Varanasi

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City in Uttar Pradesh, India 



   
       25°19 
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Varanasi (


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This Hindi language related article is a stub.

), also known as Benares or Kashi, is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is often referred to as the spiritual capital of India.

History[edit | edit source]

Varanasi's history dates back to ancient times, with references in the Rigveda. It has been a cultural and religious center for thousands of years, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. The city is associated with the Hindu god Shiva, and it is believed that dying in Varanasi brings salvation.

During the British Raj, Varanasi was a part of the British Indian Empire, as depicted in the 1909 Imperial Gazetteer of India.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Varanasi is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including music, literature, and art. The city is the birthplace of the famous musician Bismillah Khan, who played the shehnai. It is also associated with poets like Kabir and Tulsidas.

The city is famous for its Banarasi saris, which are made from fine silk and are a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.

Education[edit | edit source]

Varanasi is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, and the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.

Religious Significance[edit | edit source]

Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, with numerous temples and ghats. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds along the Ganges.

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Tourists flock to Varanasi to experience its spiritual ambiance, take boat rides on the Ganges, and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Ramnagar Fort and the Sarnath archaeological site are also popular attractions.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Varanasi is driven by tourism, silk weaving, and religious activities. The city is a major center for the production of silk fabrics, particularly the Banarasi saris.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Varanasi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Varanasi Junction railway station and the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport serve the city.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Cremation ceremony at the ghats

  • Bismillah Khan performing

  • Faculty of Arts, BHU

  • Silk looms in Varanasi

  • Goswami Tulsidas

  • Sampurnanand Sanskrit University

  • Map of British Indian Empire

  • Poet Kabir

  • Brahmin in Benares, 1832

  • On the River Benares, ca. 1883

  • Bathing Ghat, 1890

  • Silver Rupee of Bengal Presidency

  • Chait Singh of Benares

  • Tourist baubles in Varanasi

  • Banarasi sari

  • View of the Ganges

  • Ramnagar Fort

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat

  • Dashawamedha Ghat

  • Manikarnika Cremation Ghat

  • Jain Ghat

  • People of Varanasi

  • The Golden Temple, ca. 1915

  • New Vishwanath Temple at BHU

  • Durga Mandir

  • Bhelupur Shwetambar temple

  • Alamgir Mosque

  • Ravidasi Temple

  • Sarnath Residential Area

  • Wall paintings, 1973

  • Nag Nathaiya festival

  • BHU Main Gate

  • Dept of Electrical Engineering, IIT-BHU

  • Varanasi street view

  • Varanasi Railway Station

  • Manduadih Railway Station

  • Varanasi Ring Road

  • Roads in Varanasi Cantonment

  • Freight train in Varanasi

  • Horse on Varanasi Beach

  • Boat ride on the Ganges

  • Cow in Varanasi

  • Monkey in Varanasi

  • Goat in Varanasi

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