Some interesting facts about Varanasi

The ancient city of Varanasi lies on the eastern bank of the river Ganga. It happens to be one of the most popular tourist destinations of this day. If one is travelling within India, one can take a direct train to Varanasi. It is directly connected by railways to most of the major metropolitans of the country. Varanasi also has its own airport too which is also connected to all the main cities by direct flights. Thus, reaching Varanasi is not a problem at all.

Its rich cultural heritage has earned it a very special place amongst all the tourist destinations of India. There are plenty of 4 star hotels in varanasi where you can make arrangements for your comfortable stay in this city. The city itself is so old and so interesting that it is hardly possible to know everything about it.

Here are a few interesting facts about Varanasi that can shed some light on this city’s illustrious past:

1.     The first people to create this city are believed to be the Aryans who came and settled on the left bank of the Ganges. This city has been a functioning one since the time of its conception and thus is probably one of the oldest cities that this world knows today.

2.     It is considered to be a holy place by the Hindus. Many hindus and especially Bengalees used to travel to this city in their old age and stay back here waiting for death to embrace them. This is because of the belief that whoever dies in this city and his/her ashes are poured into the Ganges here becomes free from the cycle of this material world, which calls for rebirth. Just like you a book a room in one of the four star hotels in varanasi for a short period of stay, people used to come here and book permanent places for staying on a lease and wait for attaining pure liberation. Thus Varanasi is believed to be a city of salvation.

3.     Myths and legends say that this was the home of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.

4.    Yoga and Ayurveda are two practises that are essentially Indian in origin. Their propounder, Patanjali, is believed to have been connected with this city in some way.

5.     From the accounts of Xuanzang, who was a Budhhist pilgrim from China, it has been ascertained that Varanasi was the seat of learning once. This is probably the reason why Buddha preached his first sermon in the outskirts of this megacity and why Maharishi Patanjali is associated with this place.

Every corner of Varanasi has some interesting fact waiting to be unearthed. Do visit Varanasi to find out more about this 3000+ years old city.