EXPLORING VARANASI

A City of Heritage, Art & Academics

VARANASI, also known as Benaras or Kashi, named after the rivers
Varuna and Asi, between whose streams the city was built. Varanasi, the
oldest city of India also known as the “City of God”, situated at the
banks of the Ganges, the most crowded city for its narrow winding lanes
that are occupied by roadside markets and Hindu temples. Banaras is
famous for its great culture and a popular destination for travellers and
tourist. A city of 87 ghats, riverfront steps leading to the banks of river
Ganga have an equally revered place in history. Dashaswamedhghat is
the most spectacular ghat because of its proximity with the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma
created “Kashi” to welcome Lord Shiva. The other mythology claims
that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a yagna (The sacred fire for
worshiping the god) here. Similarly, Manikarna, Scindia and
Harishchandra Ghat and many more are there as identified ghats of
different aspects.

A city with a rich culture

Varanasi for its cultural diversity is called the cultural capital of India. A
blend of archaeology, geography, mythology, art and history brands
Varanasi as the center of Indian culture. Ancient arts, and cultures are
well conserved in the Varanasi city in many museums which signifies
the ancient art and culture of the various era. Varanasi is renowned
worldwide for its art culture such as the silk and Banarasi Sarees,
ornaments, handicrafts, metal-work, textiles, woodwork, clay, etc.
Every lane of Varanasi is flourished with music, drama, and
entertainment. Ram-lila and other stocks of folk music, drama fairs, and
festival all these are combined to give a distinct look to the city of
moksha, Varanasi.
The spiritual capital of Northern India
Rig Veda of Hinduism mentions Varanasi. According to mythology, the
city was built by Vishwakarma, the God who created the Earth, and is
believed to be the home of Lord Shiva. Other than Hinduism, Sarnath, a
place few kilometers from Varanasi, a place where Gautama Buddha
imparted his first sermon to his disciples. Temple and a mosque sharing
the same boundary since ages is the proof of the tolerance nature of
culture and religious practice. Majestic Ramnagar fort, marvelous
Chunar fort, sprawling buildings lining the ghats and the Sarnath to the
brilliant Jantar Mantar, describes the city as the architectural paradise.
An estimate of over 23,000 temples are scattered throughout the city

Varanasi where East meets the West

Other than spirituality the city has ASIA's largest university campus, the
BENERAS HINDU UNIVERSITY. Established in 1916 by Pandit
Madan Mohan Malaviya. The university embraces all castes, creeds,
religions, and genders, and is on the list of Institutes of National
Importance. The university promotes the study of Hindu Shastras and
the Sanskrit literature generally as a means of preserving and
popularizing for the benefit of Hindus in particular and of the world at
large in general. Modern science and western philosophy and culture are
also given due respect as subjects with the best thought and cultures of
Hindus and all that was good and great in the ancient civilization in
India. This is a true educational instate which illuminates and nourishes
all sorts of curious minds.
This is not only a fascinating city which is almost impossible to describe
on paper, but also demands your open mind to explore.