Must-Have Spiritual Experiences in Allahabad and Varanasi

People often travel far and wide in this search for the divine connect that can calm down the mind even in the most turbulent times. Thankfully for us, India is a brimming cauldron of ancient cities with an invigorating spiritual vibe, of which Allahabad and Varanasi are two destinations that have become synonymous with such soul-searching pursuits.

These unique experiences in Allahabad and Varanasi will take you a notch closer to that tryst with spirituality:

Surrender to All Things Holy in Allahabad

Known as the second-oldest city of ancient India, Allahabad has influenced the course of spiritualism, religion, and culture in the country for centuries. Looking over the confluence of major rivers, the city is the seat of the mega Kumbh Mela, and was christened the Garden of Allah (Illahabad) by Akbar. A city abounding in spiritual experiences, here are some that must feature on your travel itinerary:

Triveni Sangam

The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the now mythical Saraswati is an auspicious spot of great significance in Hinduism. It is here that the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela are held 12 and 6 years apart respectively. In Hinduism, it is believed that taking a dip in at this ‘holy’ sangam can free a person of all worldly sins. Even if you are not very religious, the sight of the clear waters of the Ganges merging with the greenish Yamuna is a sight to behold. Taking a boat ride, as you watch the sun go down in the distance, and watching the fervent aarti by the riverside is just what you need to transcend into the spiritual realm.

Hanuman Mandir

The magnificent Hanuman Mandir near the Allahabad Fort with a towering idol of Lord Hanuman is another unique sight known as much for its religious significance as for its geographical quirks. The temple structure, along with the 20-feet-tall and 8-feet-wide Hanuman idol, gets submerged in the water of the Ganges when the river is at its full flow. Legend has it that the river rises to touch the feet of Lord Hanuman.

Read more: Prayag / Allahabad – Rama Crosses The Ganga, Leaving Behind His Kingdom

Saraswati Koop

A trip to the Allahabad Fort that is a short distance from the famed Hanuman Mandir is un-missable. Apart from its towering structure, magnificent galleries and high towers, the place is also home to the Saraswati Koop, which is believed to be the source of the ancient river Saraswati. The river is said to have dried up some 4,000 years ago, but continues to be revered in the Hindu mythology. Another key attraction is the ages old fig tree known as the Akshaya Vat or the immortal tree. A perfect place to ponder over the fleeting nature of human life and permanence of the soul.

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Experience a Spiritual Awakening in Varanasi

This ancient city is the de facto spiritual capital of India, holding great religious significance not only for Hindus and Buddhists, but just about anyone seeking that moment of divine intervention. From sadhus to pilgrims and globe-trotting backpackers, a wide spectrum of people descend on this city—also known as Kashi and believed to have been crafted by Lord Shiva himself—in search of a spiritual awakening. You can experience it, even if for a transitory moment, at these places:

Sarnath

Situated about 13 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is the place Lord Buddha visited after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Gaya, and laid the foundation of Buddhism with his first sermon to five disciples. To this day, the place has that peaceful and tranquil environment that Buddhism is so often associated with. They say, if you listen closely, you can still hear the sounds of “Buddham Sharanam Gacchami” echoing in the air at the famous deer park here.

Read more: Exploring the Mysteries of Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the holiest, and also the oldest, places of pilgrimage for Hindus. At the heart of the sanctum sanctorum lies a radiant black Jyotirlinga of Shiva, one of the twelve found in different shrines across India. The Jyotirlingas are considered a symbol of the infinite light of which Lord Shiva is a source. The sight of the Jyotirlinga encapsulated in a gold frame, juxtaposed with the dilapidated walls that stand testimony to centuries of history, can invoke a sense of spiritual bliss, your personal beliefs notwithstanding.

Ganga Aarti on Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witnessing the splendid Ganga aarti in a boat moored near the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a worthy grand finale to your spiritual sojourn. As the sun sets over the Ganga, the humdrum of the city fades into the background and a lull prevails before the ghat erupts with the brilliance of hundreds of tinkering brass lamps, melodies of bells, cymbals and hymns. The 45-minute ritual leaves you flooded with a strange sense of calm, as if your very being has been cleansed by the experience.

The best part? You can lose yourself in these mesmerizing experiences any time of the year.

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