India: Varanasi – Hindu Temples in Varanasi
Varanasi has the highest concentration of religious building in the world – being one of the oldest cities on earth, it has over 23,000 temples. Hindu temples have been continuously built here since prehistoric times, many were destroyed during the Islamic Mughal ruling in 12-13th century, and many just crumbled with time. The entire waterfront is lined up with temples. Further in town is the most sacred and famous Kashi Vishwanath temple (no photography allowed and difficult access given insane crowds of pilgrims). The narrow streets of catacomb-like inner city are also dotted with temples. One of the most stunning is the Durga Temple, painted in striking red color, also with huge religious significance and crowds. And then there is the leaving temple of Varanasi (next post)…
