Search Results for: varanasi

(Click for: Ganga Aarti : Sacred Hindu Chants) It is said that Lord Shiva, one of the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity, created the city of Kashi (Varanasi) with his hands. That is why Varanasi, one of India’s seven holy cities, is said to be the country’s spiritual capital. The holiest parts of this sacred city […]

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I was already in love with India when I made my first visit to Varanasi. That magical northern city exceeded my already-high expectations and left an indelible impression. The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi (Benares, Banaras, Kashi), sits on the left bank of the Ganga (Ganges) in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Dating back […]

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April of 2010, I spend a magical three days in Varanasi, India, with photographers Gavin Gough and Matt Brandon. One of the ‘homework’ tasks they gave us was to make a themed Soundslides presentation. The Hindu faithful recognise the integration of five elements: earth, air, water, fire and spirit.  I was fascinated by the use of […]

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It was my last day in Rishikesh: that magical city of yogis and mystics on the Ganges at the foothills of the Himalaya. I’d been there for a week-long yoga ‘retreat’ – a retreat that turned out to be more of a test of patience than a practice of yoga (more on that some other […]

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The Ganges River, known more commonly as the Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges), is revered in Hindu worship and culture. More than just a river, she is the embodiment of a goddess whose purity cleanses one’s sins: bathing in her waters releases the faithful from samsara, the endless cycle of death and rebirth. All along the banks […]

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