Varanasi- the spiritual capital of India

Mark Twain said “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks as old as all of them put together.”

Varanasi, the oldest living city on Earth is located in the southeastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. The word “Varanasi” originates from the two tributaries of the Ganga, Varuna and Assi, which flank its northern and southern borders. Skanda Purana mentions this place being originally founded by Lord Paramashiva himself and named it Avimukta- the place he will never forsake.

This holy city is the cultural and traditional heartbeat of India. A prominent pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, Varanasi has always attracted devotees. As per Hindu mythology, one who is graced to die here will have redemption from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Hence, many people visit Varanasi during their twilight phase of life in pursuit of redemption or moksha. Herein lies the connection of Varanasi with Geriatrics.

Varanasi has been a great centre of learning for ages and a place well known for its heritage in literature, arts and crafts, music, and architecture. The Buddha’s first sermon was delivered at Sarnath, just 10 km away from Varanasi. The holy epic poem Shri Ramcharitmanas was written by Goswami Tulsidas in Varanasi. The city has been home to the great musical traditions such as Dhrupad, Thumri, and Kheyal. Varanasi is also known for the magic of Ustad Bismillah Khan’s shehnai. The city has flourished as a commercial centre famous for its muslins and silk fabrics, ivory works, perfumes and sculpture styles.

Amidst the ancient that is Varanasi, thrives the modern in the form of the Banaras Hindu University, one of the leading research universities in India which was established by Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in the year 1916.