In ancient times, Varanasi was known as Kashi. Even today Varanasi is addressed by connecting Kashi. This city is one of the major religious places of Sanatan Dharma. Kashi Varanasi is originally associated with Lord Shiva. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is famous in Varanasi. The holy Ganges flows through here, where crores of devotees take a dip in faith.
It is said that Kaal Bhairav protects this city. Varanasi has many ghats which have their own mythological significance.
History of Varanasi
Varanasi is a district in the state of Uttar Pradesh. According to mythology, the city of Kashi was founded by Lord Shiva and he is present here as Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga. Due to this Today Varanasi is an important pilgrimage site. Detailed description of this city is found in many Hindu scriptures including Skanda Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the oldest Vedas Rigveda.
It is believed to be around 3000 years old. But according to Hindu beliefs, Kashi is an even more ancient city. This city at one time was used for muslin, silk fabrics and crafts and commercial Was an industrial center. Even today the Banarasi saree is famous all over the world. Varanasi was the capital of the Kashi kingdom during the time of Gautama Buddha.
Kashi is one of the holy Sapta Puris of Hindus. In the mythological texts of Hinduism, Kashi Varanasi is described as one of the Sapta Puris of salvation. It is believed that if any one renounce his life here, he is freed from the cycle of life and death. He attains salvation. This verse has been described in one of the scriptures.
अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका।
पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैता मोक्षदायिकाः ॥
That is, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka - these are the seven Mokshadayi Puris. If one gives up his life in anyone of these listed places then he attains salvation.
The most popular temple of Kashi Varanasi is Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Which was rebuilt in the 17th century. Apart from this, there is the Kaal Bhairav temple which is of the Kotwal of this ancient city. The Durga Temple of Varanasi, Vishalakshi Temple and Vyas Temple are also worth visiting. This city is also called the city of Ghats. The Dashashwamedh Ghat and Asi Ghat are the main ghats here.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also called Golden Temple. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Shivalinga is installed in this temple. The present form of the temple was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilya Bai of Indore. Holkarrad had it done. This famous temple is located close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat of the Ganges River
Kaal Bhairav is said to be the patron of Kashi. According to mythological belief, Lord Shiva has appointed Kaal Bhairav to protect this city. Also to Kaal Bhairav It was here that freedom from the blame of killing Brahman was attained. Mahadev ordered Kaal Bhairav to stay here and protect the city. Since then Kaal Bhairav has been taking charge of the security of the city.
This is one of the Shaktipeeth.According to mythology, Manikarnika(ear ring) fell off the ear of Bhagwati Sati here. Due to this, a ghat in Varanasi was named Manikarnika Ghat.
Durga Temple, also known as Monkey Temple in Varanasi. This temple was built in the 18th century. Due to presence of large number of monkeys here, it is called Monkey Temple. According to popular belief, the idol of Goddess Durga installed in the temple was not man-made but was automatically revealed in the temple.
It is located close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and is one of the most magnificent ghats in Varanasi. There are two mythological stories related to this, according to one, Brahma Ji built this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva. According to the second story, Brahma Ji performed ten Ashwamedha Yagyas here. A grand aarti of Maa Ganga is also performed here every evening.
Asi Ghat is built near the confluence on the banks of river Asi. Local festivals and sports are organized at this beautiful ghat. This is the last ghat in the line of ghats. This ghat is a favorite place for painting artists and photographers.
How to reach VaranasiLal Bahadur Shastri Airport of Varanasi is located 25 km from the city. Which is connected by air to other cities of the country like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Khajuraho and Bangalore.
Varanasi Junction under Northern Railway and Mughalsarai Junction under East Central Railway are two major railway stations within the city limits. Apart from these, there are 16 other small and big railway stations in the city.
The Grand Trunk Road passes through Varanasi. This road connects many states of the country with Varanasi. Apart from this, NH 19, 28, 31, 35 connects Varanasi with many other cities.