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Paper short abstract:

Varanasi, the culture capitol of India has the history,perhaps,as old as Indian civilization itself. Varanasi has been a seat of learning since ages. It is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, yoga, Sanskrit and Hindi language. Millions of tourists flock to Varanasi to learn the facts of life, our origin, the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Paper long abstract:

Kashi or Varanasi is one of the most ancient, famous and holiest of the holy hindu pilgrim centres. It is situated between two tributaries of the holy river Ganga, Varuna on its northern border and Asi on its southern border. Some believe from here, Varanasi founds the origin of its name. The name Kashi is derived from either its original founder or the dynasty that ruled it.

Varanasi has been a sacred place since ancient times. It is mentioned in the Vedas, Puranas, the epics Ramayana and Mahabharat and also many Buddhist and Jain texts. In ancient India, Kashi was a great centre of education not only for the Hindus but for other religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. Students were taught the Vedas, Upanishads and other schools of philosophy. Geographically, it is close to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon immediately after his enlightment.

The city of Varanasi is also associated with famous religious personalities such as Panini, Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavachrya and Gorakshanath. Traditionally, Kashi has been a center of Saivism, saivism was practised in ancient India by the Ajivikas, the Pashupathas and many other ancient sects of Dravidian origin.

Today, Varanasi is the most popular city in India for its religious significance. Millions of tourists visit Varanasi to gain knowledge and spiritualism.

Keywords : Vedas, Saivism, Schools Of Philosophy