Difference Between Varanasi and Banaras
If you want to go and visit the holiest of places in India, you require to go towards the northern region of the country. There in the state of Uttar Pradesh you search the area of Shiva, the creator of life as stated by ancient Hindu texts. More popularly known as Banaras, Kashi and Varanasi, the city is one of the most ancient cities in the world. On the other hand, Mark Twain claimed that Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.
Moreover, Varanasi is a somewhat recent name of the old city of Kashi as it is situated on the banks of streams of river Ganga, Asi and Varuna. Be aware of the fact that these streams run on the northern and southern borders. Banaras is thought to be taken from the word Varanasi. Hindus feel that if you have a dip on the holy water of river Ganges in Varanasi it will relieve you of the sins that you have committed. It will also warrant the liberation from the period of births and deaths. Make sure you know that the city is believed to be the home of lord Shiva. Banaras is a holy city of the world and around millions of Hindus visit there from India and even from foreign countries.
Instructions
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Varanasi
Know that the city is holy for Hindus and also for Buddhists. This is because lord Buddha decided to have his speeches in an area known as Sarnath. Sarnath is one of the 4 pilgrim places for Buddhists in the country. Jains also think of Varanasi as a holy city as the 23rd Tirthankar is said to be born in the area. Surprisingly, it also has some Islamic influence in its custom and traditions. As a result of this, Varanasi is considered to be a combination of Hindu and Muslim cultures. The city gets great attention as Hindus come here to find Moksha and Buddhists visit to experience nirvana.
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Banaras
It is internationally called Varanasi and was selected by lord Shiva to be his and his wife Parvati’s house as there are a lot of pools, rivers, streams and immense forests around. Various historians say that the place was amazing and lovely and was difficult to be overlooked by humans. This is known as the cultural capital of India.
