Varanasi: The Eternal City with a Timeless History - Varanasi Tour Package

Nestled on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, Varanasi — also known as Kashi or Banaras — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is not just a city but a timeless canvas of India’s spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is a place where time seems to stand still, and every corner echoes with ancient chants, sacred rituals, and centuries of tradition. Varanasi Tour Package

In this blog, we delve into the fascinating history of Varanasi, tracing its roots from mythology to modern times.

Mythological Origins Varanasi Tour Package

According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus. It is believed that Shiva himself resided in Kashi, and those who die here attain moksha — liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The city’s name is derived from the two rivers Varuna and Assi, which still flow in the region. The Skanda Purana refers to it as “Kashi,” meaning “the city of light.”

Ancient and Classical Period

Varanasi's recorded history dates back over 3,000 years, with archaeological evidence indicating settlements as far back as the 11th century BCE. By the time of the 6th century BCE, it was a prominent cultural and religious hub in the Gangetic plains. Varanasi Tour Package

Key Highlights:

Sarnath, just 10 km from Varanasi, is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.

The city was known for its learning and philosophy and was a seat for Hindu education, especially in Sanskrit literature, astrology, and music. Varanasi Tour Package

Medieval Era

During the medieval period, Varanasi saw the rise and fall of many dynasties. It flourished under the Gupta Empire, but invasions by Turks and Mughals brought periods of destruction, especially targeting temples.

Despite this, Varanasi remained a vibrant center of Hindu revival, thanks to saints like:

Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramcharitmanas in the local dialect

Kabir, the mystic poet who preached love beyond caste and religion

Mughal and British Period

Mughal Emperor Akbar showed a relatively tolerant stance and even patronized the reconstruction of some temples.

Under Aurangzeb, several temples were demolished, including the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which was replaced by the Gyanvapi Mosque.

During British colonial rule, Varanasi was recognized for its unique identity and continued to thrive as a center for textiles, education, and spirituality.

In 1910, the British established Banaras State, a princely state under the Maharaja of Kashi.

Modern Era

After India’s independence in 1947, Varanasi became part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, the city has undergone significant transformation while preserving its age-old charm. Varanasi Tour Package

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Ganga cleaning projects, and restoration of ancient temples and ghats have drawn global attention. Yet, the heart of Varanasi — its ghats, narrow lanes, boat rides, evening aarti, and soulful music — remains unchanged.

Cultural Legacy

Varanasi is not only a religious capital but also a cultural powerhouse.

Banarasi silk sarees are world-famous for their craftsmanship.

The city has produced legends in Indian classical music, like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU), established in 1916, is one of Asia's largest residential universities and a hub for Indian learning. Varanasi Tour Package

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