Spiritual tourism to get boost in four districts of Varanasi division
Under the tourism department's scheme to boost spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the focus will be on developing pilgrimage sites related to Jainism, and ashrams of saints like Valmiki, and Kabir
in four districts of the Varanasi division.
They will be renovated and equipped with facilities to preserve cultural and spiritual heritage of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
In a press statement, deputy director tourism Rajendra Rawat said that Jain pilgrimage sites, Valmiki ashrams, ashram of Sant Kabir and places of Sufi saints will be equipped with various facilities such as road connectivity, ornamental lighting, Parikrama Path and other required facilities. In addition, if there are any ponds related to the sites, they will also be renovated. Apart from this, signages will be installed to display historical and religious information related to these sites. Shops and exhibition sites can also be built to promote local art and craft.
The deputy director said that letters have been written to the District Culture Department and district magistrates of four districts of Varanasi division, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli with a request to provide information about the pilgrimage sites by June 10 in order that process of the renovation and beautification of these sites could be started.
There is planning to renovate the Sufi saints' places under the scheme. The scheme to renovate and beautify the pilgrimage sites will give new dimension to the cultural landscape of Eastern UP. The development of pilgrimage sites of various religious communities will promote domestic and international tourism in the region. This will provide new employment and self-employment opportunities to the local youth through hotels, restaurants, local handicrafts, tourism and cultural activities.
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India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
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After his destruction dance (Tandava) Shiva decided to place his divine presence upon this location. Both Varanasi and Kashi share a name which refers to luminous light because it represents spiritual enlightenment leading people to freedom. The Hindu faith holds that both life in Kashi and dying within its domain will deliver moksha which is liberation from rebirth. The strong belief that Varanasi provides spiritual opportunities to seek liberation has transformed the city into a magnet for seekers of salvation. Shiva along with other deities receive worship through spiritual ceremonies at the riverbanks of the Ganges. 2. The Sacred Ganga River: A Gift from the Heavens Hinduism considers the River Ganga to be sacred which forms the second main mythological component of Varanasi. King Bhagiratha conducted deep spiritual devotion which led to the descent of the divine river Ganga from heaven so that her waters could purify his forefathers' ashes for their ascension to heaven. The myth states that when Ganga descended from heaven her power created a danger of planetary destruction. The terrifying descent of Ganga was prevented by Lord Shiva who captured her with his matted hair so she could release her waters in a controlled manner to the Earth. The people of Varanasi consider the Ganga to be Mother Ganga so bathing in its waters provides religious purification which brings spiritual renewal. Neophytes from all over the world visit the Varanasi ghats especially Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat for religious ceremonies. 3. Vishwanath Temple: The Abode of the Universe The Kashi Vishwanath Temple takes pride in being the central religious structure of Varanasi which worships Lord Shiva. Shiva's manifestation as 'pillar of light' at this Jyotirlinga site among the twelve sacred divine locations makes it known as the 'abode of the universe.' Popular tradition claims that the temple's original building needed a makeover after numerous invasions disrupted its construction several times. Devotees maintained their faith which protected the temple from extinction despite numerous adversities. People visit this temple daily to show their devotion as it stands as an enduring symbol of religious determination. From the tops of buildings the temple spire shines like gold while it contains divine energy which inspires the city below. 4. The Tale of Markandeya and Immortality Legend tells how Sage Markandeya holds a central role in Hindu mythical stories which connect to Varanasi. The legend tells that Markandeya received a prophetic message that he would survive only sixteen years. Through his dedicated service to Lord Shiva he managed to escape Yama when he came to collect his soul from death. The trick appeared when Shiva fought Yama to save Markandeya's life by beating the deity who came to collect the sage. This legend demonstrates the strength of devotion because Varanasi both protects people and enables divine salvations. Visitors from all walks of life come to the Markandeshwar Mahadev Temple situated by the Manikarnika Ghat in order to receive blessings and understand how dedication defeats death. 5. Buddhist Connections: Sarnath and the First Sermon The religious identity of Varanasi centers mainly on Hindu traditions but the site actively participates in Buddhist religious activities. Gautama Buddha gave his initial sermon at Sarnath which existed only 10 kilometers outside of Varanasi right after his enlightenment. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta constitutes the moment which launched the Buddhist doctrines. Sarnath maintains numerous stupas and monasteries with Dhamek Stupa standing as the most celebrated structure since it marks the spot where Buddha provided his lessons. 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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Spiritual tourism to get boost in four districts of Varanasi division
Under the tourism department's scheme to boost spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the focus will be on developing pilgrimage sites related to Jainism, and ashrams of saints like Valmiki, and Kabir in four districts of the Varanasi division. They will be renovated and equipped with facilities to preserve cultural and spiritual heritage of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In a press statement, deputy director tourism Rajendra Rawat said that Jain pilgrimage sites, Valmiki ashrams, ashram of Sant Kabir and places of Sufi saints will be equipped with various facilities such as road connectivity, ornamental lighting, Parikrama Path and other required facilities. In addition, if there are any ponds related to the sites, they will also be renovated. Apart from this, signages will be installed to display historical and religious information related to these sites. Shops and exhibition sites can also be built to promote local art and craft. The deputy director said that letters have been written to the District Culture Department and district magistrates of four districts of Varanasi division, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli with a request to provide information about the pilgrimage sites by June 10 in order that process of the renovation and beautification of these sites could be started. There is planning to renovate the Sufi saints' places under the scheme. The scheme to renovate and beautify the pilgrimage sites will give new dimension to the cultural landscape of Eastern UP. The development of pilgrimage sites of various religious communities will promote domestic and international tourism in the region. This will provide new employment and self-employment opportunities to the local youth through hotels, restaurants, local handicrafts, tourism and cultural activities.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Plan afoot to develop places linked to saints for tourism
1 2 Varanasi: Sites in Kashi region associated with saints, including ashrams, gurudwaras, temples and monuments will be developed by tourism department to boost social and cultural harmony as well as local economy. To prepare comprehensive plan for submission to state govt, tourism department has sought details from culture department of all such places in the four districts of Varanasi division by Jun 10. In view of Yogi Adityanath govt's focus on preserving and strengthening religious, cultural and spiritual heritage of Purvanchal, tourism department has started exploring possibilities of developing centres associated with saints, Jain pilgrimage, Valmiki ashrams, sites associated with Kabir sect and gurdwaras in Varanasi division. Idea behind the initiative is to promote religious harmony, cultural tourism and social cohesion, apart from contributing to the region's economic development, said deputy director (tourism) Rajendra Rawat. He added that tourism department had written to offices of cultural department in districts, requesting submission of information on the sites identified by Jun 10. According to Rawat, the plan includes developing infrastructure and beautifying identified sites, such as road connectivity, drinking water, sanitation facilities, lighting and pathways. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Ponds of religious significance will be renovated too. Additionally, signage will be installed to display historical and religious information about these sites. Shops and exhibition spaces may be created to promote local arts and crafts. He added that letters had been sent to district cultural departments and district officials in four districts of Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli for the action plan. Besides giving new dimension to cultural landscape of Purvanchal, this initiative will bringing economic prosperity and promote social harmony and tolerance, making UP's religious tourism more prominent on world map. This visionary step by the govt will pave the way for a bright future for the state. This initiative will give recognition to many previously neglected sites, allowing the new generation to connect with their history. The development of pilgrimage sites for diverse religious communities will boost domestic and international tourism in the region and provide new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth through hotels, restaurants, local handicrafts, tourism and cultural activities.
