Located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Annapurna Devi Mandir is dedicated to the Goddess of Food and Nourishment. Legend says that Lord Shiva himself begged for food from Annapurna to feed the world, signifying that physical sustenance is a prerequisite for spiritual pursuits.
The temple houses two idols of the Goddess: a brass one for daily worship and a solid gold one which is kept hidden and revealed only for three days a year during the Annakut festival (after Diwali). During Annakut, the temple is filled with mountains of sweets and food offerings.
Devotees believe that worshipping here ensures their kitchen will never run empty. The temple also runs a free kitchen (Annakshetra) that feeds hundreds of pilgrims daily.
The most spectacular and bustling ghat in Varanasi, famous for the Agni Pooja (Ganga Aarti). Legend says Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here, making it a site of supreme cosmic power and vibrant daily devotion.
The Mahashmashana or 'Great Cremation Ground.' It is believed that the fires here have never gone out for centuries. Hindus believe cremation here grants immediate liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
The southernmost ghat where the river Assi meets the Ganges. Famous for its 'Subah-e-Banaras' morning program, yoga sessions, long-term student residents, and a more tranquil, bohemian atmosphere.
