Mark Twain, the renowned English author, was captivated by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, stating, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, the spiritual capital of India (Bharat), is renowned worldwide as an abode of Indian culture. A visit to this historical city will undoubtedly confirm its esteemed status. Nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi, also known as Banaras, exudes an enchanting aura of culture, history, and sacred traditions.
For Hindus, Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for centuries. It is believed that those fortunate enough to die in Varanasi will attain salvation and break free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. As the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi remain a mystery. The Ganges River, which flows through Varanasi, is believed to possess the power to cleanse mortals of their sins.
According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges originates from the tresses of Lord Shiva and expands into the mighty river we know today in Varanasi. Varanasi derives its name from the convergence of two sacred streams of the Ganges River within the city - the 'Varuna' and the 'Assi'. This city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. Located just 10 km away is Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Varanasi has symbolized the Hindu renaissance, fostering knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to gods, and the flourishing of Indian arts and crafts for centuries. It is also considered a significant pilgrimage site for Jains, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
Varanasi has witnessed the harmonious coexistence of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The city boasts numerous temples and has attracted notable figures throughout history. Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society,' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya established the 'Benares Hindu University,' the largest in Asia. Ayurveda, the ancient medical science, is believed to have originated in Varanasi, serving as the foundation for modern medical practices such as plastic surgery, cataract operations, and calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the revered preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also associated with this holy city. Varanasi has long been renowned for its trade and commerce, particularly for its exquisite silks and gold and silver brocades.
Mary Oliver “Early in the morning we crossed the ghat, where fires were still smoldering and gazed with our Western minds into the Ganges”.
Moreover, Varanasi has been a prominent centre of learning for centuries. It is closely associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, and the Hindi language. Esteemed authors like the renowned novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the revered saint-poet who penned the epic Ram Charit Manas, have been associated with this city. Aptly referred to as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided an ideal platform for the flourishing of various cultural activities. Numerous dance and music maestros have emerged from this city, including the internationally acclaimed Sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and the legendary Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan, both of whom either hail from or have spent a significant part of their lives in this blessed city.
The Aartis and the floating of earthen lamps over the water of River Ganga in the evening is also an important element of the identity of Varanasi. Participate in the Ganga Aarti a ritual performed every evening to the honour Goddess Ganga in Varanasi.
We Stories of India invite you to the journey of MIND, BODY, NATURE and SOUL, spend some time in Varanasi offers you so many options to choose from and unwind, relax, and try to get a deeper understanding of life.
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