There is no place in the world to seek nirvana other than Varanasi better known as Banaras and Kashi. It is the famous ancient Indian town that even today somehow manages to attract people from all over the world. Hugely popular for its artifacts, silk, spices and culture, this city is also the city where people come in search of solace or “Moksh”. Nonetheless, every trip in Varanasi can be a soul enriching experience. In this article, we will discuss the ways of soaking your soul in Varanasi.
Best Experiences in Varanasi: Things to do for Soaking Your Soul in Varanasi
The spiritual journey in Varanasi starts the moment you lay your foot here. The Ganga Arti, boat ride, and temples in Varanasi are all an integral part of Varanasi spiritual tourism.
More details about the spiritual things to do in Varanasi along with other soul soaking activities are provided below:
- The Magic of Ganga Ghats
Your soul soaking experience starts right in the morning when there is a light mist on the Ganga. As sunrays turn the water golden, the experience of that moment satisfies the soul from within.
The hustle and bustle of Dashashwamedh Ghat and the simplicity of Assi Ghat both show a different form of life. These are the best ghats in Varanasi for soul searching and peace. Here at every ghat it seems as if history and culture have come alive.
The morning of Banaras and the evening of Kashi are not found anywhere else in the world. Taking a boat ride in Varanasi in Ganges early in the morning gives true peace to the soul. The slow wind, echoing mantras, and the reflection of the rising sun create a lasting impression on your mind.
- Festivals and Colours
The spiritual healing in Varanasi is not just limited to the rituals and ghats. Even the festivals of Varanasi touch the soul even more deeply. Be it Dev Deepawali or Holi, the festive spirit here makes the entire atmosphere colourful. On these occasions, the light of lamps on the banks of the Ganga and the rain of colours soak the soul.
- The Divine Experience of Ganga Aarti
The lamps are lit on the banks of the Ganga in the evening and a group of pundits perform the Aarti together. This makes the atmosphere such that every heart is filled with devotion. The Ganga Arti in Varanasi proves to be a crowd magnet in many ways.
Watching the Ganga Aarti in the evening is like a heavenly experience. The burning lamps, the resonating conches and the chanting of mantras make the atmosphere spiritual. At this moment, the soul of every person becomes light by getting free from its inner burden. All these things make attending the Ganga Arti one of the best spiritual things to do in Varanasi.
- Manikarnika Ghat – The Truth of Life & Death
The real meaning of life is understood by visiting Manikarnika Ghat. Here death does not seem to be just the end but the beginning of the next journey of the soul. The view of this ghat reminds us that life is temporary and the real importance is the peace that the soul gets. The traditional rituals in Varanasi for the afterlife of the deceased makes us realise the temporary nature of life.
- City of Music and Literature
Varanasi is not just a religious city, it is also a hub of music and literature. The words of Kabir, Tulsidas, and other saints are infused in the air here. The sweetness of classical music and the depth of literature enrich the soul.
Varanasi is said to be the birthplace of classical music. The gharanas here have presented music by connecting it to the soul. The tunes of sitar, tabla and singing are the identity of this place, which deeply soak the soul. Attending a live music concert or play proves to be one of the best inner peace experiences in Varanasi.
- Taste of Banarasi Food
The food here is as soul-soaking as the experience of the ghats. Be it the enchanting sweets or spicy chole kulche, every bite will bring you closer to this city’s true soul. The sheer deliciousness of the cuisines is enough for soaking your soul in Varanasi.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Center of Faith
The experience of Kashi Vishwanath Temple connects both devotion and soul. The sounds of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’ resonating in the temple erase every inner worry. Here it seems as if God himself is communicating with your soul. These things make the Kashi Vishwanath Temple one of the must-visit places in Varanasi for spirituality.
- The Streets of Varanasi and their Magic
The streets here are very narrow but the deepest truth of life is hidden inside them. Hear the temples, tea shops, the smell of paan, and the talks of the sadhus while strolling on Banaras’s streets. Every street tells a new story and teaches the soul that deep happiness is hidden even in simplicity.
So, even walking in the old streets will be enough for soaking your soul in Varanasi. You can also find a calm place to perform yoga and meditation in Varanasi. The experience will be enough to make you understand how to soak your soul in Varanasi.
In a Nutshell
Varanasi teaches us that real happiness is not in the rush, but in pausing and understanding both life and soul. Every experience of Varanasi touches the heart and changes the soul forever.
Said to be founded by Lord Shiva himself, Varanasi had always been a centre of politics, trade and culture. The true spirit of India lies in this holy town. Also, people come to wash their sins away by bathing in the holy Ganges. So, set yourself free and convey your truest desire to your Varanasi travel guide during your Banaras trip.
