Varanasi: Abode of the Timeless City and Immortal Traditions.

In this universe, an invisible current of time flows. Yet, one sacred place exists where time stands still, where 3,000 years is not just a count, but the truth of life itself. We are speaking of Kashi—a city that prompted the famous American author, Mark Twain, to declare Banaras is older than history, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. Yes, we are talking about Varanasi, which we call Kashi. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is believed that this city rests upon the trident of Lord Shiva. It is not a mere collection of bricks and stones; it is the center of spirituality and peace for the soul. It is called Unfree zone; the region Shiva himself has never left. read more
The name ‘Kaashi’ means the City of Light, It is the City of Knowledge that has been the cultural and religious center of India for millennia. It is known as the Religious Capital of India and the City of Lights. Kaashi is mentioned in the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharat, and Ramayan. In the Skanda Puraan, it is called the Ocean of Nectar. The Gangaa River flows Northwards here, profoundly enhancing its sacredness, The soul of Kaashi resides in its temples. Shri Kashi Vishwanath, this is the holy spot where the First Jyotirlinga, the radiant light of Shiva, was established. Its golden glow makes Kaashi a vital center of devotion. He is the Lord Deity of Kaashi. Kalabhairav Tample, The City’s Guardian: The pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting the Kalabhairav Temple in Vishesharganj. He is considered the Kotwal of Varaanasi, and it is believed no one can reside here without his permission, Maa Annapurna, Near the Vishwanaath Temple is the temple of the Goddess of Food, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Near the Assi Ghaat is this temple established by Goswami Tulsidas, where the playful monkeys make the place unique. Sankata Devi: Near Scindia Ghaat is the temple of Devi Sankataa, the giver of freedom from distress. This complex also houses nine temples for the nine planets. Mrityunjay Mahadev, this temple, dedicated to Shiva, features holy water believed to cure many diseases. Durgaa Temple, the stone carvings here are a fine example of Nagaur craftsmanship. Bhaarat Mata Temple: Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, it uniquely houses a map of Mother India made entirely of marble. The current form of the Kaashi Vishwanaath Temple was built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in seventeen hundred and eighty, however, the original construction is credited to King Vikramaaditaya, nearly two thousand five hundred years ago. The temple has faced repeated devastation, including being ordered to be broken by Muhammad Ghori in 1194, Sultan Mahmud Shah 1447, and Aurangzeb in 1669, It was rebuilt in 1585 by Pandit Naraayan Batt with the help of King Todarmal. The Ghats: Philosophy of Life and Death, the 84 Ghaats of Kaashi are its soul, erasing the distance between life and death. Dashaashvmedh Ghaat: Here, the magnificent evening Gangaa Aarti offers devotees the highest experience of divinity, Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghaats: These are the doors to Moksha, where death becomes a celebration, the pyre’s fire never cools here. In Kaashi, both life and death are the Ultimate Truth. Assi Ghaat: This is a gathering of saints and sages, where stories of thousands of years flow in the waves of the Gangaa. Birthplace of Knowledge, Literature, and Music: Varaanasi is not just the city of Moksha; it is also the pinnacle of knowledge and art. Literary Heritage: Here, Goswaami Tulsidas wrote the revered epic Ramcharitmanas. Other great philosophers and writers like Kabeer, Vallabhaachaarya, Ravidaas, Munshi Premchand, Gireejaa Devee, Pandit Hariprasaad Chaurasiya, and Jaishankar Prasad have lived here. Music Gharaanaa: The Banaaras Gharaanaa of Hindustani Classical music was born and developed here. This is the birthplace of Bhaarat Ratna awardees like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Banaaras Hindu University (B.H.U), the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, and Sampurnaanand Sanskrit University form the bedrock of education here. The residents here mainly speak Bhojpuri, reflecting their carefree and indestructible style, Today Varanasi cherishes its antiquity while embracing modernity. The construction of the Kaashi Vishwanaath Corridor has made the path to the temple magnificent. Through the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, the city is being developed as a Smart City. Kaashi is where you find more than just temples—here, you find the soul of India. This is the city everyone must visit once. You must immerse your soul in the waves of the Gangaa and let yourself be lost in the infinite. Next time you visit Kashi, feel its divinity in your soul.