Lesser Known Facts About Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the major pilgrimage centres of India. Being one of the holiest cities of the country, devotees flock in to this divine destination throughout the year.

As Mark Twain puts it, Varanasi is "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." There are some lesser known facts about Varanasi that you may want to know and by knowing them our travel would be much more interesting, isn't it?

Photo Courtesy: Juan Antonio F. Segal

Oldest Living City
Oh my god! Visiting one of these oldest living city is itself an amazing experience!Varanasi is believed to be the oldest living city in the world. As per the Hindu mythology, the place exists from the time of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is also believed that the one who dies here is sure to attain moksha or salvation.

Named After Rivers
Isn't it amazing to know that the name Varanasi has been coined from the name of two rives Varuna and Asi.

Lesser Known Names of Varanasi
Unlike human beings, this place has a lot of names to be called with, though Kashi, Banaras and Varanasi are quite popular, there are some names that are lesser heard like Mahasmasana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana and Ramya among the rest.

Photo Courtesy: jose pereira

Origin of Ayurveda and Yoga
Varanasi is a place which is well-known for its ancient healing systems of Ayurveda and Yoga. which is believed to have been originated in this holy land.

Home to Several Poets
Where there is education, there is literature and so are poets. Hence, Varanasi has been a home to several renowned writers and poets that include Prem Chand and Tulsi Das.

Where Frogs Are Married Off
Strange things happen here too! Yes, Varanasi is a place that goes back to its old traditional beliefs and rituals. When the rains are delayed, the frogs here are caught and are married to each other, in the belief of pleasing the rain gods.

Photo Courtesy: BoNoNoBo

Temples at Varanasi
India is a land of temples and Varnasi itself has over 23,000 temples and I guess this is a perfect place for religious people to spend their quality time.

Centre of Trade & Commerce
Though the city is popular for its religious and cultural significance, Varanasi is also a hub for trade and commerce. Banarasi silk, silver and gold are among the commodities traded here.

The Largest University in Asia
It looks like this place is a synonym for education, Varanasi, fondly known as the 'City of Light' for its significance in learning, is also the place where the Banaras Hindu University, the largest university in Asia is present.

Visit this pious land, feel and experience the divinity that the land emanates, and come home feeling at peace!

Here's how to reach Varanasi.

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