“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”
___Mark Twain
Varanasi, in northern India, is the oldest living city in the world. In fact, according to Hindu tradition, this is where Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stood at the beginning of time. Situated on the bank of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital if India. Every Hindu wants to make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lifetime. And to die here on the banks of the Ganges is an assurance of heavenly bliss and emancipation from the eternal cycle of birth and death.
“Enlightenment, and the death which comes before it, is the primary business of Varanasi.”
___Tahir Shah, Sorcerer’s Apprentice
As soon as the sun rises over the Ganges devotes begin to make their way to Varanasi’s famous ghats for their holy dip in the Ganges to receive forgiveness from sin and attainment of nirvana. To be on the Ganges at this golden hour and witness this spiritual ritual is an experience not soon forgotten.
Africa far and wide
18 Jul 2013What a vibrant and colourful golden hour – fantastic photo Ron!
fotograffer
18 Jul 2013Thank you son much.
Tina Schell
18 Jul 2013I always look forward to youR posts Ron. This one is particularly extraordinary. You need to submit it to Natl Geog traveler. It would also work for “why we travel” in the ny Times. Click on My Published Works on my blog header to see some of the photos there (including mine!). I feel certain this one would get published. Beautiful capture!
fotograffer
18 Jul 2013Tina, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I’ll check it out.
jumpingboundaries
18 Jul 2013WOW! This is an incredible photo! Nice one 🙂
fotograffer
18 Jul 2013Thank you and thanks for visiting.
Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat
18 Jul 2013Fantastic photo.
fotograffer
18 Jul 2013Thank you Maralee, I am happy you like it.
njoyeverymoment
18 Jul 2013Colorful and vibrant pic ….
fotograffer
20 Jul 2013Thank you so much.
Jessie
18 Jul 2013The colors are amazing!
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013Indeed they are, especially in the early morning. Thanks.
Stefano Scheda
18 Jul 2013Lovely Benares!
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013Benares, Kashi, or Varanasi – a spellbinding city. Thank you.
Stephanie Williamson-Brittian
18 Jul 2013Gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to go to India, but it is so expensive and long to get there. I’m keeping space for it though.
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013I hope you get the chance. Thanks for visiting.
jamilamimi
19 Jul 2013beautiful! like a natural canvas.
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013Thanks you for such a lovely comment.
bluebee
19 Jul 2013It is like an painting from ancient times
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
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ilargia64
19 Jul 2013Wonderful!!!!
fotograffer
19 Jul 2013Thank you!!!!:)
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adinparadise
20 Jul 2013Your photo just jumped out of my screen at me, Ron. Absolutely wonderful. 🙂
fotograffer
23 Jul 2013Thank you so much Sylvia. The lighting was perfect and an amazing place.
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Pinetree Photo Nature Discovery
22 Jul 2013Wonderful, really conveys the place and moment in time.
fotograffer
23 Jul 2013Thank you Carol. The light was awesome that morning.
Gaurav Tewari
23 Jul 2013Very beautiful photograph. Choice of place and moment is amazing too !
fotograffer
4 Aug 2013Thank you for your kind comment and for visiting.
Sangeeta
24 Jul 2013Beautiful photo. I can relate to it for I have been there recently cruising along the ghats in a country boat.
fotograffer
4 Aug 2013Thank you. Isn’t Varanasi amazing?
Kings On the Road
28 Jul 2013Gorgeous photo. I would love to see this one on the wall. The quotes and story behind the scene are appreciated too. Good job!
fotograffer
4 Aug 2013Thanks guys. It will.
Cardinal Guzman
29 Jul 2013India is totally chaos. Love it.
fotograffer
4 Aug 2013A perfect description. Thanks.
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shubhammansingka
14 Oct 2016Very very well said. I am here in Banaras right now and absolutely loving it.
fotograffer
17 Oct 2016It’s like no other place. I am happy you have had the chance to experience Varanasi.
Taniya Malhotra
20 Dec 2016Varanasi the city of lights is a perfect place to have a peace and relax from the daily hustle bustle of cities life.
fotograffer
15 Jan 2017🙂