Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities
in the world. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology
is virtually unrivalled. Mark Twain, the English author
and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and
sanctity of Banaras, 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".
One of the earliest descriptions of Varanasi is found
in the Buddhist scriptures as also in the epic, 'Mahabharat'.
The 'Pali' version of Varanasi was 'Baranasi' which
ultimately gave birth to the name 'Banaras'. According
to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and Assi rivers originate
from the body of the primordial person at the beginning
of time itself. The tract of land lying between them
is believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages.
The holy land between these two rivers is 'Varanasi'.
Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the root
'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light.
Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi
is the 'original ground' created by Shiva and Parwati,
upon which they stood at the beginning of time. Varanasi
is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional
classical culture. Glorified by myth and legend and
sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large
number of pilgrims and worshippers from times immemorial.
To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself. and experience
in Self discovery . an ethereal oneness of the body
and soul. To every visitor, Varanasi offers a breathtaking
experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the
Ganges. the high -banks, the temples and shrines, the
ashrams and pavilions along the banks bathed in a golden
hue. soul -stirring hymns and mantras along with the
fragrance of incense filling the air. and, the refreshing
dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats..
.
The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges. the
high -banks, the temples and shrines, the ashrams and
pavilions along the banks bathed in a golden hue.
soul -stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance
of incense filling the air. and, the refreshing dip
in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats.. .
Varanasi, the land where experience and discovery reach
the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its
rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education.
Some of the world- renowned exponents India has produced
in these fields were schooled in the Varanasi tradition
and origins. Luminaries parts, Varanasi abounds in the
art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests
itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades
which are cherished as collector's items across the
world, even today .
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