Venerable Varanasi, the ‘Abode of Lord Shiva’ is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The legendary city also called as Banaras abounds with a rich and vibrant past. The city of traditional classical culture is glorified by myths and legends and sanctified by religion. It is in fact the microcosm of Hinduism. Varanasi’s antiquity is veiled in immortal time and its place in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. According to mythological legends the city was created by none other than Lord Shiva himself and the Puranic literature dates its existence to at least three millennia. The early history of Varanasi is replete with hoary tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots. But, the city has risen again and again like a phoenix from the ashes.
Kashi, the mythological name of this eternal city is said to be derived from the word ‘Kasha’, meaning shine or bright, as it was considered to be the ‘city of light’ or spiritual luminance. The present name Varanasi is a combination of Varuna and Asi, the two tributaries of Ganga flowing along the northern and southern borders of the holy city. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the string of ghats along the river Ganga, where most of the city temples are located. A stream of pilgrims visits the ghats from dawn to dusk to pray and take a sin cleansing dip in the holy Ganga.
Varanasi is also an important centre of education and has produced several world renowned academicians, musicians and artists. It was also the site where Buddha and Mahavira preached and Shankracharya wrote his commentaries on Hinduism. Where Patanjali, the Sanskrit grammarian wrote Mahabhasya and Tulsidas composed Ramcharitamanas and where Kabir preached amity between religions. The city is famous for its fine arts and crafts. The Benarasi silk sari with zari brocading in gold and silver and fine metal wires is a priceless possession of any Indian woman. It also has a rich repertoire of silver, brass, copper artifacts and trinkets as well as aromatic perfumeries.
There is no Indian attraction like Varanasi. It is much more than just a mere city, but is a way of life. Visiting Varanasi is indeed an experience in self discovery.