Benares, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is a sacred city nestled on the banks of the Ganges River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Renowned as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Benares has been a spiritual and cultural epicenter for over 3,000 years, attracting millions of pilgrims and travelers seeking enlightenment, salvation, and a glimpse of the divine. The city’s rich history, profound spiritual significance, and unique cultural practices have earned it the moniker “the City That Burns and Purifies.”
History
The origins of Benares can be traced back to the ancient Vedic period, around 1500 BCE, when it was known as Kashi or Kashivishwanath. The city’s significance grew during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism and established a monastery in Benares. Over the centuries, Benares flourished under various Hindu and Buddhist empires, with numerous temples, monasteries, and universities being built.
In the medieval period, Benares became a significant center of learning, arts, and culture under the Mughal emperors. The city’s strategic location on the Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange with the rest of the world. French traveler and writer Pierre Loti (1850-1923) visited Benares in the late 19th century and wrote extensively about the city’s spiritual and cultural landscape, immortalizing its unique charm in his works.
Spiritual Significance
Benares is considered one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, and it holds a special place in the Hindu pantheon as the city where the god Shiva manifested himself as a lingam, or phallic symbol, at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Hindus believe that dying and being cremated in Benares can bring salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Ganges River, which flows through the city, is considered sacred and is believed to have the power to wash away sins and purify the soul.
Cultural Practices
One of the most striking cultural practices in Benares is the cremation of the dead on the banks of the Ganges River. The burning ghats, or cremation grounds, are a constant reminder of the city’s profound spiritual significance and its role as a place of transition between life and death. The cremation process is carried out with great solemnity and reverence, with family members and friends of the deceased participating in the rituals to help guide the soul to its final destination.
Another unique cultural practice in Benares is the Aarti ceremony, which is performed every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ceremony involves the offering of light, flowers, and incense to the Ganges River and the various Hindu deities. The sight of the priests performing the Aarti, with
flames swirling in rhythmic patterns and chants echoing through the night air, creates a powerful and almost hypnotic atmosphere. Locals and pilgrims alike gather along the ghats or in boats on the river to witness this daily tribute to the divine. It is both a communal and spiritual experience that reinforces the deep connection between the people, the river, and the cosmos.
Benares is also home to countless festivals that celebrate the Hindu calendar, each with its own set of rituals and symbolism. Among the most prominent is Dev Deepawali, celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, when the entire city is illuminated with oil lamps, and thousands of candles are floated on the Ganges, transforming the ghats into a sea of flickering lights. Another key festival is Mahashivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, chant, and keep vigil through the night at temples across the city.
Daily life in Benares also reflects traditional customs that have remained unchanged for centuries. From the sacred morning dips in the river to the recitation of mantras by sadhus and students in Sanskrit schools (gurukuls), the city serves as a living repository of ancient Indian cultural and religious practices.
Despite the influx of modern influences, Benares has managed to preserve its spiritual core. Even the local cuisine, music, and handicrafts bear the imprint of tradition—offering a sensory experience deeply rooted in devotion and ritual.
In this tapestry of rituals, festivals, and spiritual observances, Benares stands not just as a city, but as a symbol of continuity, where the ancient meets the present in a never-ending flow, much like the Ganges itself.