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The monsoon season, known as Sawan, is one of the most revered times to visit Varanasi. The city, already known for its spiritual significance, takes on a magical quality during these months. The rains bring a refreshing atmosphere, making the ghats and temples of Varanasi even more enchanting. Sawan in Varanasi is a time when the city’s spirituality intensifies, and the monsoon season becomes synonymous with religious devotion and cultural vibrancy.
During Sawan, thousands of devotees from across India visit Varanasi to take part in the Shiva worship and special rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. This time also coincides with the famous Kanwar Yatra, a pilgrimage where devotees carry holy water from the Ganges to their hometowns. Whether you're looking for spiritual solace, cultural immersion, or simply want to experience Varanasi in a unique season, Sawan in Varanasi offers a deep connection to the sacred life of the city.
Religious Significance
Sawan is considered one of the holiest months for Hindus, especially dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva. Devotees from all over India travel to Varanasi to offer water from the Ganges to Shiva Lingams in temples. This period is marked by Monday rituals (Somvar) when worshippers gather at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Kaal Bhairav Temple, and other Shiva temples to perform prayers and rituals. The atmosphere is charged with religious fervor and devotion.
Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is a major event during the monsoon season in Varanasi. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel long distances on foot to collect water from the Ganges River in Varanasi and carry it back to their homes for offering at local temples. The city’s ghats are bustling with energy as these pilgrims arrive in large numbers to fill their kanwars (sacred pots) with Ganga water, which is then carried back in a sacred procession. It’s a fascinating sight to witness and adds to the spiritual vibrancy of the city.
Ganga Aarti and Special Rituals
The evenings during Sawan are special in Varanasi, with the daily Ganga Aarti taking on an even more intense and devotional atmosphere. As the sun sets and the rain falls, the ghats come alive with chants, hymns, and the light of hundreds of diyas (oil lamps) floating on the Ganges. The sight of the Ganga Aarti, along with the devotional offerings made by pilgrims, creates a deeply spiritual experience. The temples in Varanasi also host special Shiva prayers during the month of Sawan, which intensify the sacred ambiance.
Sawan Festival Celebrations
The entire month of Sawan (usually July-August) is celebrated with grand religious fervor. The city witnesses temple processions, devotional singing, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bhole Baba, as Lord Shiva is fondly called in the region, becomes the focal point of all celebrations. In many homes, special rituals are performed, and the aroma of incense and flowers fills the air. The monsoon rains complement the serenity and peace that comes with these spiritual practices.
Monsoon Weather
The monsoon brings relief from the intense summer heat, with the temperatures cooling down and the air becoming fresh and crisp. The rains transform Varanasi, turning the city into a lush, green paradise. The Ganges also swells with the rains, creating a powerful and dynamic landscape that attracts photographers and nature lovers. While the rain enhances the beauty of the ghats and temples, it also adds an extra layer of tranquility to the spiritual energy of the city.
Unique Sightseeing Experiences
During the monsoon season, the usual crowds at popular spots like the Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and the Assi Ghat are replaced with the sacred rituals of the season. You can witness the Shiva devotees offering water to the Shiva Lingams at various temples or enjoy the view of the river and temples in a completely different light. The monsoon season allows you to see the city in its purest form, with the rains enhancing the mysticism of Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is undoubtedly the most famous temple to visit during Sawan. Devotees flock to this temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, to offer prayers and perform rituals during the holy month. The temple's proximity to the Ganges adds to its spiritual significance during the monsoon.
Assi Ghat
While Assi Ghat is typically less crowded than some of the other ghats, it offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere during Sawan. Watching the Ganga Aarti here while listening to the sound of raindrops falling on the water offers a unique experience during the monsoon.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
Another important Shiva temple in Varanasi, the Kaal Bhairav Temple attracts devotees during Sawan for special prayers. The temple is famous for its fierce and powerful depiction of Lord Shiva and is deeply significant to Varanasi’s religious life.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat, the oldest and most sacred ghat in Varanasi, is a sight to behold during Sawan. It is considered the most auspicious ghat for performing last rites and is integral to the spiritual rituals that take place during the month. The monsoon rains enhance the mystical atmosphere of the ghat.
Sarnath
Although Sarnath is more known for its Buddhist significance, it also provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Varanasi. The lush greenery during the monsoon season makes it an even more beautiful place to meditate and reflect on Buddha’s teachings.
The best time to visit Varanasi during Sawan is from July to August, when the rains are at their peak. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable during the monsoon season, so it’s advisable to carry rain gear and plan for possible disruptions due to rain.
Shivakashi Travels offers specially curated Varanasi tour packages for the monsoon season. Our packages include:
Enhanced Spiritual Energy
The religious fervor during Sawan intensifies the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. The rains seem to amplify the devotion of the people, adding a layer of serenity and reverence to the city’s already sacred vibe.
Unique Cultural Experience
Witnessing the Kanwar Yatra and other cultural events that occur only during the monsoon season offers a chance to experience Varanasi in its full glory, with a mix of devotion, festivity, and spiritual awakening.
Beautiful Scenery
The monsoon season transforms Varanasi into a lush, green city with dramatic skies and the serene flow of the Ganges. The ghats, temples, and ancient streets look enchanting with the fresh monsoon backdrop.
A Sawan (Monsoon) tour in Varanasi offers a unique blend of spiritual significance, religious rituals, and the serene beauty of the monsoon rains. Whether you’re visiting for the Ganga Aarti, the Kanwar Yatra, or simply to experience the peaceful atmosphere that prevails during the monsoon, Varanasi is a destination that will leave you spiritually enriched. Book your Varanasi tour with Shivakashi Travels and immerse yourself in the spiritual magic of the city during the sacred month of Sawan.
