The land of Varanasi (also called Kashi ~ City of Light) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Situated along the west bank of the river Ganga (fondly called the ”Ganges“ by the West) in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. It was called Benaras by the British.

"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". ~ Mark Twain*

One can find mention of Varanasi in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade center in 500 BC when the Enlightened Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty and timeless [eternal] appeal.

Hindus believe that one who is graced to die in the land of Varanasi will 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. Ganga is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva, and in Varanasi it expands to the mighty river, which is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

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 the Gods, Indian arts and crafts, all have 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.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages, and is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Ayurveda is said to have originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi. The Holy City is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks, gold and silver brocades, since its earliest days.

Aptly called the "Cultural Capital of India," Varanasi has provided a platform for all cultural activities to flourish, especially the craft of silk weaving and the art of music. 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 both sons of the blessed city or have lived here for the major part of their lives.

Sources:
Holy City of India
East India Tours


*Mark Twain, the celebrated American writer, visited India in the last decade of the nineteenth century. He was not only one of the best known humorists of his generation, but also was one of the greatest travel writers of all time. Like countless foreign travelers before him, Twain was enchanted by Varanasi. He described the city as "a big church, a religious hive, whose every cell is a temple, a shrine or a mosque, and whose every conceivable earthly and heavenly god is procurable under one roof ...".

Note: All images on this page are copyright free. Bindi courtesy of Lara Vardhana. Henna frog and Varanasi plaque courtesy of Tama Tokugawa. If you are interested in Ancient India and building a district, we are currently discussing all the issues in Bharat Mata. Contact the Scribes of the Orient with any questions.