Some journeys are not just about exploring places — they’re about finding peace, faith, and moments that stay in your heart forever. My recent five-day trip to Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Vaidhyanath Dham was exactly that — a soulful experience filled with devotion, beauty, and divine energy.
🛕 Day 1 – The Holy Beginning in Varanasi
The moment I stepped into Varanasi, I felt a wave of spirituality and culture surrounding me. The city’s narrow lanes, temple bells, and the sacred Ganga made it feel like time had slowed down.
Our first evening began with the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — an unforgettable sight. The rhythmic chanting, glowing diya's floating on the river, and the sound of conch shells filled the air with divine energy.
Later, we visited some of Varanasi’s most sacred temples — Kal Bhairav Mandir, Annapurna Devi Mandir, and the magnificent Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Each temple had its own charm and serenity. I ended the day feeling peaceful and grateful to be in one of India’s holiest cities.
🌅 Day 2 – Early Morning Darshan and Evening by the Ganga
The second day began before sunrise — at 4 AM, we visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple again for the special Sparsh Darshan, which happens only between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. The early morning silence, the soft chants, and the sight of the deity felt truly divine.
In the evening, we took a boat ride on the Ganga, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and gold. The view of the ghats from the river was mesmerizing. Later, we visited Kashi Vishalakshi Mandir, a temple known for granting wishes to devotees.
That night, we packed our bags early — because the next morning, a new destination awaited us: Ayodhya.
🏯 Day 3 – A Divine Visit to Ayodhya
We reached Ayodhya early in the morning. The city had a calm, welcoming energy. Visiting the temples and doing Ram Lalla darshan was a truly special experience.
After the darshan, we returned to our hotel to rest and recharge for the rest of our trip. Later that evening, we took a train back to Varanasi, carrying with us the peace and blessings of Lord Rama.
🛍️ Day 4 – Shopping, Serenity & Journey to Vaidhyanath Dham
After three busy days, Day 4 was more relaxed. We spent the morning shopping in the colorful markets of Varanasi — from traditional clothes to sweets and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we visited Sarnath, a calm and historic site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was peaceful, green, and a perfect place to unwind.
That night, we took a train to Jasidih, Jharkhand, to visit Vaidhyanath Dham — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Upon reaching, we attended a beautiful Ganga Aarti there as well and had the darshan at the temple. The aarti’s divine chants under the open sky created a moment I’ll never forget.
🌼 Day 5 – Abhishekam & Farewell Blessings
🍵 Food Highlights
One of the best parts of the trip was definitely the food! In Varanasi, I loved the chai, chaat, puri sabzi, and mouthwatering sweets. In Jharkhand, the parathas were absolutely delicious and comforting after the temple visits. The flavors perfectly matched the warmth and simplicity of the places we visited.
💫 Reflections
This trip wasn’t just about visiting temples — it was about connecting with something greater than myself. The calm mornings, the divine chants, the kindness of strangers, and the quiet strength of faith left me inspired and peaceful.
If you ever plan a spiritual journey in India, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Vaidhyanath Dham should be on your list. It’s a trip that purifies not just your mind, but also your soul.
