| The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage
spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares,
Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These
few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older
than history, older than tradition, older even than legend
and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land
of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the
cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati,
the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi
is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of
mortals.
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 center of learning
and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath,
the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after
enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a
symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy,
culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have
all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage
place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace
of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi
harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant
chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society'
and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares
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. Maharshi
Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also
affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is
also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for
the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since
the early days.
Varanasi has also been a great center 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 novelist Prem Chand
and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit
Manas. Aptly called as 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, (the
famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city
or have lived here for major part of their lives
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