Varanasi alias Banaras or Benares or Kashi (Image Courtesy: Wikimedia).

Varanasi alias Banaras is one of the most famous pilgrimage places for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains in India. Varanasi is situated in the state of Utter Pradesh in North India.

Varanasi is the most sacred and holy city for Hindus and Jains. Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most famous Hindu temple in Varanasi. Varanasi played a major role in the development of Buddhism. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, Turning the Wheel of Law, at a nearby place, Saranath, in 528 B.C.

Varanasi is the oldest continuously inhabited city in India and is among such other world cities. Varanasi is called the ‘city of temples’. Varanasi, or Banaras, is considered the religious and spiritual capital of India. Varanasi is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, one of the largest rivers in India.

Varanasi is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva. Archaeological evidence suggests humans inhabited the city in the 11th or 12th century B.C. However, “Atharvaveda”, the oldest known text, suggests human existence even earlier. Mark Twain has said, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” The famous Chinese travelers of the 6th and 7th centuries, Xuanzang and Hiuen Tsiang, describe Banaras as the “center of religious and artistic activities” extended over five kilometers along the Western banks of river Ganga or the Ganges with 30 temples and 30 monks.

Adi Shankara, or Sankarachra, the Great Hindu Philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of ‘Advaita Vedanta’, visited Varanasi in the 8th century.

Hindus believe that death at Banaras brings salvation.

Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, is situated here.

Banaras Silk Sarees from Varanasi alias Banaras

The weaving of silk sarees is a major industry here at Banaras or Benares. Banaras is home to the Geographically Identified Banaras Silk Sarees or Banarasi silk sarees, the finest and most sought-after saree in the world (check serial numbers 100 and 193 under “Registered GIs” at the above site). Banaras hand-loom silk industry employs around 12 lack people.

How Do I Go to Varanasi Alias Banaras or Baneras or Kashi ?

Varanasi alias Banaras or Banaras or Kashi is around 800 kilometers from the Indian capital city of New Delhi.

Lucknow, the capital of Utter Pradesh state, is 320 kilometers distance, and Allahabad is 121 kilometers distance.

Conclusion

Are you interested in visiting Varanasi alias Banaras, popularly known as Kasi, as a pilgrim? Are you looking for other pilgrimage sites in India? Please leave your comments.