offer in-depth knowledge, insights, and learnings of this age-old art. The various styles of yoga taught here are Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, including other modern variations.
The Yoga centers in Varanasi will surely inspire you to embark on a holistic journey to keep this ancient tradition of good health, wisdom, and spirituality alive.
Spiritual places to visit in Varanasi
Varanasi houses multiple spiritual places that you can explore as it is one of the most sacred and oldest sites for Hinduism and Jainism. Listed are a couple of places that you must visit.
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Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, this Shiva temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Photo by ADITYA PRAKASH on Unsplash
Ganga Aarti at Dasashwamedha Ghat
The city comes to a standstill every evening during the mesmerizing River Ganga aarti — an event you must not miss.
Photo by Parker Hilton on Unsplash
Ghats of Assi & Manikarnika
These ghats have a religious significance. You can enjoy the boat ride along the Assi ghat, and the morning aarti, known as Subah-e-Banaras, takes place there. Manikarnika Ghat is not for the faint-hearted as cremation and burning of pyres occupy a large part of the ghat.
Other attractions in Varanasi
This labyrinth of a city has been living around for 3000 years. It continues to do so amidst modernity, religion, food, spirituality, and more and mesmerizes all today. The chaos beckons all young, old, and from around the world.
Photo by Aditya Raj on Unsplash
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
It is Asia’s largest residential university and is spread across 1300 acres. The premises houses more than 30,000 students and is divided into six institutes. This university is more than 100 years old.
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Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
This museum is located within BHU and is a must-visit. It houses some of the oldest artifacts right from the 8th century.