The Beautiful City Of Varanasi

By: Saryu Sharma

Keywords: Benaras, Ganga

Genre: General

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, The city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The beautiful city of Varanasi

Varanasi also known as Kashi or Benaras is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Mark Twain, the English author and 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 beautiful city of Varanasi

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 centre of learning and civilization for over 3000 years.
Varanasi has been the symbol of Hindu Renaissance. Knowledge, philosphy, culture, devotion to God’s, Indian arts and crafts, have all flourished for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty third Tirthankar.

With a number of temples , Mrs.Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home of her “Theosophical Society” and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute ‘Benaras 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. Maharishi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city.

Varanasi is also famous for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since early days.

Conclusion:

Varanasi has also been a great centre 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 Prem Chand and Tulsi das, who wrote the Ramcharit Manas. Varanasi is 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 who is a shahnai player are all sons of this blessed city.