Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This religious hub is considered among the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism apart from Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. Where on one hand there are pyres burning on the ghats of Varanasi, the other hand holds numerous temples, mazes of narrow alleys, and devotion in the hearts. In simple words, Varanasi is a hub of knowledge, culture, devotion, and art. Read this blog to learn some interesting facts about Varanasi and find out some famous things and what makes it a special place.
Unknown Facts About Varanasi
1. Varanasi is named after two major rivers of India, Varuna and Asi.
2. Some people believe that Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
3. It is considered the spiritual capital of India.
4. It was once the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
5. Varanasi is situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges river.
6. Varanasi is also popular for its Ganga aarti which takes place every evening.
7. The city is also known as Mukti Dham. It is believed that a person who takes his final breath in Varanasi attains salvation.
8. Varanasi is a leading trade centre of India. It majorly deals with silver and gold bracelets as well as the world-famous Banarasi silk.
9. India’s famous literary personalities such as Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das were from Varanasi.
10. Varanasi is home to numerous temples devoted to Shaivism and Vaishnavism, like the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Durga temple, and Sankat Mohan Hanuman temple.
11. Asia’s largest university, the Banaras Hindu University, is also located in Varanasi. It was established by Madan Mohan Malviya.
12. The Bollywood industry has used its picturesque locations for shooting numerous blockbusters, like Raanjhanaa and Brahmāstra.
13. Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah also trace their roots to Varanasi.
14. People in Varanasi hold a very intriguing practice called frog marriage at the Ashwamedh Ghat. A priest performs the wedding ceremony of frogs and then releases them into the river.
15. Varanasi is also known for its cremation ghats, like Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
16. Varanasi is just a few kilometres away from Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
FAQs
Varanasi is known for its temples and ghats like the Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. it is believed that a person who takes his final breath in Varanasi attains salvation from the cycle of birth.
The holy city of Varanasi has always been a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. They come to this city to seek blessings in prominent temples such as the Kashi Vishwanath temple and witness the mysteries of its ghats where pyres are burning endlessly.
Varanasi is renowned for its Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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