Kashi, the city of religion, knowledge and salvation: The oldest and interesting history of Varanasi

Settled on the holy bank of the Ganges river, Banaras, Kashi or Varanasi… These are not only the names, but the identity of the ancient culture, spirituality and civilization of India. The city, which is considered a favorite place of Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The history of centuries in its streets, ghats and temples is limited. Let’s know about the oldest names of this amazing city and some interesting facts.

Kashi: Varanasi’s oldest and first name

You probably wonder, but Varanasi’s first and ancient name ‘Kashi’ (Kashi) Was. The word ‘Kashi’ literally means ‘light’ or ‘shiny’. The name is a symbol of the name that this city has been the center of knowledge, spirituality and education, where the light of knowledge was spread by erasing darkness. It is believed that this city was founded by Lord Shiva, from which it is revered as a holy city since time immemorial.

How was the name ‘Varanasi’?

The name ‘Varanasi’ is the two ancient rivers of this city, Varuna and Asi (Varuna and Assi)Lying in the name of. This city is situated between these two rivers.

• The Varuna River flows to the north of Varanasi.

• The Asi River meets the Ganges to the south of Varanasi.
  Together with the river Ganges, these three rivers make this region sacred.

Banaras: Popular Colloquial Name

Over time, another name of this city ‘Banaras’ also came into vogue. This name became so popular that people often started calling it ‘Banaras’ in common colloquial. Banarasi saree, Banarasi paan and Banarasi sweetness have become a special identity of the city by joining this name. ‘Kashi Vishwanath’ temple is the most famous temple of this city, where devotees of Shiva come from abroad and abroad.

Some other interesting and historical facts of Varanasi:

1. The most ancient living city: Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest constant cities in the world, whose history is older than 3000 BC.

2. Major pilgrimage site of Hindus: It is one of the seven holy cities (Sapta Puris) of Hindus, and is considered an important place for salvation.

3. Center for Knowledge and Education: It has been the main center of education since ancient times, where Vedas, philosophy, astrology and Sanskrit were taught. Mahatma Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath a few kilometers from here.

4. Ganges Ghats: Varanasi is famous for its countless ghats, where thousands of people do bathing, worship and various religious rituals every morning and evening. Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are particularly famous.

5. cultural diversity: It has also been the center of music, art, literature and crafts. The Banarasi saris, brass utensils and wooden toys here are world famous.

6. Salvation and rebirth: There is a belief in Hinduism that by dying in Varanasi, a person gets salvation and he is freed from the bondage of birth and death.

Kashi, Varanasi, or Banaras-Whatever the name, this city is not only an important part of the religious and cultural fabric of India, but also a unique symbol of the history of human civilization. Its streets, its Ganges, and every particle of it are called centuries old stories.