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History of Varanasi
Varanasi, or Benaras, (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 (litterateur), who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. 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. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Kashi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. 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. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 12 km away from the heart of city “Godowlia”, 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.
Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of various fields have come from Varanasi such as:
- Pandit Lal Bahadur Shastri, ex-prime minister of India
- Munshi Premchand, the ever-famous novelist
- Tulsidas, the famous saint-poet who wrote ‘Ram Charit Manas’
- (Bharat Ratna) Pandit Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro
- (Bharat Ratna) Ustad Bismillah Khan, the famous Shehnai player
- Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her ‘Theosophical Society’
- Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a co-founder of Banaras Hindu University
- Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi and many more