Page 211 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

V AR ANASI  209

Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Shiva, this shrine
is topped by 750 kg (1,654 lbs)
of gold. The present structure
was built in 1777 by
Ahilyabai of Indore.

Vishwanath Gali
Lacquer jars, vermilion powder, bottled Ganges
water, bangles and brocade are all sold in the
lane that leads to the Vishwanath Temple, which
is the focal point of all worship in Varanasi.

Vishwanath Man Mandir Ghat
Temple Jai Singh II of Jaipur built
one of his four Jantar Mantars
(see pp362–3) above Raja Man
Singh’s palace in 1710. Its sundial
is visible from the ghat.
The Palace of the Dom Raja, the king of the
Doms. The Doms are a caste who have exclusive
rights over the cremation ghats. They sell wood
and collect the ashes. The Dom Raja’s wealth
derives from the cremation fees his family
have collected for centuries.

Tripura Bhairavi Ghat

Mir Ghat

Boat Rides
The highlight of a trip to Varanasi is a boat ride at
sunrise, when the temples along the riverfront are
bathed in soft light. The people of Varanasi trickle
out of the labyrinthine lanes and head for the
ghats at dawn. Here, they wash clothes, perform
yoga asanas, offer flowers and incense to the river, Dasashvamedha Ghat at sunrise
and take a ritual dip. The most fascinating ride is
from Dasashvamedha to Manikarnika Ghat (see p210). Dozens of rowing boats ply up
and down the river, and can be hired by the hour. Rates are negotiable, so do fix the
price before hiring one.

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