The diverse identities of Varanasi

 Varanasi, which is sometimes referred to as Kashi and Banaras, is a city woven together by the sacred Ganges River, faith, and the passage of time. It's an urban centre that defies description, where the life-death cycle plays out in a colourful dance. Varanasi, known for being India's spiritual capital, attracts pilgrims, academicians, and  tourists in equal measure.As your guide to understanding the mysteries of this historic city is this blog. We'll delve into its past, discover its well-known sites, and become fully immersed in Varanasi's cultural diversity.

                                                            Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas

The early history of Varanasi is lost in time. There may have been colonies here as early as the eleventh century BC, according to the findings from dept of archaeology. The city's reputation as an important centre of Vedic philosophy and research is reinforced by its presence in the Vedas, the earliest texts in Hinduism.Varanasi has seen the formation of religions, the rise and fall of empires, and the development of art and culture over the course of its long and storied history. During the time of the Buddha (6th century BC), it was the capital of the Kashi kingdom and played a crucial role in the development of Buddhism. The city has also served as the centre for Jain journeys since it is thought to be the birthplace of Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara.

                                                           Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas

Boasting more than 2,000 temples, Varanasi is a city immersed in religious tradition. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which honours Lord Shiva, is the most respected. Its brilliant golden tower, a sign to pilgrims seeking blessings, dominates the skyline of the city. Around the temple, the small passageways are full of activity, a temporary flower market with sellers selling offerings to the gods, flowers, and religious items.Other significant temples are the Tulsi Manas Temple, which is well-known for its elaborate carvings that depict episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, and the Durga Temple, which honours the violent side of the Divine Mother. Discovering these temples is an experience through the colourful stories and customs that make up Hinduism.

                                                          Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas

Varanasi is an exciting centre of culture and tradition, not just a place for pilgrims to visit. For the curious adventurer, the old city's maze-like passages provide a wealth of secrets. The old crafts of weavers, sari makers, and metalworkers are on display, and the city's distinctive soundtrack is enhanced by their rhythmic hammering and ringing of Bells.Varanasi is the birthplace of classical Indian dance and music traditions such as Kathak. Ghats such as Assi Ghat become performance locations in the nights when skilled performers mesmerise audiences with their expressive music and elegant dances.The street food scene in Varanasi is a foodie's paradise. Indulge in the beautiful and creamy lassi, sample the melt-in-your-mouth kachoris,  tempt your taste buds with a dish of piping hot aloo chaat. However, be advised that Varanasi offers to vegetarian palates primarily.

                                                            Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas

Varanasi also  presents you with the stark, yet unexpectedly peaceful, facts of life and death. The city's cremation sites, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, have funeral pyres that burn constantly, serving as a continual reminder of life's transience. It can be a very touching experience to watch these rites performed, leading one to contemplate life's mysteries and engage in contemplation. But Varanasi does not consider death as a depressing thing. Hindus think this is a better place to achieve moksha, or liberation. This idea promotes a special acceptance of death as a normal aspect of life's cycle.