A Holy Place – Varnasi

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unparalleled. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benares, once wrote: “Benares 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 Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between these two rivers 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-discovery and an eternal oneness of the body and soul.

To every visitor, Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of 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 along with the fragrance of incense filling the air, and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats—all make Varanasi the land where experience and discovery reach 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. Beyond these luminaries, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic craft manifested in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades, cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Summary

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a significance in Hindu mythology that is unmatched. According to the Vamana Purana, Varanasi is the holiest pilgrimage site, situated between the Varuna and Assi rivers, which are said to have originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time. The name ‘Kashi’ comes from the word ‘Kas,’ meaning ‘to shine,’ and is considered the ‘original ground’ created by Shiva and Parvati. Varanasi is a microcosm of Hinduism, steeped in tradition, mythology, and religious sanctity, attracting pilgrims and worshippers for centuries. The city offers a profound spiritual experience, with its dawns over the Ganges, temple-strewn ghats, and the soul-stirring sounds of hymns and mantras.

In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Varanasi is renowned for its contributions to music, arts, crafts, and education. The city has been home to many of India’s greatest cultural luminaries and is particularly famous for its silk weaving, especially the cherished Banarasi silk sarees and brocades. These artistic and cultural elements further enrich the experience of visiting Varanasi, making it a place of both spiritual and aesthetic discovery.

Important Points

1. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
2. The city holds unparalleled prominence in Hindu mythology and tradition.
3. Varanasi is situated between the Varuna and Assi rivers, which are believed to have originated from the primordial Person.
4. The name ‘Kashi’ derives from ‘Kas,’ meaning ‘to shine.’
5. The city is considered the ‘original ground’ created by Shiva and Parvati.
6. Varanasi is a microcosm of Hinduism, attracting pilgrims and worshippers for centuries.
7. The city offers a spiritually enriching experience, with its sacred ghats, temples, and rituals.
8. Varanasi is also known for its rich cultural heritage in music, arts, crafts, and education.
9. The city is particularly famous for its Banarasi silk sarees and brocades.
10. Varanasi’s cultural ethos has produced some of India’s most renowned cultural figures.