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Varnasi is one of the oldest
cities in the world. This city is situated on the banks of river
Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Th eculture of the city is
connected with river Ganga. Varanasi is the symbol of Hinduism. It
was site of Aryan settlement before the 2nd millennium BC. It is one
of the seven sacred cites of Hinduism and has numerous shrines,
temples and places as well as miles of steps for ritual bathing.
More than a million Hindus visit the city each year.
In the Rig Veda, the city is referred to as Kasi, which means the
luminous. It is also described as the city of temples and learning.
The name finds mention in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of
Buddhism. The city gets its name as a result of the two rivers that
flank the city. The Varna to the north and Asi to the South.
Varanasi is the home of Banaras Hindu University. It is here that
Tulsidas wrote his Ramcharitmanas and Gautam Buddha gave his first
sermon at Sarnath which is near to Kashi. Varanasi is a commercial
and industrial centre famous for its muslin and silk fabrics. It is
said that Ayurveda originated at Varnasi.
History of Varanasi :
Varanasi According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded
Shiva. As a result Varanasi has become an important tourist
destination. The city is believed to be 3000 years old. Mohammed
Ghori invaded the city in 1193 CE. There was a series of plunder by
the Muslims. The plunder ended with Warren Hastings. There was
relief from the plunders during the seventeenth century, when Akbar
ruled it. But there was again disturbance during the time of Mughal
emperor Aurangzeb, he renamed the city as Mohammadâbâd.
Only in the 18th century, Varanasi became an independent kingdom.
Under subsequent British rule it remained a commercial and religious
centre. In 1910 the British made Varanasi a new Indian state.
Places of interest at Varanasi :
New Vishwanath Temple is also known as the Golden Temple.
Alamagir Mosque which overlooks the Panchganga Ghat.
Man Mandir Observatory
Tulsi Manas Temple
Durga Temple
Banaras Hindu University |
