Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Facts And History

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 3,000 years.

Varanasi is considered to be a spiritual and cultural center for Hindus, and it is famous for its ghats, or series of steps leading down to the banks of the River Ganges. The ghats are used for religious rituals and ceremonies, and many people come to Varanasi to bathe in the river and perform funerary rites for their loved ones.

The city is also known for its temples and shrines, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Other notable temples include the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the Durga Temple.

Varanasi is also a center for music, dance, and the arts. The city is home to the Benares Gharana, a school of classical music that has produced many famous musicians, and it is also known for its silk weaving and other handicrafts.

Overall, Varanasi is a fascinating and important city with a rich history and culture, and it continues to be a significant spiritual and cultural center for people all over India and beyond.

Other Names Of Varanasi:

Varanasi is known by several other names in addition to its official name. Here are some of them:

1. Kashi: This is one of the most commonly used names for Varanasi, and it comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “Kas” which means to shine. Kashi is considered to be a holy city by Hindus, and it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
2. Benares: This name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Varanasi”, and it is the anglicized version of the name. It is commonly used by English speakers to refer to the city.
3. Avimukta: This name means “never forsaken by Shiva”, and it is believed to be one of the many names given to Varanasi by Lord Shiva himself.
4. Anandavana: This name means “forest of bliss”, and it is another name for Varanasi that is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts.
5. Rudravasa: This name means “the abode of Rudra”, and it refers to Lord Shiva who is also known as Rudra.
6. Mahasmasana: This name means “the great cremation ground”, and it refers to the belief that dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges river brings moksha which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

These are just a few of the many names that Varanasi is known by, and they reflect the city’s rich history and cultural significance.

Nicknames Of Varanasi:

Varanasi has a few popular nicknames that are used by locals and visitors alike. Here are some of them:

1. City of Temples: This nickname is a reflection of the many temples and shrines that are found throughout Varanasi. The city is home to numerous ancient and famous temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
2. Spiritual Capital of India: Varanasi is considered to be one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers in India. It is a city that is deeply rooted in Hinduism, and it attracts many visitors who come to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges river and seek spiritual enlightenment.
3. Oldest Living City: Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 3,000 years. This nickname highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage and ancient history.
4. City of Ghats: The ghats, or series of steps leading down to the banks of the Ganges river, are one of the most iconic features of Varanasi. There are over 80 ghats in the city of Varanasi, each having its own significance and history.
5. Land of Sages and Scholars: Varanasi has a long history of being a center for education and learning. Many great sages and scholars have lived and taught in the city over the centuries, and it continues to be an important center for learning and intellectual pursuit.

These nicknames reflect the various aspects of Varanasi’s rich culture, history, and spirituality, and they help to capture the essence of this fascinating city.

Historical Importance Of Varanasi:

Varanasi has a long and rich history that stretches back over 3,000 years, and the city has played an important role in the cultural, religious, and political life of India throughout this time. Here are some of the key historical events and figures associated with Varanasi:

1. Ancient Civilization: Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back to the 11th century BCE. The city was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient India, and it was also a hub of religious and cultural activity.
2. Birthplace of Buddhism: Varanasi is closely associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha, who gave his first sermon at Sarnath, a nearby town, after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Sarnath is just a few miles away from Varanasi, and it was here that the Buddha delivered his first sermon to a group of disciples.
3. Center of Hinduism: Varanasi is considered to be one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and it is a major center of pilgrimage for Hindus from all over India and the world. The city is home to many ancient temples and shrines, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Durga Temple.
4. Muslim Rule: Varanasi was also an important center of Muslim culture and learning during the medieval period, and it was ruled by various Muslim dynasties over the centuries. The city’s rich cultural heritage and history were preserved and enriched by these rulers.
5. British Colonial Rule: Varanasi was a major center of the Indian independence movement during the British colonial period, and it was the site of many important protests and rallies. The city played a significant role in the struggle for Indian independence.

Overall, Varanasi’s rich history and cultural heritage have made it an important city in India and the world, and it continues to be a center of spiritual, cultural, and intellectual life.

15 Interesting facts About Varanasi:

1. Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 3,000 years.
2. The city is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges, which is considered to be the most sacred river in Hinduism.
3. Varanasi has over 80 ghats, or series of steps leading down to the Ganges river, each with its own significance and history.
4. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous temples in India, is located in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sacred lingams of Lord Shiva.
5. Varanasi is known for its silk saris, which are highly prized for their intricate designs and high quality.
6. The city is home to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in India.
7. Varanasi is closely associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha, and the nearby town of Sarnath is the site where he delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
8. Varanasi is considered to be one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and it is believed that dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges river brings moksha which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
9. The city is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and the performing arts.
10. Varanasi is home to many ashrams and spiritual centers, where people come to seek spiritual guidance and enlightenment.
11. The city has a unique cuisine that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as chaat, kachori, and lassi.
12. Varanasi is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including pottery, woodcarving, and brassware.
13. The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many restaurants, cafes, and bars staying open late into the night.
14. Varanasi is home to the Ramnagar Fort, a historic fort that has been home to the Maharaja of Varanasi for over 400 years.
15. The city has a rich literary tradition, with many famous writers and poets having lived and worked in Varanasi over the centuries, including Kabir, Tulsidas, and Ravidas.

15 Places To Visit In Varanasi:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most famous temples in India. It is located in the heart of Varanasi and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi and is known for its daily Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is a beautiful ritual performed by Hindu priests on the banks of the river Ganges.
3. Sarnath: This ancient Buddhist site is located just a few miles away from Varanasi and is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is home to many beautiful temples and stupas, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
4. Manikarnika Ghat: This is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi and is known for its cremation ceremonies and it is believed that anyone who is cremated here will attain moksha which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
5. Assi Ghat: This ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers and is a popular spot for taking a boat ride on the river. It is also known for its lively market and street food stalls.
6. Banaras Hindu University: This prestigious university is one of the largest in India and is known for its beautiful campus and historic buildings, including the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the Vishwanath Temple.
7. Ramnagar Fort: This historic fort is located on the banks of the Ganges river and is home to the Maharaja of Varanasi. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its collection of vintage cars, including a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Benz.
8. Bharat Mata Temple: This unique temple is dedicated to Mother India and is home to a beautiful map of India carved out of marble.
9. Tulsi Manas Temple: This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
10. Alamgir Mosque: This beautiful mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views of the river.
11. Banaras Ghats: There are over 80 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance and history. Some of the most famous include Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and Tulsi Ghat.
12. Chunar Fort: This historic fort is located just outside of Varanasi and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Ganges river.
13. Durga Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
14. Kedar Ghat: This ghat is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular spot for taking a boat ride on the river.
15. Monkey Temple: This unique temple is located in the Sarnath area of Varanasi and is home to hundreds of monkeys and it is known for its beautiful architecture and its peaceful atmosphere.

Art And Culture In Varanasi:

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of artistic traditions. Here are some of the highlights of art and culture in Varanasi:

1. Music: Varanasi is famous for its classical music, with many famous musicians and music schools located in the city. The city is known for its vibrant music scene, with performances of classical music, devotional music, and folk music taking place throughout the year.
2. Dance: Varanasi is also known for its traditional dance forms, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi. There are many dance schools in the city where students can learn these traditional dance styles.
3. Handicrafts: Varanasi is famous for its handicrafts, including silk weaving, brass work, and wood carving. The city is known for its intricate designs and skilled artisans who produce beautiful works of art.
4. Festivals: Varanasi is known for its many festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja and the city comes alive with colorful decorations, music, and dance performances.
5. Literature: Varanasi has a rich literary tradition, with many famous writers and poets associated with the city. The city has a number of libraries and bookstores where visitors can explore the works of these literary figures.
6. Spiritual traditions: Varanasi is known as a center of spirituality and has a long history of spiritual traditions, including yoga and meditation. Many visitors come to Varanasi to explore these spiritual traditions and to visit the city’s many temples and ashrams.

Overall, Varanasi is a city with a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, and visitors to the city can experience a wide range of artistic and cultural traditions.