About Varanasi – The Eternal City

Introduction to Varanasi

Varanasi, located on the left bank of the sacred Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Also known as Kashi and Banaras, it has been a seat of learning, spirituality, and culture for over 3,000 years. Revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India. Every corner of the city whispers legends of gods, saints, scholars, and artists.

History of Varanasi

By the 2nd millennium BCE, Varanasi was a flourishing center of Vedic religion, philosophy, and trade. It was renowned for silk weaving, muslin, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. The Buddha delivered his first sermon at nearby Sarnath in the 6th century BCE, marking Varanasi as a place of interfaith importance. Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang documented its prominence in the 7th century CE.

The city endured invasions and decline during Muslim rule from the 12th century, but experienced revivals under Mughal emperor Akbar and later the Marathas. Under British administration, Varanasi retained its commercial and spiritual relevance. Today, it remains a thriving center of pilgrimage and learning, blending antiquity with modern life.

Spiritual Significance

For Hindus, Varanasi is the gateway to moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Ritual bathing in the Ganges, prayers at ancient temples, and participation in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti are central to the city’s identity. Devotees believe that dying in Kashi grants eternal salvation. The city also holds significance for Buddhists, with Sarnath nearby, and for Jains, as the birthplace of Tirthankara Parshvanath.

Temples and Sacred Sites

Varanasi is home to thousands of temples. The most revered is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable shrines include the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the modern Vishwanath temple on the Banaras Hindu University campus. The sacred Panchakosi path encircles the city, symbolizing devotion and purification.

The Ghats of Varanasi

Stretching along the Ganges, the city’s 80+ ghats are its heartbeat. Dashashwamedh Ghat is famous for its daily Ganga Aarti, while Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are sacred cremation sites. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters, while ascetics, musicians, and boatmen animate the riverside with chants and rituals.

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Culture, Arts, and Music

Called the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has nurtured classical music, dance, and arts for centuries. The city is home to legends like sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and shehnai virtuoso Ustad Bismillah Khan. Its brocades, Banarasi silk sarees, carpets, wooden toys, brassware, and handicrafts are treasured worldwide.

Festivals in Varanasi

The city vibrates with festivals all year round. Mahashivaratri honors Lord Shiva, while the Ganga Festival in November celebrates the river goddess with lamps floating on the waters. Bharat Milap in October reenacts Rama’s reunion with Bharat. The Dhrupad Festival attracts India’s finest classical musicians, and Holi and Diwali are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm.

Tourism and Experiences

From boat rides at dawn to exploring narrow alleyways, Varanasi offers unforgettable experiences. Tourists visit Sarnath, the Ramnagar Fort, and Banaras Hindu University alongside ghats and temples. Visitors indulge in Banarasi paan, thandai, street food, and sweets. The city’s unique mix of devotion, art, and daily life makes it an essential stop for pilgrims, history lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

Education and Learning

Known as the ancient seat of learning, Varanasi is home to the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The city continues its legacy of Sanskrit scholarship, philosophy, yoga, and Ayurveda. Ancient traditions like Guru-Shishya parampara thrive alongside modern academic pursuits.

The Eternal City

Varanasi is not just a destination—it is an experience of time, devotion, and culture intertwined. For pilgrims, artists, scholars, and travelers, Kashi remains the ultimate place of inspiration. As Mark Twain famously said, “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”