“Varanasi, is older than history, Older than tradition, even older than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together” – Mark Twain

Varanasi, popularly known as Benaras or Kashi, one of the oldest continually inhibited cities in the world and is situated on the banks of river Ganga- the Ganges. One of the most sacred pilgrimages to Hindus, Varanasi offers vibrancy in its culture and in the complete atmosphere. From Ghats to Ganges, temples to pedestrianised maze of alleys, or ‘galis’, beautiful sunrise to Ganga Aarti (a hindu prayer ritual), Varanasi exudes the spirit of beauty, magic and old world charm.

Ganges

Most sacred of the rivers in India, the Ganges is personified as the Goddess Ganges. An enduring legend has it that the goddess descended upon earth for King Bhagirath who prayed for the liberation of the souls of his ancestors.
Devout Hindus believe that bathing in the holy water of the Ganges cleanses one of sins and paves the way towards Moksha ( freedom from the cycle of life and death ). Hence the ritual of immersing ashes of the deceased in the holy waters of a river.
Bhagirathi, the main tributary of Ganges arises at the foot of the Gangotri Glacier at Gomukh, at an elevation of 3892 mts (12769 ft). As she flows down the Himalayas, she is joined by other rivers in spectacular confluences to join Alaknanda at Devprayag and flows down to the plains as Ganges.
A breathtaking crescent along the ghats at Varanasi, the Ganges 2525 km long traverses many states before offering herself to one of the largest river basins of the world, the Bay of Bengal. All along her travels she is the lifeblood of the north Indian plains and mother of many ancient cities that have birthed on her banks.

Significance of the Ghats

In Varanasi Ghats are man made embankments of stone, centuries old and built to face east towards the rising Sun. Originally built as access to the river for pilgrims seeking a holy dip to perform sacred rites and religious ceremonies, some sections of the ghats are dedicated for cremation rites.
The 8 kms stretch of the river in Varanasi has 84 Ghats and over 300 temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. Built post 1700 AD, the patrons of the ghats were of Maratha lineage from the noble houses of the Scindias, Holkars, Bhonsles and Peshwas.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is where Ganges Aarti, a ritual offering to the Ganges is performed every evening to intense chanting and beating of cymbals. Believers and travelers from around the Globe flock to participate in this ritual every day through out the year. Other ghats of historic and religious importance are Panch Ganges ghat, Manikarnika ghat and Lalita ghat, to name a few, each of them with a special function and significance.

Sankatmochan Temple (Monkey Temple)

3 kms. from Hotel Sita Guest House . Sankat Mochan temple also known as the “monkey temple” is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word “Sankat Mochan” means one who helps in removing sufferings i. e. Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled.

Address:
Durgakund-Lanka Road - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.2975028,83.0042757

Bharat Mata Temple

At a distance of 4 kms from Hotel Sita Guest House. The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble.

Address:
Sigra Crossing, Cantt Road - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.3261887,82.9903845

Sarnath

Sarnath, about 9.5 kms from Hotel Sita Guest House, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. The celebrated Mantra, ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’, owes its origin to Sarnath.
On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism.

Address:
Sarnath - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.3760533,83.0325155

Bharat Kala Bhavan

In the cool and calm surroundings of B.H.U is the Bharat Kala Bhavan which has established in 1920 A.D. and has a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archeological studies.
In the main hall of the Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand. The figure is said to be of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhana.
Bharat Kala Bhavan remains closed on Saturday and Sunday both and open on week days between 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Address:
BHU Campus - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.2685304,82.9904737

Banaras Hindu University

5 kms from Hotel Sita Guest House Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U) founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1917 AD is the largest residential University in India. At the entrance, there is the grand statue of its founder and the Vishwanath temple in its centre.
The huge temple was built in 1966, under patronage of the Birlas. It has a 677 meter high rising white top and its well carved architecture attracts pilgrims.

Address:
BHU Lanka - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.2677,82.9913

Ramnagar Fort

It is situated around 13 km from the Hotel Sita Guest House by road and at distance of 45 mts. Boat ride by Ganges. Ramnagar Fort looks very elegant from the western bank of the River Ganges as it is located at the scenic place opposite to the Tulsi Ghat.
It opens daily, except the holi festival, from 10 am to the 5 pm. Ramlila fair at the Ramnagar Fort attracts more crowds otherwise throughout the year there is an optimum crowd.

Address:
Ramnagar Fort - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.3268717,83.0296692

Shri Vishwanath Temple

At a walking distance of 0.7 km from Hotel Sita Guest House. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in the heart of the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of India’s holiest river Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, considered as one of the holiest temples of India.
In Hindu religion it is believed that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti (devotion). A single darshan of Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than the darshan of other jyotirlingas, scattered in various parts of India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living picture of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.

Address:
Vishwanath Gali, Near Godowlia - 221001 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.310864017419,83.010679639981

Assi Ghat

According to the ancient history, it is said that the Goddess Durga (Consort of the Lord Shiva) had thrown her sword in the river (called Assi River) after killing the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha. It is located at the union of the River Ganga and Assi River.
At this ghat, a huge Shiva Lingam is situated under the Peepal or Banyan Tree. Some of the known festivals such as Mahashivaratri, Ganga Dashahara, Ganga Mahotsav etc. attract tourists to this Ghat.
The ghat is also the venue of a unique cultural and spiritual event — Subah-e- Banaras — that draws large numbers of visitors every morning. This amalgamation of culture, music and yoga has now become an integral part of the itinerary of every tourist visiting Varanasi. It commences at 0500 hrs each morning, at Hotel Sita Guest House arrangements for the same can be made for Guests wishing to attend

Address:
Assi Rd, Near Assi Ghat Police Chowki, Beside Ganga River, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - 221010 - Varanasi - India
GPS:
25.289423957696,83.006445765495

Sita is Classified as 3 star hotel by Department of Tourism Government of India. The hotel has 26 rooms which are been separated in three categories (Superior Delex, Superior Family, &Executive Maharaja ) which offers you a unique experience of old world charms with complete modern facilities. The rooms of Sita open on to the wide spacious corridors with an abundance of natural light and fresh air. The place has a lovely terrace with breath taking view of river & horizon . Guest can enjoy an wounderful view of both sunrise and sunset.

Guests are introduced to a delightful dining experience at Hotel Sita . The Place offers multiple cuisines that also includes not only international but also traditional local fare in a choice of dining locations. From fine dining to an al-fresco experience with the wounder full view of ganga Hotel Sita has it all.
Guests should note that due to the location on the Ghats and proximity to the holy Ganges. Hotel Sita does not serve either Non Vegetarian preparations or Alcoholic Beverages.

Hotel Sita is a full service hotel offering standard services and amenities including LED TV, In room Tea/ Coffee maker, laundary Facility, Wi-Fi connectivity, 24 hrs Front desk, Concierge service, Luggage storage, Ticket service .Tour desk ,Currency exchange, Elevator,24 hrs security Along with the above mentioned services, the hotel also offers the following services:

1. Sunrise Yoga
2. Live Classical Music
3. Evening Aarti (prayer ceremony)
4. Sunrise
5. Day Tour to Sarnath & Local sightseeing

The Religious aspect of Hinduism, it’s Culture and Traditions are the essence of Varanasi. At the Hotel Sita we deeply conform to this ethos and have dedicated Facilities and Services that allow for tailor made arrangements to suit the individual requirements of our guests visiting Varanasi for performing such Ceremonies, Pooja & Rites.

To Name a few prominent ceremonies,

Rudra Abhisheka

It is a ritual of worshipping Lord Shiva in the Rudra form. In this method, the Shivlinga is washed by the water, which continuously keeps pouring on it through a vessel along with the continuous chanting of Vedic mantra called the Rudra Sukhta. In all the Vedic scriptures the Rudra Abhishek puja is considered as the greatest spiritual puja.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

The Priests perform the Maha Mrityunjaya Puja based on your birth details. It is believed that Maha Mrityunjaya Puja is performed for divine grace and blessings of Lord Maha Mrityunjaya (Lord Shiva), for removal of malefic effects of all Stars, for relief and protection against diseases, ailments and accidents and for relief from misfortune, miseries, troubles and fears.

Baglamukhi Siddhi Jaap

Baglamukhi Siddhi Jaap performs to overcome enemies, combat black magic, evil‐eye etc. Sacrifice to Agni brings health, happiness, luck and prosperity. This Jaap performs to obtain relief from legal problems, and also victory in contests and elections etc. It also performed to avoid accidents, bloodshed and the possibility of untimely or unnatural death.

Kapil Dhara Pind Daan

Pind Daan and Shraddh are performed at Kashi, Varanasi. It is said that all obstacles in life are smoothened once you perform Pind Daan ritual for your parents or ancestors.

Kapil Dhara Pind Daan

Pind Daan and Shraddh are performed at Kashi, Varanasi. It is said that all obstacles in life are smoothened once you perform Pind Daan ritual for your parents or ancestors.