Varanasi
- An Introduction |
Varanasi formerly known as Banaras
is one of the oldest living cities in
the world and the ultimate pilgrimage
place for Hindus, who believe that to
die in the city, is to attain instant
salvation. Situated on the banks of
the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of
Holy Land lying between the rivers Varuna
and Assi. which flow into Ganga. Varanasi
is also known as Kashi, the city of
light, since one of the twelve "Jyotirlinga"
is installed here. Mark Twain, the American
writer who visited the city, wrote:
"Benaras is older than history,
older than tradition, even older than
legend and looks twice as old as all
of them put together". Varanasi
has been a great cultural centre, especially
in the fields of music, learning and
the craft of silk weaving. Some of the
most renowned exponents of music have
drawn their inspiration from Varanasi.
Banaras brocades are treasured textiles
and considered collector' items.
The famous novelist Prem Chand belonged
to this city and so did Tulsi Das, the
famous poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas
also lived here for many years. Ravi
Shankar, the internationally renowned
Sitar maestro is another of Varanasi's
illustrious sons.
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