Above the Kedar ghat stands a temple, visited by crowds of Bengalis and Hindus from South India. Ghat Mansarowar, built by Rajah Amberu Man Singh, it takes its name from a Himalayan lake located at the foot of Mount Kailasa in Tibet, the seat of god Shiva. Ghat Someswar (moon lord's ghat) it is supposed to bring healing. Ghat Ahalja Baj is named after the ruler Indora of the Maratha dynasty.
The name of the ghatu Dasaswamedh means, that Brahma sacrificed here 10 horses (the – horses; ghost – here; medley – ten). It is one of the most important ghats in Benares. It is worth paying attention to the statues and a small temple of the goddess of smallpox, Italy.
W 1600 r. Raja Man Singh built the Man Mandir ghat. The nineteenth-century renovation of the ghat did not restore its former appearance. There is an interesting stone balcony in the northern corner of the ghat. Raja Jajpuru Jay Singh erected here in 1710 r. one of its amazing astronomical observatories. Even though it is not that remarkable, like the observatories in Delhi or Jaipur, however, it was created in a unique setting. Watch out for the monkeys, which may be aggressive.
Ghat Mir leads to the Nepalese Temple, in which there are sculptures with erotic motives. Cremation sites have been built on the Jalsajn ghat. Between these two ghats, some distance from the river, houses the Golden Temple. The Jalsajn ghat is adjacent to the Manikarnik ghat. Above the steps is a reservoir known as Manikarnik's Well (Manikarnika Weil). Goddess Parvati was going to drop her earring here. To get him out of the ground, her husband Shiva, dug a depression, which was filled with his sweat. Between the well and the ghat lies Carandpaduka, stone slab, on which the footprints of Vishnu are visible. The bodies of important people are cremated on this record. There is a temple dedicated to the god Ganesha on the ghata.
The name of the Dattareya ghat comes from the name of a holy brahmana, whose footprints are imprinted in place, where now stands a small temple. W 1830 r. the huge and magnificent ghat of Scindii was built, which soon fell into the river. During the reconstruction, its appearance was slightly changed, but it still looks great. Raja Jaipur is the creator of the Rama ghat. The name of the Panchganga ghat means the meeting point of the five rivers. Above the ghat stands the small Aurangzeb mosque, known as the Alamgir mosque (Alamgir Mosque), erected on the site of the former temple of Vishnu. Right at the foot of the Ghatu Gaia stands a stone statue of a sacred cow. Two towers protrude from the river at the Trilocan ghat, and the water between them is considered especially holy. Ghat Radź was a ferry pier until a bridge was built here.
Golden Temple
The temple is dedicated to Shiva, worshiped as ruler of the universe, that is Visweswara (Wiśwanath). Non-Hindus are not allowed here. Once upon a time, the temple was on the other side of the road, but Aurangzeb demolished it and built a mosque. W 1776 r. the ruler Indora Ahalja Baj built a new temple, while the golden covering of the tower roof, weighing 750 kg, is a gift from Maharaja Lahore Randjit Singh.
A Well of Knowledge was dug next to the temple (Gyan Kupor), which the faithful have great respect for, because it is to contain the Ling of Shiva, well-kept of the original temple and hidden here from Aurangzeb.
The Golden Temple can be admired from the second floor of the house on the opposite side of the street. Soldiers usually hang out at the entrance to this building and sometimes forbid taking photos. The narrow streets in the area of the temple represent huge, crowded bazaar. The place is worth visiting in the evening.
The great mosque of Aurangzeb
To build his mosque (Dam Masdżid) Emperor Aurangzeb used the columns of the Hindu temple of Biseswar, which he had previously razed to the ground. 71-meter-high minarets tower over the Ganges. There are armed guards at the mosque.
Temple of Durga
Durga (Not available) is one of the names of Shiva's consort – Parvati bogini. During the holidays, her goose sacrifices are made.
The temple was built in the 18th century. Maharani Bengal. This small red and orchard structure presents the North Indian na-gara style. Its distinctive feature is the roof (,sikhara), which consists of many small turrets. Even though it is one of the most famous temples of Benares, non-Hindus are not allowed here. The interior can only be viewed from the open roof.
This temple is also called the Monkey Temple. The animals have their lairs here, they are mischievous and very bold towards tourists. If you get too close, can take their glasses off, bite and scratch.
There is a water tank next to the temple, in which pilgrims often bathe.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Built in 1964 r. sikhara style marble temple of Tulsi Manas (Tulsi Manas Mandir) adjacent to the Temple of Durga. On its walls are carved verses and scenes from Ram Charit Manas, that is, Rama-jana translated into Hindi by Tul-sie Das (d. 1623 r.). This Sanskrit epic tells about the life and deeds of Prince Rama, the incarnation of the god Vishnu. Tulsi Das lived in Benares while translating the Ramayana.
On the first floor there is a factory of puppets and decorations from Indian mythology. It is especially eagerly visited by those, who know the heroes of the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. Non-Hindus also have access to the Tulsi Manas temple.
Indian University of Benares
Indian University of Benares (Benares Hindu University, BHU) It occupies an area 5 km2. It was founded at the beginning of our century by Pandit Ma-lawi with the thought of developing Sanskrit studies, Indian art, culture and music. The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum is located on the premises of the university, presenting a collection of miniature paintings and sculptures from the 1st period – XV w. Old photographs and a map of Benares are displayed in the room on the first floor (Ott. codz. 11.00 – 16.00; V-VI, 8.00 -12.30; nd. close)
About 20 it takes a minute to walk from the Temple of Durga to the university. From Godaulia you can get here by bus or rickshaw (6 INR).
New Temple of Viswanath
New Temple (New Vishwanath Tempie) were built by the Birls, family of wealthy industrialists, as a replica of the original Vishwanath temple, demolished by Aurangzeb. It was designed by Pandit Malawija, Indian nationalist, who sought a revival of Hinduism without caste differences and prejudices. Therefore, the temple – unlike others in Benares, it is open to everyone, regardless of caste or religious affiliation. There is a linga in the temple, symbol of Shiva, and the walls are decorated with verses from Hindu sacred texts. The walk from the university gates to the temple will take half an hour.