City and people

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi is one of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in India. It is a small city situated on the banks of Ganges in Uttar Pradesh
approximately 300 km southeast of Lucknow. Varanasi is generally regarded as the heart of
spirituality of India by Jains and Buddhists, and is known as the holiest place in the world
in Hinduism. Infact it is sometimes even regarded as the center of the Earth in Hindu cosmology.
Considered as one of the seven holiest towns, Varanasi is also one of the shakti peethas and is
even included in one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sities in India. The Kashi Naresh (formally
known as Lord Shiva) is one of the chief cultural patrons of Varanasi and is an integral part of all
religious celebrations of the place. The River Ganges and its religious importance play a very
important role in building up the culture of the place and it has been a centre of culture and
religion in North India for several thousand years. Varanasi, unlike many other major cities, has
witnessed the evolution of huge numbers of prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and
musicians including Kabir, Ravidas, their Guru Swami Ramanand, Trailanga Swami, Munshi
Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Acharya Shukla, Ravi Shankar, Girija Devi, Hariprasad
Chaurasia, and Bismillah Khan. The very famous Benares Gharana form of Indian classical
music originally developed in Varanasi, Tulsidas wrote Ramacharitamanas here, and Gautama
Buddha gave his very first sermon at Sarnath located near Varanasi (Kashi).It is infact a very
common belief of many people that three nights of fasting in Varanasi can reap one a reward of
thousands of lifetime of ascetism.

Varanasi is said to have acquired its name possibly from the union of the names of the two
rivers Varuna and Assi, owing to its latitudinal and longitudinal position. It lies exactly at the
confluence of the Varuna, with the Ganges to its north, and the Assi, with the Ganges to its
south. However there is a second speculation about the origin of the name too according to
which it is said to have been named after the name of river Varuna itself as river Varuna itself
was called Varanasi in olden times. However this very speculation is generally disregarded by
historians, though there may be some earlier texts suggesting it to be so.

With the passage of time, Varanasi was attached with various names. Avimuktaka,
Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana, Ramya, and Kasi
are some of the names that people attach Varanasi with.In the Rigveda, the city was referred to
as Kasi or Kashi, meaning "the luminous one" as an allusion to the city's historical status as a
center of learning, literature, and culture. The city, even find its mention in many Hindu
scriptures, including the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, and the
Mahabharata. Kasikhanda described the glory of the city in 15,000 verses in the Skanda
Purana. In one verse, Lord Shiva says,“The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kasi is my
royal palace therein.”

Varanasi is also the home to four different universities: Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma
Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies and Sampurnanand
Sanskrit University. Though various different languages are used throughout the city, residents
are mainly found speaking Hindi and Kashika Bhojpuri, which is closely related to the Hindi
language. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples" Ramnagar Fort and its museum
are the repository of the history of the kings of Benares and since the 18th century has been the
home of Kashi Naresh.Even today the Kashi Naresh is deeply revered by the people of Benares.
He is the recognized as the religious head of the place and people consider him the incarnation of
Lord Shiva.He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations.

Varanasi, like every other city was not built in a day. The city has its two main remnants
attractions of its own of a holy past: the first being Rajghat plateau, where the archeological
findings of wares date back to the period of very existence of urban settlement and the second
being Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, “Turning the wheel of law” in 528 BC. Later
during 3rd century King Ashoka built a monastery township there, which continued its existence
till 12th century and was later destroyed.

Some of the mentionable unique characteristics of the city are the Ghats with stairways
along the Ganga with presence of “dying homes”, charitable homes, and pilgrims’ rest houses.
Apart from that, silk weaving and sari making, metal, wood and terracotta handicrafts, toy
making, particular painting forms, etc., comprise the continuity of historical and cultural
tradition. Varanasi is famous for its fairs and festivals with respect to variety, distinction, time,
sacred sites, performers, viewers and sideshows.

History of Varanasi

It is a very old belief of the Hindus that one who is graced to die on the sacred land of Varanasi
would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and
Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the
power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the
mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000
years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just
10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture,
devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts has all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage
place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third
Tirthankar. The celebrated Chinese traveler, Xuanzang, attested that the city was a center of
religious, educational, and artistic activities, and that it extended for about 5 km along the
western bank of the Ganges.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of

temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in
Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern
medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali,
the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is
also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver
brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi became an independent Kingdom of Kashi in the eighteenth century, and under
subsequent British rule, it remained a commercial and religious center. Varansi suffered during
the raids into India by Muhammad of Ghori, as described by Kamil-ut-Tawarikh of Ibn Asir:
“The slaughter of Hindus (at Varanasi) was immense; none were spared except women and
children, (who were taken into slavery) and the carnage of men went on until the earth was
weary.” In 1910, the British made Varanasi a new Indian state, with Ramanagar as its
headquarters but with no jurisdiction over the city of Varanasi itself. Kashi Naresh still resides in
the fort of Ramanagar. The Ramnagar Fort of the Kashi Naresh is situated to the east of
Varanasi, across the Ganges.[18] The Ramnagar Fort was built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant
Singh with creamy chunar sandstone in the eighteenth century. It is a typically Mughal style
of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and picturesque pavilions. The other fort
of the Kashi Naresh is the Chet Singh Palace, near Shivala Ghat, Varanasi built by Maharaja
Chet Singh.

Ramnagar Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Benares and since
the 18th century has been the home of Kashi Naresh. Even today the Kashi Naresh is deeply
revered by the people of Benares He is the religious head and the people of Benares consider him
the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all
religious celebrations.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi 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.

Since ancient times the natural and cultural landscapes of the city have retained an active social
role in contemporary society closely associated with the traditional way of life.The city is a place
of pilgrimage and a holy site for sacred baths in the Ganga River, to have a good death, to get
relief from transmigration, to learn and receive spiritual merit, etc. The city has still maintained
its traditions. In spite of several downfalls and upheavals, traditions are fully alive even today.

Being the holiest city of Hinduism, the impact of the religion is found everywhere inthe city –
the chanting bells and the monotonous, but oddly soothing, chant of Sanskrit hymns, in the
fragrant flower offerings, and the colored powders that are sold in a myriad roadside shops which
decorate the foreheads of the devout, in the tens of thousands of worshippers and the thousands
who offer them salvation or services.

Geography of the city

The city of Varanasi is located in the middle Ganges valley of North India, in the Eastern part of
the state of Uttar Pradesh, along the left crescent-shaped bank of the Ganges River. It has the
headquarters of Varanasi district. The "Varanasi Urban Agglomeration" - an agglomeration of
seven urban sub-units - covers an area of 112.26 km2 (approximately 43 mi²). The urban
agglomeration is stretched between 82° 56'E - 83° 03'E and 25° 14'N - 25° 23.5'N. Being located
in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India, the land is very fertile because low level floods in the
Ganges continually replenish the soil. On a local level, Varanasi is located on a higher ground
between rivers Ganges and Varuna, the mean elevation being 80.71 m. As a result of absence of
tributaries and canals, the main land is continuous and relatively dry. In ancient times, this
geographic situation must have been highly favorable for forming settlements. But it is difficult
to ascertain the original geography of Varanasi because the city's current location is not exactly
the same as the one described in some old texts.
 Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa) with
large variations between summer and winter temperatures. Summers are long, from early April
to October, with intervening monsoon seasons and are also extremely hot, even by South Asian
standards. The temperature ranges between 32°C - 46 °C (90°F - 115 °F) in the summers.
Winters in Varanasi sees very large diurnal variations, with warm days and downright cold
nights. Cold waves from the Himalayan region cause temperatures to dip across the city in the
winter from December to February and temperatures below 5 °C are not uncommon. The
average annual rainfall is 1,110 mm (44 in)

Varnasi and the people

varanasi has its own culture of fine art and literature. Great Indian writers have lived in this city
from Kabir, Ravidas, Tulsidas who wrote much of his Ram Charit Manas here, Kulluka Bhatt
who wrote the best known commentary of Manusmṛti here in 15th century and Bharatendu
Harishchandra, later writers have been Jaishankar Prasad, Acharya Shukla, Munshi Premchand,
Jagannath Prasad Ratnakar, Devaki Nandan Khatri,Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Tegh Ali, Kshetresa
Chandra Chattopadhyaya, Vagish Shastri, Baldev Upadhyaya, Sudama Pandey (Dhoomil)
and Vidya Niwas Mishra.

Art lovers and historians like Rai Krishnadasa, his son Anand Krishna, musicians like Gopal
Mishra (considered one of the best sarangi player of all times) Omkarnath Thakur, Ravi
Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi,Siddheshwari Devi, Lalmani Misra and his son Gopal
Shankar Misra, N. Rajam, Rajbhan Singh, Anokhelal, Samta Prasad, Kanthe Maharaj, M. V.
Kalvint, Sitara Devi, Gopi Krishna, Kishan Maharaj, Vikash Maharaj Rajan and Sajan Mishra,
Mahadev Mishra, Chhannulal Mishra and numerous others have kept the city alive to the
spiritual aspect of fine arts apart from their ability to entertain. Numerous festivals are celebrated
that preserve traditional styles of classical and folk culture. All night, open music concerts like
ones organised at Sankat Mocha Temple, Hori , Kajari and Chaiti Mela, Budwa Mangal, are
annual features that draw connoisseurs from all over. Sushruta, the great surgeon and author
of Sushruta Samhita, the Sanskrit text of surgery, also lived in Varanasi.

Varanasi is home to four universities: Banaras Hindu University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi
Vidyapeeth, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
Residents mainly speak Hindi and Kashika Bhojpuri, which is closely related to the Hindi
language.

Religious belief

Several social and religious customs co-exist in the city and the caste system is still prevelant
here. People wear” gamcha” as they go bathing in Ganga. And drink Thandai which is a part of
cultural life of traditional identity way of Varanasi. Music,drama and entertainment have found a
place in the lives of the people. Its dance traditions and vocal and instrumental music is highly
developed. When the Dasara festivities are inaugurated with a colourful pageant Kashi Naresh
rides an elephant at the head of the procession. Then, resplendent in silk and brocade, he
inaugurates the month long folk theatre of Ramlila at Ramnagar, Varanasi. The Ramlila is a
cycle of plays which recounts the epic story of Lord Rama, as told in Rāmacaritamānasa, the
version of the Ramayana penned by Tulsidas. The plays sponsored by the Maharaja, are
performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day the festivities reach a
crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king Ravana. Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh started
this tradition of staging the Ramleela at Ramnagar in mid-nineteenth century. This is very
important to the River Ganges ritual.
Culture

Varanasi is associated mainly with Hinduism and Buddhism but one can find glimpses of many
other religious beliefs, types of worship and religious institutions at Varanasi. It is amazing to
see the primitive worship cults being practiced at Varanasi.

Varanasi is a storehouse of Indian art and culture. It has a rich and unique style of art forms and
folk art. Varanasi is the land where experience and discovery reaches the ultimate bliss. Varanasi
is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world-
renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in the Varanasi tradition
and origins. Varanasi is home to numerous universities, college, schools, Madarsas and
Pathshalas. Varanasi presents a unique social and cultural fabric. Cultural and linguist pluralism
and various ethnic groups are so very eternal to the holy city, Varanasi. At Varanasi one gets to
explore the city of affluence, intellectuals, oral traditions, castes and customs, personalities,
professions and communal harmony.

The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganga and its religious importance. It
is considered to be the holy river which can wash away your sins. Music, drama and
entertainment are all synonymous with Varanasi. Benaras has long been famous for its music,
both vocal and instrumental and has its own dance traditions. Varanasi also has a very rich stock
of folk music and drama, fairs and festival and the rich tradition of akharas, games and sports.

Demographic profile

The present area under Municipal Corporation of Varanasi (MCV) jurisdiction is 79.79 sq km
with a population of 1.2 million in 2001. Owing to its rich tourism potential, the estimated daily
flow of tourists and pilgrims to the city is 25, 0003.Varanasi town shows a constant increase in
the population with varying rate of increase from decade to decade. In last seven decades the
population has grown almost six folds, with increase in population from 207,650 in 1931 to
1,202,443 in year 2001. As per the census 2001, the current sex ratio (female population per
1000 male) in Varanasi town is 876, which is lower than the state urban average of 885 and
national urban average of 901. Across districts, Varanasi district has moderate literacy rates (67.2
percent, as per 2001census). Current total literacy rate within the MCV area is high (72 percent)
as compared to state urban average of 56.3 percent and national urban average of 70.1percent but
low as compared to the prevalent literacy rates in the other KAVAL cities Like KAVAL cities,
Varanasi also has low female literacy rate. The SC population in Varanasi Municipal area is
81,704 (Census of India, 2001), approximately 7.4% of the total Municipal area population. As
per the census 2001, ST population in the city stands at 483, which is a mere 0.04% of the
municipal population. The sex ratio for the ST population in the city stands at 1021, which is
much higher than the total sex ratio of the city.

Although there is a sharp decline in percentage population growth compared to

previous decades there is an absolute increase in population of Varanasi during the last decade.
This is due to natural growth and migration of people from surrounding areas in search of job.
The growth in population is also likely to stress already stressed public transport and will have
impact on other services, hence planned efforts are required to direct the growth of the city in
right direction.
Economy

According to Macaulay, Varanasi was the "city which, in wealth, population, dignity and
sanctity was among the foremost in Asia". He described the commercial importance saying
"from the looms of Benaras went forth the most delicate silks that adorned the halls of St.
James and of Versailles”

The economy of the city is based on various sectors like tourism; export of famous Banarasi
saari, musical instruments and also on the education sector, with world famous universities
present in the city. The overall economy of the region is dominated by tourism, with tourist
coming not only from all parts of India but also from different countries. The huge dependence
on informal sector for the industrial development has led to an overall stagnation of the
secondary sector. The preponderance of the informal economy makes Varanasi distinct.
However, Varanasi’s informal economy has not developed in relation to or as an adjunct to large
industrial centres, making complimentarily between formal and informal sectors hazy. Cottage
industries along with Small-scale industries form an important base for the economy of the city.

Around 11% (10.69%) of the total population is engaged across different manufacturing
activities whereas the tertiary sector accounts for 6.80% of the total employment. Household
industries were predominant and constituted about 29% of the total working population with
large-scale industries employing about 11% of the workforce. However, the late eighties and
early nineties were the era of significant downfall of industrial development of the city.
Currently, it is the household sector, the informal sector that accounts for over a third of the total
industrial workforce of the city. The city is renowned for its silk weavers who prepare the finest
types of woven silk fabrics. Silk weaving in Varanasi is a cottage industry, which is found in
many areas of the city, and one can see looms at work all days. But today, Varanasi silk industry
is in turmoil. Emergence of power looms and use of computer-generated designs has hit the
business of these silk weavers.

Varanasi does not show signs of a matured economy. Varanasi is also famous for its trade in
wholesale commodities. Having trade links not only in different parts of country but also abroad,
major commodities traded are Banarasi Saree, Betel leaves, handicrafts, carpets, rugs, and
durries. Silk weaving is perhaps the most coveted art of Varanasi. Besides Banarasi sarees and
brocades, exquisite pieces of brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and antique designs
of heavy gold jeweler are also traded in the city. Amongst manufacturing units, spinning and
weaving alone accounts for 50.70% of the existing employment in Varanasi followed by metal
and metal products industry, accounting for almost 15% of the manufacturing employment of the
city. These two activities account for over 2/3rd of the total manufacturing employment of the
city. Apart from other industries, Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) continues to be a major
industry in the city. Varanasi produces large quantities of langra mangoes, which are variety
developed in the area. Banarasi paan (betel leaf) and khoa (a milk product) are popular, and the
related small-scale industries employ many people.

Varanasi and the rest of the city

Ghats

Varanasi is famous for its Ghats. Ghats are steps that lead down to River Ganga. The crescent
shaped bank of river Ganges houses 84 ghats on the western bank spread over a distance of 6.8
km. Several rituals and religious ceremonies are associated with these ghats and pilgrims travel
from all over the country for prayers, holy dip in the river Ganga, cremation, religious offerings,
etc. The most important ghats are Dasaswamedh, Harish Chandra, Manikarnika, Panchaganga,
and Assi ghat.
 Dasaswamedh Ghat: It is one of the most important ghats of Varanasi. It is located near
‘Kashi Vishwanath Temple’. It is believed that on this very Ghat ten horses were sacrificed
by Lord Brahma to allow Lord Shiva to return from a period of banishment. In spite of the
fact that Dasaswamedh is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi, dating back to many thousand
years, the ghat has remained clean.

 Harish Chandra Ghat: Harish Chandra Ghat is name after a mythological King Harish
Chandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the perseverance of truth and
charity. It is believed that the Gods rewarded him for his resolve, charity and truthfulness
and restored his lost throne and his dead son to him. Harish Chandra Ghat is one of the two
cremation Ghats (the other being Manikarnika Ghat) and is sometimes referred as Adi
Manikarnika (the original creation ground). Hindus from distant places bring the dead
bodies of their near and dear ones to the Harish Chandra Ghat for cremation.

 Manikarnika Ghat: It is one of the oldest and most sacred Ghats of Varanasi.People belive
that being burned here provides an instant gateway to liberalization from the cycle of births
and rebirths. Lying at the centre of five tirthas, ghat symbolises both creation and
destruction. At Manikarnika Ghat, the mortal remains are consigned to flames with the
prayers that the souls rest in eternal peace. It is also believed that fire does not extinguish at
this Ghat. There is a sacred well at the Manikarnika Ghat, called the Manikarnika Kund.
Manikarnika Kund is said to be dug by LordVishnu at the time of creation while the hot
ashes of the burnt bodies makes one remember the inevitable destruction of everything in
theworld.that if a person is cremated at the Harish Chandra Ghat, that person gets salvation
or "moksha". The Harish Chandra Ghat was somewhat modernized in late 1980's, when an
electric crematorium was opened.

 Panchaganga Ghat: As the name suggests, it is belived that five rivers Kirana, Ganga,
Yamuna, Saraswati and Dhuta-papa converge here. Dominating the ghat is Auangazeb's
smaller mosque, also known as the Alamgir Mosque, which he built on the site of large
Vishnu temple erected by the Maratha chieftain Beni Madhav Rao Scindia.

 Assi Ghat: This Ghat marks the confluence of the Assi canal with the River Ganga. It is
believed that when Lord Durga killed the demons Shunga and Nishunga, her sword fell in
Varanasi creating a depression in the form of Assi canal. Out of these ghats Manikarnika,
Panchganga, Adi Kesava, Dasaswamedha and Assi Ghat comprise the “Pancha Jala Tirthas
Tulsi Ghat is another important Ghat of Varanasi. Tulsi Ghat is named after the great Hindu poet
of the 16th century, Tulsidas. Tulsi Ghat is an important window into the Hindu mythology.
Tulsi Das composed the great Indian epic, Ramcharitmanas at Varanasi. According to
mythology, when Tulsi's manuscript fell into the River Ganga it did not sink and kept floating
instead. It is also believed that the Ramlila (story of Lord Rama's life) was staged here for the
first time. Perhaps, to commemorate this temple of Lord Ram was built on the Tulsi Ghat. Many
of the relics of Tulsi Das are preserved at the Tulsi Ghat. The house in which Tulsidas died has
been preserved and his samadhi, wooden clogs, pillow and the idol of Hanuman, which Tulsi
worshipped, are all still intact here.

Temples
Apart from the Ghats, there are around 2000 temples, small, medium and big in size throughout
the city. Many important temples are located along the ghats of Ganga River, adding to the
religious value to the holey river. Some of the important temples are Kashi Vishwanath, the
Sankat Mochan temple, The Tulsi Manas temple, the Durga temple, the Kal Bhairav temple and
the Mritunjaya temple.

 Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Located almost centrally on the west bank of River Ganga,this
is the most important temple in the city. It is also known as the Golden Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva, the founder of the city. It is believed that Aurangzeb destroyed the original
temple and the stones were used to build a mosque next to the temple. The rear wall of the
temple was left untouched by Aurangzeb and Queen Ahilya later on built a new temple
close to the old one.

 Sankat Mochan Temple: Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi.
It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is
dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps in
removing sufferings i.e.Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic
Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology,
one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled.
 Tulsi Manas Temple: Tulsi Manas temple is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi.
It is also an important tourist attraction of the holy city. The Tulsi Manas temple is located
near the famous Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has
been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas
temple is dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed that temple is built at the same place where
Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ramcharitamanasa. The walls of the Tulsi Manas
temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa, the Hindi
version of the Ramayana.

Tourism

Every year, a considerable amount of tourists and pilgrims visit the city of Varanasi. Even many
foreigners from abroad throng this mystic city. Varanasi Tourism states that in India, there are
many travel agencies who organize tours on Varanasi. Some of the notable tours covering
Varanasi are the Sacred Ganges Tour, Varanasi Temple Tour and Golden Triangle with
Varanasi.( sarnath is a place of Buddhist pilgrimage.).
The city is interspersed with sacred kunds mostly within the temple complexes or along the
ghats. These kunds are associated with religious rituals having tremendous historical and
religious significance. Varanasi has five sacred territories or Khandas and each Khanda has a
sacred yatra associated with it. These yatras are: Chaurassikosi yatra, Panchkroshi yatra, Nagar
Pradakshina, Avimukta yatra and Antargraha Yatra. Most of these yatras are concentrated in the
old city area along the riverfront. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that
dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Hindus
regard Kashi as one of the Shakti Peethas, and that VishalakshiTemple stands on the spot where
Goddess Sati's earrings fell. Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they
regard the river Ganges itself as the Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on
Hinduism here, leading to the great Hindu revival. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have always co-
existed in Varanasi harmoniously.

Varanasi is one of the holiest places in Buddhism too, being one of the four pilgrimage sites said
to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself (the others being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya,
and Lumbini). In the residential neighborhood of Varanasi lies Sarnath, the site of the deer park
where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles
of Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa is one of the few pre-Ashokan stupas still standing, though
only its foundation remains. Also remaining is the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorating the spot
where Buddha met his first disciples (in the 5th century or earlier, BC). An octagonal tower was
built later there.

Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Jains along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the
birthplace of Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Islamic culture has also had an influence
on Varanasi. There has been some degree of continuous tension between different religious
communities in the city.

Conclusion

In short it can be concluded that Varanasi being one of the religious wonders of the world, is a
centre of attraction of people all over the world. Placed in a beautiful location it has a unique
aesthetism of its own. Economically a very rich city, as Varanasi is, it is also culturally very rich
with cultural pluralism being the heart of the city. Instead of being such a beautiful location,
Varanasi is loosing its dignity with the passage of days. The increase in population as well as the
increase in the number of tourists in the city is eventually becoming a major factor for this loss of
dignity of the place.