Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, is considered a very holy place. Apart from being of religious importance, this city is also famous for many other reasons. It is believed that Varanasi is not only the oldest city in India but in the world. The history of this city dates back to around 11th century. The Ganga Aarti held here is very famous all over the world. Let us know some interesting facts related to this city-
India is known all over the world for its rich history and culture. There are many heritages here, which show a glimpse of the past. Not only this, the cities present here also have their own history. There are many cities in India, which are not hundred or two hundred, but thousands of years old. Varanasi, the city of Baba Bholenath, is one of these cities. It is one of the oldest cities not only in India but in the whole world. Let us know the rich history of this city and some interesting things related to it-
a thousand year old city
There are many cities around the world that prove that many years ago human civilization used to live in different parts of the world. Varanasi is one such city, which is included in the list of the oldest cities in the world. It is believed that Varanasi, which is called the spiritual capital of the country, is about 3000 years old. The history of this city dates back to around the 11th century. However, some scholars also believe that this city is 4000-5000 years old.
Spiritual Significance of Varanasi
Varanasi is called the spiritual capital of India. Apart from this, this city is also known as ‘Banaras’ and ‘Kashi’. This city has great importance in Hinduism and it is considered a very holy place and it is also called Avimukt Kshetra. This city has its own spiritual significance due to the Ganges and Lord Shiva present here. Varanasi has been a cultural and religious center all over the world for many years.
Because of this, this city was called Varanasi
The name of this city Varanasi is formed by the confluence of two local rivers Varuna River and Asi River. These two rivers come from north and south respectively and meet the Ganges River. Apart from this, it is also said about the name of this city that in ancient times Varuna River must have been called Varnaasi, due to which this city was called Varanasi. Apart from this, this city is also known by the names Banaras, Kashi, City of Light, Bholenath ki Nagari etc.
Lord Shiva founded the city of Kashi
Talking about the origin of Varanasi, according to religious beliefs and mythology, Lord Shiva established this city of Kashi about 5000 years ago. Not only this, Lord Shiva himself is present here in the form of Kashi Vishwanath, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This is the reason why even today Banaras is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. This city is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures including Skanda Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, the oldest Veda Rigveda.
Banaras is also famous for this
Apart from religious importance, this city is also very special for other reasons. From the Banarasi sarees available here to the delicious Banarasi paan, people from far and wide like them. The Ganga Aarti held here is considered a picturesque sight, to see which many people reach the Ganga Ghat daily. Apart from this, Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat present here are also very famous.
Talking about food, apart from Banarasi Paan, your trip to this city will remain incomplete without tasting Kachori Sabzi, Chhena Dahi Vada, Makhan Malaiyo, Chuda Matar and Lassi.
