Varanasi in India

Varanasi is by far the holiest city in India. Kashi and Benaras are the other names of the city. Kashi has been for centuries the city of ‘moksha’ for Hindus. The city is renowned for its top-quality silk. The ‘paan’ available at Varanasi is much sought after. Varanasi is also known for the Benares Hindu University and Avimukta, which reminds one of the ancient world.

For centuries, Varanasi has served as the most important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. Varanasi in India is one of the seven holiest cities. In addition, it is one of the Shakti Peethas. Of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites present in India, Varanasi is one of them. Most Hindus would prefer being cremated at this holy city because they believe that this will lead to nirvana, which is freedom from the vicious cycle of death and rebirth.

Varanasi in India is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is situated on the banks of the Holy Ganges. It is believed that taking a bath in the Holy Ganges would wash away one’s sins and wrongdoings. The pundits and sadhus will testify to the fact that any offering sacrificed here or given in charity will reap rich rewards, which will be thousand times more than the original. Such is the power and beauty of the place. Mantras chanted here resound in the ghats. It is part of folklore that three consecutive nights of fasting in this holy city would lead to tremendous benefits, which are more than a thousand lives spent in spiritual asceticism.

Interestingly, Varanasi is the oldest city present in the world. It is more than 3000 years old. It is also known as the city of temples. You will encounter a temple in Varanasi at every few steps. The number of temples in this holy city is simply mind boggling. Hence, it is hard to fathom the fact that a significant number were demolished in medieval times.

The Jyotirlinga Visvanatha, also known as the Golden Temple, is dedicated especially to Lord Shiva. The temple was rebuilt in 1776. The Jnana Vapi well, which literally translates as ‘Well of Wisdom’, is said to have been dug by none other than Lord Shiva. The mesmerizing Alamgir mosque has succeeded in replacing one of the most ancient temples known as Bindu Madhava. The sheer number of shrines (33 hundred million) fills one with awe and astonishment.

The ‘Ghats’ that line the Ganga, have always served as the pilgrimage spot of Varanasi. They have also served as centers for music and learning. The city is famous for its yatras. The path of Panchkoshi Parikrama is considered the most sacred path. The path is fifty miles long with a radius of five miles. This covers nearly 108 shrines on the way. Panchakoshi Temple serves as the main shrine for this yatra.

Another famous pilgrimage path is Nagara Pradakhshina. This covers another 72 shrines. Varanasi in India has always been a center for learning. The city has served as a symbol for spirituality, ancient philosophy, and mysticism for scores of years. It has produced towering personalities, including Gautama Buddha, Lord Mahavir, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Ramanuja, Patanjali, and Shankaracharaya.