Varanasi features India's most beautiful riverfront, with kilometres of ghats (or steps) for religious bathing and a tier-by-tier display of shrines, temples, and palaces rising from the water's edge. The city's inner streets are small, twisting, and inaccessible for motor vehicles; the newer outlying suburbs are wider and well-planned. The hallowed city is encompassed by the Panchakosi route; devoted Hindus aim to travel the road and visit the city at least once in their lives, and if feasible, to die there in old age. Every year, almost a million pilgrims visit the place. Thousands of domestic and international tourists visit the city each year, and tourism-related activities account for a considerable portion of the local economy. The temples of Vishvanatha, devoted to Shiva, Sankatmochana, dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman, and Durga are the most revered among the city's numerous temples. The swarms of monkeys that inhabit the big trees around the Durga Temple are well-known. Another notable religious structure is Aurangzeb's Great Mosque. Tulasi Manas and Vishvanatha, both on the Banaras Hindu University campus, are two of the most prominent contemporary temples. Hundreds of more temples may be found across the city. There are remnants of old Buddhist monasteries and temples at Sarnath, a few miles north of Varanasi, as well as temples established by the Maha Bodhi Society and Chinese, Burmese, and Tibetan Buddhists. Varanasi has long been regarded as a centre of Hindu scholarship. The maintenance of traditional learning is overseen by several schools and a large number of Brahman pandits (learned scholars). Three institutions, including the huge and significant Banaras Hindu University (1915), as well as more than a dozen colleges and high schools, are located in the city. The city is known for its arts and crafts, as well as its music and dancing. Varanasi is well-known for its gold and silver threadwork on silks and brocades. Bhadoi is home to a well-known carpet-weaving centre. Varanasi also produces wooden toys, glass bangles, ivory carvings, and brass items. Numerous religious festivals are held throughout the city. A procession from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishvanath Temple is held to commemorate Mahashivaratri, Shiva's magnificent night. The Ganga festival, which takes place in November or December, honours the goddess of the Ganges River, which is revered by all Hindus. Thousands of lamps are floated afloat on the river and placed on the ghats. The Bharat Milap celebration, held in October or November, commemorates Lord Rama's reunification with his younger brother Bharat after a 14-year exile. In March, the city's Tulsi Ghat beside the river hosts five-day dhrupad (traditional Indian vocal style) festival that draws renowned musicians from all across India. Varanasi serves as a significant transportation hub for the region. It is a major railway junction with highway connections to other towns in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions. The city centre is around 12 miles (20 kilometres) from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. For more information visit: https://prayagpandits.com/ Contact us: info@prayagpandits.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeOhUQ7FMLY

Shiv Tandav, also known as the "Shiva Tandava Stotram," is a powerful Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was composed by the sage Ravana in praise of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, which signifies the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe. Below is an English rendition of a part of the hymn: Jata kataha sambhramabrama nillimpa nirjhari Vilola veechi vallari viraja mana moordhani Dhaga dhaga dhaaga jwaalalalata patta paavake Kishora chandra shekhare ratih pratikshananake Translation: With locks of matted hair, You are the one who holds the crescent moon on His head, And the Ganga flows in His tangled hair. The glittering serpent adorns His forehead, And He is adorned with the ashes from the cremation ground. With a crescent moon on His forehead, He is the one who destroys the cupid's pride. Dharadharendrana ndinivilasa bandhura Sphuradiganta santati pramodamanamanase Krpaakataksha dhorani niruddhadurdharapadi Kwachi digambare mano vinodametu vastuni Translation: The great lord, with a blue neck, glows with delight. The crescent moon shines on His forehead. His mind rejoices in the beautiful and divine sound of the drums. His compassionate glances destroy the demons' arrogance. He wears the directions as His garments, displaying His cosmic dance, Delighting the mind with various playful acts. Jata bhujangapangaa vyaalii lilamupaangam Vyalola mallii mallavaadhoru dhora shakti rupaihi Nagaa nagaadhipaa vallii kambu kankanaadharaih Kadambha kunda laa kunkuma drava pralipthaa digantare Translation: With His matted hair, snakes, and the crescent moon, He performs a beautiful dance gracefully. His serpent-like necklace sways to and fro, While He holds the powerful and mighty weapons in His hands. The snake king, Vasuki, adorns His neck, And His wrists are adorned with serpentine bracelets. His body is smeared with saffron, resembling the Kadamba flowers, And the fragrance spreads throughout the directions. These verses from the Shiv Tandav Stotram beautifully portray the divine form and the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. It is a powerful hymn that captures the awe-inspiring majesty and attributes of the great deity. Please feel free to contact us for conducting poojan or ask us any questions. Call us at- +917754097777, +919115234555 (MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM TO 9PM, SUNDAY 12AM TO 4PM) OR Write to us at- info@prayagpandits.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d7Z31UVxfI