KASI, THE ETERNAL CITY
Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is an ancient city in India that is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and is known for its spiritual significance, history, and culture.
Some key points about Kashi, the Eternal City:
Spiritual Significance:
KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
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It is believed that Kashi was founded by Lord Shiva and is considered his home. It is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Shiva temples in the world. The Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines) dedicated to Shiva, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Source: Ghat Scene - Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh - India - 03
AuthorAdam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Eternal City:
The name "Kashi" is derived from the Sanskrit word kash, which means "to shine," referring to the city's spiritual light and enlightenment. It is often referred to as "the City of Light."
Death and Liberation:
Hindus believe that dying in Kashi and being cremated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River grants moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
History and Culture:
The city has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It has been a center of learning, art, and music, and has been a melting pot of different religions and cultures.
its historical significance is immense and multifaceted. It's a place where myth, religion, and documented history intertwine to form a unique cultural tapestry.
Vedic and Epic Era:
Kashi is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Rigveda and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, suggesting its importance in ancient times. It was the capital of the Kashi kingdom, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India.
Birthplace of Jain Tirthankaras:
Kashi is also a significant place for Jains, as it is believed to be the birthplace of four Jain Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
Center of Knowledge and Learning
Hub of Philosophy and Religion:
For millennia, Kashi has been a major center of learning, philosophy, and spirituality. It attracted scholars, sages, and mystics from across the Indian subcontinent. It was a cradle of Vedic thought and a place where significant philosophical and religious debates took place.
Buddhism and Sarnath:
Just a few kilometers from Kashi lies Sarnath, the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This proximity has made Kashi a symbol of the Hindu renaissance and a place where different religious traditions, including Buddhism, have historically coexisted.
Literary and Artistic Legacy:
The city has been a home to renowned literary figures and saints. Tulsidas, the 16th-century saint-poet, wrote his epic Ramcharitmanas in Varanasi, and it was also the birthplace of famous novelist Munshi Prem Chand.
A History of Resilience and Revival
MUNSHI GHAT, VARANASI
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Invasions and Destruction:
Throughout its long history, Kashi has faced numerous invasions and periods of destruction, particularly of its temples. The original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, for instance, was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The most notable destruction was by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on the site of the demolished temple.
Maratha and British Era: The city experienced a new revival under the patronage of the Marathas and other Hindu rulers, who sponsored the construction of new temples and ghats. During the British colonial period, Kashi continued to be a religious and commercial hub, and it also became a center for nationalist activities.
Institutions like the Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, were established here, further cementing its status as a seat of learning and culture.
In essence, the historical significance of Kashi lies not just in its age but in its enduring role as a spiritual and cultural heartland of India, a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires while remaining a beacon of religious devotion and intellectual pursuits.
Grateful thanks to Google Gemini for its help and support in creating this blogpost and Wikimedia Commons for the images.
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