UP PCS Mains-2024

Introduction

Varanasi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, situated on the banks of the river Ganga, it is a sacred city that sits at the centre of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain thought.

During the ancient period, the kingdom of Kashi was in the region around its capital Varanasi, bounded by the Varuna rivers in the north and the Asi River in the south which gave Varanasi its name.

Varanasi is a place of learning, a Centre for literature and the arts. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Right through its existence, Varanasi has flourished, all whilst retaining its unique identity.

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Significance of the Varanasi:

• Historical Significance:
  • Varanasi not only grew during the 6^th century BCE under the Mahajanapadas but is also known for Sarnath where Lord Budha delivered his first sermon and has also remained under the influence of Buddhist dynasties like Ashoka the Great.
  • It is a city of Jain religion where the 23^rd Tirthankara Bhagwan Parshvanath, was born. Ayurveda is also said to have originated in Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as plastic surgery, Cataract surgery and calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city.
• Religious Significance:
  • Varanasi is called as the religious capital of India. The Land of Kashi is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus from ages. It is believed that one who is graced to die at Varanasi gets salvation. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed harmoniously in Varanasi.
• Literary Significance:
  • Varanasi is also associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, and the Hindi language as well as honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Varanasi is also called the cultural capital of India, it has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for a major part of their lives.
• Mythological Significance:
  • Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, and the place where he and the goddess Parvati founded the universe. It is believed to be the site where Lord Rama did penance, after his victory over the demon-king Ravana, and may also have been a battlefield in the Mahabharata, where the god Krishna set fire to an imposter Krishna.
  • If the boon of life starts at Dashashwamedh Ghat then it ends at Manikarnika. A unique combination of life and death and the desire for salvation attract the pilgrims.

Conclusion

The paradox of Varanasi is highlighted as it is a lively city, with something or other happening somewhere or the other at all hours. There is also a deep sense of peace, serenity, and spirituality all around.Thus, Varanasi transcends its identity as a mere city and emerges as a living embodiment of India’s rich cultural, spiritual, and historical legacy.