Varanasi "KASHI" History
Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her ‘Theosophical Society’ and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute ‘Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.
Sarnath (Lat.25022’ N , Log.8300’ E) is located on the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway, at a distance of about 10 kms Towards north-east from Varanasi Railway station and is only 23 kms away from LalBahadur Shastri Air Port, Babatpur, Varanasi.
Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park inSarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.
Sarnath (Lat.25022’ N , Log.8300’ E) is located on the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway, at a distance of about 10 kms Towards north-east from Varanasi Railway station and is only 23 kms away from LalBahadur Shastri Air Port, Babatpur, Varanasi.
Sarnath is one of the most important, sacred and famous religious as well as pilgrimage place for the Buddhist World and as this is well known that this place is directly associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha From this place Lord Buddha has started the journey of Dhamma by giving his first sermon in C 528 B.C.E.
BHU-Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was d under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915. It played a stellar role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India and has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists, scientists and technologists who have graced its portals. The area of the main campus of this premiere Central University is 1300 acres, having well maintained roads, extensive greenery, a temple, an air strip and buildings which are an architectural delight. The Air Field of the campus was started for military training for flying during the second world war. Another campus of the university at Barkachha , in Mirzapur district, covering an area of 2700 acres is coming up. The university comprises 6 Institutes, 14 Faculties 144 Departments, 4 Inter displinary Centers a constituent college for women's and 3 Constituents Schools, spanning a vast range of subjects pertaining to all branches of humanities,social science,technology, medicine ,science, fine arts and performing arts. It has 6 centres of Advanced Studies, 10 Departments under Special Assistance Programme and a large number of specialized Research Centers. Four Degree Colleges of the city are affiliated to the University. Bharat Kala Bhavan, the reputed museum of the university, is a treasure trove of rare collections. The 927 bed hospital of the University is equipped with all the modern a menities. The university provides a wide range of facilities for sport and hobbies, has large playgrounds, a big auditorium, a flying club and many auxiliary services and units like Printing Press, Publication Cell,Fruit Preservation Center, Subsidized Canteens, Employment and Information Bureau, Security etc. The University family consists of about 15000 students belonging to all streams of life, castes and religions and races, about 1700 teachers, and nearly 8000 non-teaching staff A large number of students from foreign countries like the U.S.A, the countries of Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa etc., come to study here. The university has taken a leadership role in promoting new ideas, the spirit of integration of the world, and cultivation of intellect and culture. Banaras Hindu University is small virtually a universe in microcosm.
The Mystical Beauty of Varanasi: Namo Ghat
Varanasi, the city full of dazzling charm doesn’t need any introduction. This place is the best if you value calmness and inner peace. Everyone has heard about the heaven but if you want to experience it on the Earth then you must visit Varanasi. You can take part in a variety of religious rituals and feel the presence of gods here. Tourists come there from all over the world for various such reasons. Not only to live in Varanasi, Hindus believe that if they die in this holy city, they would be released from the endless cycle of reincarnation. Apart from religious significance, Varanasi has much more to explore. One of the major tourist attractions in this holy city is the newly reconstructed “Namo Ghat”. Let us explore this beautiful place in detail. One of the most striking elements of this ghat is a magnificent hand folded sculpture. Because of three massive sculptures in the shape of hands folded in ‘namaste,’ it has become a popular tourist attraction. Namo is an expression of our culture in which we welcome visitors by joining our palms and saying “Namaste.” The sculptures of folded hands became the new identity of the ghat. They appear to welcome our visitors to the land of Kashi. Namo Ghat is Kashi’s first Ghat to be accessible by water, land, and air. The city has what seems to be the new Kashi look, which is something that attracts many visitors. Its minimal interior design and traditional Kashi wall paintings throw off an air of both modernity and heritage. Visitors to Varanasi will see a visual representation of our culture and respect for them here.
