Why only VARANASI- ‘The HOLY ‘ City of INDIA?

Commonly known as Banaras or Benares or Kashi- It is situated on the banks of holy river Ganges. The city Varanasi is famous among the people by many names like ‘Holy city of India’, ‘Religious capital of India’, City of Lights’, ‘The city of Learning’.

Varanasi- holy city

Some facts proving why city is of religious importance:
1. In Rigveda there is mention of city as ‘Kashi’.
2. Ancient Scholars termed the city as the city of LEARNING.
3. According to religious beliefs God Shiva says-“The three worlds from one city of mine and Kashi is my royal place therain.”
4. Even in Ramayana and Mahabharata too the holy city is mentioned.
5. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at SARNATH located near this holy city only.
6. The ancient Tilbhandeshwar temple is also situated here.

Varanasi- night scene

Some Great Personalities who were associated with Varanasi:
1. Premchand
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri
3. Bismillan Khan (Shehnai Player)
4. Kishan Maharaj (Tabla Player)
5. Pt. Ravishankar (Sitar Player)
6. Pt. Birju Maharaj
7. Rani Laxmi Bai
Overall, city of spiritual lights is considered to be one of the oldest living cities of the world.