Kashi

Know more about Kashi

Kashi- located on the banks of sacred river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Banaras is considered to be almost 3000 years old town. As mentioned in Rig Vedas, kashi is named after Sanskrit word kaś meaning "to shine" and thus kashi is also known as City Of Lights. 

Kashi is incomplete without Bholenath. Whenever you talk about Banaras, Mahadev is always linked with it. 'Har Har Mahadev' is the phrase you'll get to hear so frequently in the town. Bhakti towards Lord Shiva is the  prior thing you'll get to witness here among 'Banarasis'.

There are numerous folklore and tales about Banaras and one of it is that the ascetic Bholenath didn't have a home fit for the beautiful Parvati and thus He promised to make a home in the most beautiful city in the world, on the banks of river Ganges. And this is how Kashi was made. It is also believed that the city is located on the tips of his trident, where it has stayed safe forever guarded by guardian deity of Kashi, Kaal Bhairav.
On historical point of view, this city is also regarded sacred in Buddhist religion as Lord Buddha preached his first sermon here, in Sarnath.
Tulsidas wrote his famous poem,Ram Charit Manas here in Varanasi.

Ghats- There are total 88 ghats in Banaras, each with its own beauty. People from different parts of country come here to bathe in Ganges and wash away their sins. The most famous ghats are Dashashwamedh ghat and Assi ghat. The beauty of ghats in evening is alluring. People sitting on the banks, lighting diyas and praying. There are boat rides to witness the appealing beauty of the ghats. The famous GANGA AARTI which takes place at around 7 p.m is just so alluring to heart. Pujaris enchanting mantras and prayers with numerous lighted diyas and chimes of bells, devotees devoted in Bhakti. The view is so pleasant and delightful, it fills people with peace and devotion. 

Temples- Kashi and temples go hand in hand. You will find temples at every corner of the city. The most famous temple is of Baba Vishwanath. People come from every corner of the country( or Maybe world) to visit the temple and seek blessings. There is huge rush and long queues on occasions like Shivratri and holy month of Sawan.Another famous temple is Sankat Mochan,situated at the centre of the city, the hanuman temple is one of the oldest temples in Banaras. Other famous temples are Durgakund temple of Maa Durga, Tulsidas Manas Mandir and Bharat Mata mandir.

Silk- Kashi is famous for its silk fabrics. Banarasi Sarees are worldwide famous.  Banarasi saris are among the finest saris in India and are known for their gold and silver zari.

Famous food- Kashi is prominent for various food items and the most famous is Kachauri Jalebi, considered as authentic breakfast of Kashi.
Kashi is also famous for Paan. After Dinner Paan is a must for every Banarasi. Malaiyo or Nimish is a sweet snack made from milk cream during the winters. Ask a Banarasi, what Malaiyo is to them. Kashi is also famous for its Chaat. Tamatar chat( made from tomatoes) is the most famous and unique one. You would not find sweets like Kheer mohan, kheer kadam, parval mithai better than here. Besan Laddoos of Sankat Mochan temple are quite delicious and famous. 

Nirvana- As you see, Banaras is a celebration of life, and of death.  Manikarnika ghat is famous for cremations. Stones here never turn cold as almost 300 bodies are daily brought here for cremation. 

Once Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva that what would he give to the people of Kashi, He said, "I'll give them 'Mukti', salvation, freedom from the cycles of life and death."