|
Distance
Calculator in India
The land of Varanasi (Kashi)
has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred
to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few
lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than
tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them
put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the 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 have all flourished here for centuries. Also
a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace
of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
|
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 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In banaras at bank of ganga many priest gather to offer holy prayer
to ganga and pilgrim from all over the world
assemble to see one of the beautiful event take place
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
