Tourism in Banaras

The land of Banaras (Varanasi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". 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. 

Not only is it the holiest pilgrimage site of the Hindus, but in one of its suburbs – Sarnath – Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon sometime in the 5th century bce. Known as the Deer Park, the site was visited by the Maurya emperor Ashoka (304–232 bce); he raised a sandstone column there whose capital is now the symbol of modern India, emblazoned on all forms of currency circulating in the country. Banaras is where all pious Hindus aspire to be liberated from the chain of rebirth, which is why it is characterized as ‘avimukta kshetra’ or the land of final emancipation. Also called Kashi, the city’s patron deity is Shiva as Vishvanath or Lord of the Universe whose temple, though not an ancient structure, remains the holiest Hindu shrine, which most adherents of the faith strive to visit at least once in their lifetime.

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. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. 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.