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
