VIDEO: Aarti Fire Purifying Ceremony at Assi Ghat in Varanasi, India
Every evening after the sun sets, devotees perform the Aarti Fire Purifying Ceremony at Assi Ghat, on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.
PHOTO: Mahabodhi Temple, the Most Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in the World
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. The original temple that stood upon this site in Bodh Gaya was erected by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. to mark the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment. The 164-foot high Mahabodhi Temple we see today was built … Read more
PHOTO: Painting the Steps Between Vijayana Garam Ghat and Kedar Ghat in Varanasi, India
In Varanasi, India, more than 90 ghats (stairways) lead down to the banks of the Ganges River. Hindus come from around the world to immerse in the river they consider sacred. Unfortunately, this was often a difficult proposition. The ghats were covered in mountains of mud deposited by seasonal flooding. Worshipers avoided some ghats where … Read more
There’s More to Agra Than the Taj Mahal
“Do it in ONE day only. Get in and get out.” That’s the advice I was repeatedly given about visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. People said Agra was a dirty, dusty, crowded city that didn’t warrant a visit of more than a few hours. Being a bit of a rebel, however, I was … Read more
PHOTO: Sunrise Boat Trip Down the Ganges River in Varanasi, India
A sunrise boat trip down the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, is the very best way to experience some of the 90-plus ghats (stairways) that descend to its banks. Assi Ghat, the southernmost of the ghats, is a popular place to hire one of the small wooden boats that make the journey each morning. From … Read more
