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History of Varanasi the “City of Shiva”
The primary name of Varanasi was ‘Kashi,’ got from the word 'Kasha,’ meaning magnificence. Banaras is the old name of Varanasi, immersed with custom and eccentric legacy, Kashi is acknowledged to be the 'principal ground’ created by Lord Shiva and deity Parvati. Varanasi is quite famous for Kashi Vishwanath Temple all around the world. As indicated by Hindu mythology, Kashi was established by Lord Shiva, one of three head gods alongside Brahma and Vishnu. During a battle between Brahma and Shiva, one of Brahma’s five heads was removed by Shiva.
In Varanasi, each day dramas of sin and liberation are enacted earlier than one’s dazzled eyes. India is altogether an extroverted country, however, right here the existence of the soul is so clearly and officially exteriorized that indoors and outside all however lose metaphysical distinction. The putting is correctly theatrical a geometric rebellion of temples and palaces and pavilions and minarets clings, crescent-shaped, to the cliff face alongside the bay created with the aid of using the flip of the Ganges; pilgrims emerge purified from a dip withinside the water of the river, and with pleasure identical to their ardor climb the ghats for the religious significance.
How Varanasi Got Its Name
As indicated by the 'Vamana Purana’, the Varuna and also the Assi waterways began from the body of the first stage toward the dawn of history. the continuing name Varanasi has its starting stage in these 2 feeders of the Ganges, Varuna, and Asi, that flank its northern and southern limits. The plot of land lying between them was named 'Varanasi,’ the holiest of all journeys. Banaras or Benaras, because it is prominently known, is barely a degradation of the name Varanasi.
Premature History of Varanasi
Students of history have now discovered that the Aryans initially settled in the Ganges valley and persistently thousand years BC, Varanasi transformed into the center of Aryan religion and thinking. The city in like manner flourished as a business and present-day center well known for its muslin and silk surfaces, ivory works, perfumery, and figures. In the sixth century BC, Varanasi was reworked into the capital of the domain of Kashi. throughout this point, Lord Buddha passed on his most significant message at Sarnath, simply ten km aloof from Varanasi. Being some extent of convergence of severe, educational, social, and inventive activities, Kashi drew the attention of several tourists around the world; Chinese tourist Hsüan Tsang is one among them, who visited Bharat around AD 635 Varanasi below Mughal Empire
Varanasi Under Mughal Empire
From 1194, Varanasi went into a terrible stage for a seriously lengthy timespan under Mughal Empire. The sanctuaries were obliterated and the researchers needed to leave. In the sixteenth 100 years, with the lenient head Akbar’s promotion to the Mughal lofty position, some strict reprieve was re-established in the city. All that vanished again in the late seventeenth century when the overbearing Mughal ruler Aurangzeb came to drive.
Ongoing History
The eighteenth century again carried back the lost magnificence to Varanasi. It turned into a free realm, with Ramnagar as its capital when the British proclaimed it another Indian state in 1910. After India’s autonomy in 1947, Varanasi turned out to be important for the province of Uttar Pradesh.
Why Visit Varanasi?
Varanasi is one of the top traveler objections in India for pioneers from around the globe. This well-known top otherworldly objective in India has a few travelers and guests from a long way off performing ceremonies here. The top journey site in India is well known because of multiple factors and for the most part the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The spot is famously called Kashi and individuals from all religions and ethnicities. It is accepted that the waters of the river Ganga are heavenly and hallowed and washing up there offers 'moksha’ to that individual. Individuals from across borders and of various age bunches do this to scrub their spirit from past sins and get freedom from the pattern of birth and passing. This is one of the early morning activities in Varanasi. One of the main motivations to take an early morning boat ride is to see the various Ghats of Varanasi and other touring places in Varanasi like Palaces and forts.
Call it Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi!
Immersed in religious colors, this oldest city in India is called the city of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this grand city stands on the “Trishul” of Lord Shiva. Kashi is also called the spiritual and cultural capital of ancient India.
Countless ghats, two famous universities Kashi Hindu University and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University are situated in Kashi. There are around 85000 temples here. The city has been a commercial and industrial center for muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory, and crafts.
Someone has aptly said “Kashi is a city older than history, older than tradition, older than legend, and twice as old as all these combined!
There are many mythological stories associated with the Ghats in Varanasi, each one as interesting and shocking as the other. Even though this city is crowded, its glory has been sung in various scriptures. But still, the peace that is in the land of Kashi is nowhere else.
Let’s know what is so special in this city!
Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti
Located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this Ghat is one of the most important Ghats of Banaras. A trip to Varanasi is considered incomplete if you do not witness the Ganga Aarti performed by the priests every evening at the ghats. A dip in the Ganges in Kashi opens the door to salvation. A large number of foreign tourists also come to Varanasi to watch the Ganga Aarti. That’s why it is said that if you want liberation, then come to Kashi!
Ganga Aarti lasts for 45 minutes.
Starting Time: 6:45 PM
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach salvation. The specialty of this ghat is that the pyre’s fire never calms down here. Funeral pyres burn 24/7 at this ghat, and around 200 cremations take place every day. It is said that Lord Shiva has blessed Manikarnika Ghat with eternal peace. It is believed that the truth of life lies at Manikarnika Ghat. It is believed that the fire rites of the dead body of Mata Sati were performed by Lord Shankar at Manikarnika Ghat. That is why it is called Mahashamshan.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the west bank of the holy river Ganges, this temple adds to the dignity of Varanasi. Many people call it the Golden Temple of Lord Shiva because the two domes of the temple are covered with gold. People believe that when the earth was formed, the first ray of the sun first fell on Kashi. The temple opens daily at around 2:30 am. There are 5 aartis daily in the temple.
Rivers of Varanasi
The expansion of this city is said to be between the two confluences of the river Ganga, one with the river Varuna and the other with the river Asi. The distance between these confluences is about two and a half miles. Parikrama of this distance is called holy Panchkosi Parikrama among Hindus.
Panchkosi Parikrama
Panchkosi Yatra is one of the most important yatras undertaken by pilgrims around the holy Kashi Mandal. This holy journey begins with a holy dip in the river Ganga at the matchless Manikarnika Ghat. Kardameshwar, Shivpur, Rameshwar, Bhimchandi, and Kapildhara are the five places where devotees have to complete their Panch Koshi Parikrama.
Boat ride in river Ganga
Going to Banaras and enjoying a boat ride in the river Ganga will make your journey more fun. Sitting in the boat, the view of all the ghats will fascinate you. You can book your boat from Manmandir Ghat. If you do this journey in the morning, then there can be no better time than this. In this holy city, the hymns of the sadhus on the ghats in the morning, the chirping of birds, the Morning Prayer, and the redness of the rising sun makes this city even grander.
Sarnath
Located 10 km from Banaras, this ancient city is home to the first sermon of Buddha at Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddhism came into existence. The main attraction of Sarnath is the Chaukhandi Stupa which was built by Ashoka after his conversion to Buddhism. If you ever come to Kashi, do not forget to visit Sarnath.
Banaras Silk
India exports its silk to more than 200 countries across the world and its demand is increasing especially in Europe and America. Banarasi silks and sarees are produced exclusively in the ancient city of Varanasi and surrounding villages, using special techniques and unique creations. Located on Chhawni Road, the Banaras Silk Emporium is a huge exporter of traditional silk.
If you want to see the whole traditional India, then I suggest that you must come to Kashi once.
Planning a trip to Varanasi?
Here is our list of top Tourist Places in Varanasi. Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi are the names of the same holy city in India. One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is considered by Hindus to be one of the holiest places in India. Here are some of the top tourist places that you must visit in Varanasi. Ghats of Varanasi, Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath Temple, Man Mandir Observatory etc.
Most famous temple of Lord Shiva
Kashi is also known as Banaras and Varanasi. This city of Shiva and Kaal Bhairav is wonderful, which has been included in the Saptapuris. Being situated between two rivers ‘Varuna’ and 'Asi’, it got the name 'Varanasi’. The two most famous places of this pilgrimage site of Hindus are Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Assi Ghat. Where every year lakhs of devotees come to visit. Talking about the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this temple is considered to be the main temple among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple is also known as the place of Shiva and Parvati.
Tourist Places in Varanasi | Ancient tradition meets contemporary life
Planning to visit Varanasi? Banaras is the birthplace of lord shiva and not that there are too many Tourist Places in Varanasi where you will see ancient India and our rich culture which will mesmerise you. Some most famous place are ghats, Chunar fort, Kashi vishwanath temple, kaal bhairav temple and so on.
Kashi is known as Devbhoomi since divine times. The city is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges. There are a total of 88 ghats on the banks of the Ganges. Kashi is famous all over the world for its religious importance. Every year tourists from all over the world come to visit Banaras. People get the blessings of Maa Ganga by attending Ganga Aarti, and also go to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and worship of lord shiva.
Know why Varanasi is called Banaras and Kashi
It is a famous city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is also called ‘Banaras’ and 'Kashi’. It is considered a holy city in Hinduism and is called “Avimukt Kshetra”. Apart from this, it is also an important city in Buddhism and Jainism. Generally, the city of Varanasi is considered to be about 3000 years old. But according to Hindu traditions, Kashi Banaras is considered to be much older than this. For more about Kashi Banaras visit our website:
Discovering History and Heritage | Tourist Places in Varanasi
India’s spiritual heart, boasts enchanting Tourist Places in Varanasi. Begin your journey at the sacred Ganges River ghats, where age-old rituals and boat rides captivate the soul. The iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, exudes architectural splendour. Wander through narrow alleys in the old city, exploring vibrant markets and savouring local cuisine. Discover the serene Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, and the elegant Ramnagar Fort. Varanasi is a kaleidoscope of spirituality, culture, and history, a place where timeless traditions meet modern aspirations, offering a profound and memorable travel experience.
Assi Ghat Varanasi
Assi Ghat, the sacred site where the Ganges River flows into spiritualism, is one of Varanasi’s most popular ghats. Assi Ghat Varanasi a place is known for its incredible meditation, Ganga Aarti, and cultural significance. One of the most significant ghats, millions of devotees and tourists visited here to witness the real Kashi. Kashibanaras.com promotes this ghat by providing a tour guide, cultural information, and travel information to visitors so that they can easily learn all about the spiritual, traditional, and ancient beauty of this ghat. For more Info visit: https://kashibanaras.com/assi-ghat/