History & Timeline

Varanasi, or Benaras (also known as Kashi), is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unparalleled. The famous English author Mark Twain, who was deeply enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote:

“Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus for ages. It is believed that anyone who is blessed to die in Varanasi attains salvation (Moksha) and is freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Known as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the origins of Varanasi remain unknown. The sacred River Ganges flowing through the city is believed to possess the divine power to cleanse the sins of mortals.

Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for more than 3000 years. According to legend, the Ganges originated from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and expands into the mighty river we know today as it flows through Varanasi. Located just 10 kilometers away is Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Because of this, Varanasi has long symbolized a spiritual and cultural renaissance.

Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion, Indian arts, and handicrafts have flourished here for centuries. Varanasi is also an important pilgrimage site for Jains and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Parshvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. The traditions of Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed harmoniously in the city.

For generations, Varanasi has remained a great center of learning. The city is closely associated with spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, and the Hindi language. Renowned literary figures such as Munshi Premchand and the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitmanas, were deeply connected with this sacred city.

Aptly called the Cultural Capital of India, Varanasi has nurtured music, dance, and performing arts. Legendary artists such as Pt. Ravi Shankar, the world-renowned sitar maestro, and Ustad Bismillah Khan, the iconic shehnai player, were either born here or spent a significant part of their lives in this blessed city.

With its countless temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the center for her Theosophical Society, while Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya established the prestigious Benares Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest universities in Asia. Ayurveda is believed to have originated in Varanasi and is considered the foundation of modern medical sciences such as plastic surgery, cataract treatment, and calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the great teacher of Yoga and Ayurveda, was also closely associated with this holy city.

Since ancient times, Varanasi has also been a major center of trade and commerce, especially famous for its exquisite Banarasi silks and intricate gold and silver brocades.

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