The holy city of Varanasi, also called Banaras, may be found in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on the western bank of the Ganges River. Banaras is another spelling of the city’s name. Many people get the two cities of Varanasi and Kashi mixed up. The city was once known as Kashi, but its current name, Varanasi, now recognizes it.
The origin of the term Kashi may be traced back to the Sanskrit word ‘Kasha,’ which can be translated as ‘brightness.’ As a result, the city is also known as ‘the luminous one’ or ‘city of the light.’ The city was given the name Varanasi because it is located on the banks of the rivers Varuna and Asi, which both flow into the Ganges. The city is well known not only for its significance as a destination for pilgrims but also for its significant contributions to the realms of music, art, culture, religion, and literature.
KashiVishwanath Temple: A Brief History
KashiVishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The other Jyotirlingas are as follows: Somnath in Gujarat; MallikarjunaJyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh; Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain; Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh; Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand; Bhimashankar in Maharashtra; Triambakeshwar in Nashik; BaidyanathJyotirlinga in Deogar (Maharashtra).
Troubled times have a long history in the city. Kashi was established as the kingdom’s capital in the sixth century. In 1780, AhilyaBai, a Maratha queen of the Malwa kingdom, reconstructed the temple after the Mughals had razed it to the ground.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple once again, which had a mosque erected on the site. Behind the mosque’s main building, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the ancient KashiVishwanath temple. Varanasi or Banaras are both common names for the city, although Varanasi has been the official name since India’s independence in 1947.
Top 5 Things Varanasi Is Famous For
Varanasi is known as the city of the banks of the Ganges. Numerous Hindu devotees visit this city annually to bathe in the Ganges River, making it a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus throughout India. In addition to its reputation as a religious center, Varanasi is often mentioned as where many devotees go to carry out their last rites for deceased loved ones.
Over two thousand temples may be found in this city. Historically speaking, Buddhism is said to have been established at Varanasi, where the Buddha also gave his first speech. The city of Benares, often known as Varanasi, is famous for its Banarasi silk. Here’s a comprehensive look at a few of Varanasi is famous for!
1. Ganga Aarti, Varanasi
Witnessing Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable opportunity. To put it simply, Aarti is a Hindu ceremony in which prayers are offered to the goddess Ganga. DashashwamedhGhat on the banks of the Ganges is the site of this ceremony. Every day at sunset and sunrise, there is a 45-minute prayer session. Ancient brass oil lamps will be lit, priests will sing prayers and mantras, and the entire room will glow with spiritual energy. If you don’t see the magnificent phenomenon that happens every morning and evening in Varanasi, your vacation will be lacking.
2. Wooden Toys
Adorable wooden toys are a popular street vendor item in Varanasi. The art of crafting wooden toys is centuries old and calls for a high level of skill and attention to detail. These talented painters do various stunning wooden works, from traditional toys for kids to statues of deities to decorative animals like elephants and horses. These wooden toys and souvenirs are terrific investments and make excellent presents.
3. Hinduism
For Hindus, Varanasi serves as India’s holiest city. Those who practice Hinduism go here to bathe in the Varanasi River, which is considered sacred by its adherents. Many Hindus choose to hold their funeral ceremonies for loved ones who have passed away in Varanasi. Varanasi is revered by Hindus as a sacred site and is often cited as one of the seven holiest cities in the religion. The worship of Shiva inspired the founding of this city. The Hindu faith holds that bathing in the Ganges may cleanse one of their sins.
4. Banarasi Silk Saree
The Banarasi silk saree was first created in Varanasi. These are some of the most beautiful saris India has ever produced. Fine silk, exquisite gold pattern, silver or zari work, and beautiful embroidery set a Banarasi silk saree apart from others. No other saree in the world can compare to the beauty of a Banarasi silk saree. You should consider getting one, even if the price might vary from hundreds to lakhs of Indian rupees.
5. Glass Beads
Varanasi is also home to a unique art form: glass beadwork. Local artisans use glass beads to make jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. These beads are so rare that they are often called “kaanchkemoti,” which translates to “glass pearls.” It takes one artist around ten to fifteen minutes to manufacture a single bead due to the complexity of the technique involved. The final product is a stunning piece of jewelry that can be found nowhere else except in Varanasi.