Kashi is also known as Varanasi the final pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Kashi is the oldest living city in the world. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Kashi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Ganges in Kashi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Kashi has been a symbol of Hindu rebirth. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Kashi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.Kashi is also famous for its trade and business, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.
Kashi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Kashi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, yoga, Sanskrit 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. Kashi 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.
History
Kashi has been the final pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Banares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Kashi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Kashi are yet unknown. Ganges in Kashi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.Kashi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Kashi 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.
Temples
Kashi is also called as Varanasi or Benaras. Kashi is said to be city of temples.Kashi have 2,000 temples. People from all parts of the world come to Kashi to visit these temples. Many important and famous temples are located at Ganga Ghats.The Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most famous and important temple of Varanasi. In this temple resides the guardian of the holy city, Lord Shiva. Other important temples of Varanasi are the new Vishwanath temple, the Sankat Mochan temple, the Durga temple, the Kal Bhairav temple ,the Mritunjaya temple etc.
Ghats
The Ganga Ghats (Ganges) at kashi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally & spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. For thousands of years people have been thronging these Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun. There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.
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