kashi

Kashi, also known as Kāśī and Varanasi, is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located on the left bank of the Ganges. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited urban centers in the world and serves as a major religious and cultural hub for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.

In Hindu tradition, Kashi is a city of pilgrimage and spiritual significance, closely associated with the god Shiva. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s holiest temples and a Jyotirlinga, stands in the city. The Ganges ghats are prominent sites for ritual bathing and ceremonies, with Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat among the best known. The city also holds historical importance for Jain and Buddhist communities and figures in many regional legends and religious texts.

Historically, Kashi has been a center of learning, culture, and commerce. It developed around religious institutions and hosted various centers of scholarship. In the modern era, Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916, became a major educational institution in the city. Kashi is also renowned for Banarasi silk fabrics, classical music, literature, and traditional crafts.

In contemporary times, the city remains a focal point of pilgrimage and tourism. It is connected by road and rail, and the nearby Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves the region. The local economy benefits from tourism, education, silk weaving, and related services.

The name Kashi is the traditional designation for Varanasi and is used in various modern contexts, including as a brand name and in institutional names unrelated to the city.