ABOUT VARANASI

ABOUT VARANASI

watch on youtube

Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest 
living cities in the world.Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology
is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, 
who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : 
"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than 
legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". According 
to the ‘Vamana Purana’,the Varuna and the Assi rivers originated from 
the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself.The 
tract of land lying between them is believed to be ‘Varanasi’, the 
holiest of all pilgrimages. 

The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word 
‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, 
Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘ created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which 
they stood at the beginning of time. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism,
a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth and legend and 
sanctified by religion , it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims 
and worshippers from time immemorial. To be in Varanasi is an experience in 
itself an experience in self–discover an eternal oneness of the body and soul.
To every visitor; Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the 
dawn shimmering across the Ganges,the high-banks, the temples and shrines along
the banks bathed in a golden hue soul stirring hymns and mantras alongwith the 
fragrance of incense filling the air and the refreshing dip in the holy waters 
gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – the land where experience and discovery 
reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, 
arts, crafts and education. 

Some of the world renowned exponents India has produced 
in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, 
Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests 
itself in precious Banarasi Silk Sarees and Silk brocades which are cherished 
as collector’s items across the world today.The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been
the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, 
Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain 
say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than
 legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that 
one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom
from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins 
of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to 
wash away the sins of mortals. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of
Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city
is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place
where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi
has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to 
Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage 
place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-
third Tirthankar. 
Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of 
temples,Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' 
and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya,to institute'Benares Hindu University,the biggest 
University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to 
be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus 
operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated 
with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, 
especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated 
with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and 
honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous 
saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, 
Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many 
exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally 
renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons 
of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives

Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of 
physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, 
Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of 
Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest 
spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place
to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. There 
are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people 
are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats 
where we see life and death together. For thousands of years people have been thronging these 
Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun. There are more than 100 ghats along 
side Ganga in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh 
Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.

PLACE TO VISIT IN VARANASI:

1. Jantar Mantar

2. Bharat Mata Temple

3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

4. Durga Temple

5. Dasaswamedh Ghat

6. Manikarnika Ghat

7. Assi Ghat

8. Tulsi Ghat

9. Kedar Ghat

10.Shivala Ghat

11.Ramnagar Fort

12.Harishchandra Ghat

13.Panchganga Ghat

14.Hanuman Ghat

15.New Vishwanath Temple

16.Man Mandir Ghat

17.Rana Mahala Ghat