Page 47 - Grasshopper Magazine

corner of the world by the language view of the Ganga, especially Buddhist Circuit
and cultural finesse. The city is also at sunrise and sunset. Among Varanasi is the gateway to the
home to handicrafts like Chikankari interesting sites here are Valmiki internationally-famous Buddhist
and embroidery. Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, Dhruv Circuit. This circuit traces the path
Lucknow also happens to be the Teela and Nana Saheb’s palace. the Buddha traversed, preaching to
base for several quick getaways. In this region there are great the people. A little distance away is
These are Dewa Sharif, the shrine attractions for the nature-lover as Sarnath, where the Buddha walked
dedicated to the renowned Sufi Saint well. The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary and preached. The great Dhamekh
Haji Waris Ali Shah where devotees is a midway attraction on the road Stupa and its ruins are symbols of
of all communities converge to seek from Lucknow to Kanpur. Siberian the glory of Buddhist era and attract
divine blessings. An annual fair in cranes are among the scores of the devout from all over the world.
November is a perfect example of migratory bird species that rest The majestic pillar established by
universal brotherhood. here. The Dudhwa National Park Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C.
Ayodhya, the famous temple is home to tigers, leopards, swamp marks the foundation of the Buddhist
town, is revered as the birth place deer, antelopes, elephants and Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop
of Lord Ram and is an important birds. It is a great forest getaway on this pillar is now India’s National
pilgrimage centre on the bank the foothills of Tarai. In the vicinity Emblem.
of the Saryu river. Temples and is Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary, The next important stop is
mosques exist side by side in this a vast expanse of green forest and Sravasti where a sprawling complex
bustling town. Famous among grassland. Besides tigers, leopards, of Buddhist stupas and ruins is
them are Ramkot, Hanumangarhi, deer and antelopes, one can also see testimony to the ancient Koshal
Kanak Bhawan and Suraj Kund. the fresh water Gangetic dolphins empire. Here the Buddha showed his
Naimisharanya is a sacred place galloping in the Girwa river. divine prowess to impress upon the
of pilgrimage for Hindus dating non-believers.
its significance to Vedic era. The Holy city Kushinagar is the most significant
Chakra Teerth, Vyas Gaddi and The Heritage Arc culminates at pilgrimage for Buddhists. Here
Suraj Kund are places of worship Varanasi, although the journey of the Buddha is believed to have
and ancient architecture, and are discovery extends much beyond it. breathed his last, and in the unique
of great interest to pilgrims and Varanasi is considered among the Mahaparinirvana temple, there is a
historians alike. Bithoor is a small oldest living cities in the world. huge statue of the reclining Buddha.
temple town on the outskirts of It is the cradle of Hinduism, Beyond Varanasi the Vindhyavasini
Kanpur, on the bank of the Ganga. besides having a crucial place temple is situated atop the
A quick tour of this picturesque in the emergence and spread of Vindhyachal hill. It is among the
town gives visitors a panoramic Buddhism and Jainism. The city most revered shaktipeeth for Hindu
evolved along the Ganga and finds pilgrims. Situated on the bank of the
mention in ancient scriptures. It Ganga near Mirzapur, it is supposed
was an ancient city of learning and to be the abode of divine power and
meditation and continues to be blessings. Chunar is a unique mix of
the centre for spiritual rediscovery religion, history and nature, nestling
for millions of visitors. A visit to amid the forests in the Vindhya range
this legendary city is a spiritually on the bank of the Ganga. There
enhancing experience. The Kashi are enchanting falls and mountain
Vishwanath temple, Bharat Mata treksand the imposing Chunar Fort
temple, Sankatmochan temple provides a window to the strategic
and the Tulsi Manas temple are importance of this region in history.
awe-inspiring structures. But the Uttar Pradesh is a fascinating state
most memorable experience is where life flows in all possible hues.
participation in the evening Ganga Exploring such a fascinating state is
Aarti. It is a life-changing experience not only an exploration of history and
that restores your faith in the great faiths, but also savouring the sights,
power of spiritualism. The fabled sounds, flavours, taste and wisdom of
Banarsi silk saree and carpets have a land that has been guiding India in
made Varanasi a familiar name in its quest for political and intellectual
global markets. maturity.
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