Varanasi

Varanasi, or Banaras, (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 Banaras, once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

Hindus consider Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganga, as their holiest city. It gets its name from the rivers Varuna and Asi, tributaries that flow into the Ganga in Varanasi. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Devout Hindus consider frequent pilgrimages to Varanasi essential to attaining liberation or moksha and breathing their last in the city as tantamount to achieving it. If the boon of life starts at Dashashwamedh Ghat then it ends at Manikarnika; a unique combination of life and death in the desire for salvation attracts the pilgrims. Paradoxically, it is the only city on earth that is famous for death and liberation. 

Varanasi has the finest river frontage in India, with miles of ghats, or steps, for religious bathing; an array of shrines, temples, and palaces rises tier on tier from the water’s edge. Among the city’s numerous temples, the most venerated are those of Vishvanatha (Vishwanath), dedicated to Shiva; that of Sankatmochana (Sankat Mochan), dedicated to the monkey-God Hanuman; and that of Durga. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of the pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Kashi even a thousand years back as God was worshipped, today it is followed with the same tradition, values, and even with similar dressing sense. The Ganga Aarti held every evening at Dasashwamedha Ghat is a sight to behold.

Varanasi is not only known for Hindu religion but also it was the city chosen by the Lord Buddha, who delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after being enlightened at Gaya about 650 BC. From 300 BC to 300 AD the city was ruled by Buddhist dynasties like Ashoka the Great who paid attention to Sarnath. Vedas and Upanishads in Sanskrit are still taught in Varanasi henceforth the number of students is increasing for it. Also, a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With several 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.

The city has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, palmistry, astrology, and Hinduism.it is the land of some honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called 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 a major part of their lives.

Varanasi is a major regional transportation hub. It is an important railway junction and is connected by highways to other cities in Uttar Pradesh and surrounding states. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport lies about 12 miles (20 km) from the city center.

Some call it the “Spiritual Heart of India”, some the ultimate guide on metaphysics, some the Holy City, some the city of Ghats and Temples, and some the City of Light. Varanasi has many synonyms reflecting the myriad hues of culture and tradition, which it embodies. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce. In this city, you can find many traditional items. The list of famous Banaras things is vast but here we’re listing the most famous things. If you visiting this city then this list will be helpful.