Banaras (Varanasi): The Eternal City
Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This is one of the most famous city in India. Located on the banks of the sacred river Ganga in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Banaras holds a unique place in India’s spiritual, cultural, and historical landscape. For centuries, it has been regarded as the spiritual capital of India and a major center of learning, devotion, and art.
The city derives its name from the rivers Varuna and Assi, which mark its northern and southern boundaries. Banaras is deeply associated with Hindu beliefs, and it is said that Lord Shiva himself resides here. For Hindus, dying in Banaras and being cremated on the banks of the Ganga is believed to bring moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This belief draws millions of pilgrims to the city every year.
One of the most striking features of Banaras is its ghats—long flights of stone steps leading down to the river. There are more than eighty ghats, each with its own religious and historical significance. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous, known for its grand Ganga Aarti held every evening, where priests perform ritual worship with lamps, chants, and music. Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are important cremation grounds, symbolizing the city’s deep connection with life, death, and eternity.
Banaras is also renowned for its temples, especially the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is among the most sacred shrines in Hinduism. Alongside Hindu temples, the city also reflects religious harmony, with mosques, monasteries, and churches forming part of its cultural fabric.
Beyond spirituality, Banaras has long been a center of education and intellectual activity. Ancient scholars like Adi Shankaracharya visited the city, and in modern times, institutions such as Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have carried forward its academic legacy. BHU is one of Asia’s largest residential universities and contributes significantly to education, research, and cultural preservation.
The city is equally famous for its rich cultural traditions. Banarasi silk sarees, known for their fine craftsmanship and intricate designs, are treasured across India and abroad. Banaras is also a hub of Indian classical music and dance, having produced legendary artists such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Festivals like Dev Deepawali, Holi, and Mahashivratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm, filling the city with color, music, and devotion.
In essence, Banaras is not just a city but a living symbol of India’s ancient soul. Its narrow lanes, sacred chants, flowing river, and timeless rituals create an atmosphere where the past and present coexist. Banaras continues to inspire spiritual seekers, scholars, artists, and travelers, standing as an eternal city that reflects the depth and continuity of Indian civilization.
Pm Narendra Modi ka Sansadiya Kshetra
Har har Mahadev 🙏