" AROUND TAJ MAHAL "
Varanasi

Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Mark
Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend
and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Benaras is older than history,
older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all
of them put together".
One of the earliest descriptions of
Varanasi is found in the Buddhist scriptures as also in the epic,
'Mahabharat'. The 'Pali' version of Varanasi was 'Baranasi' which ultimately
gave birth to the name 'Banaras'. According to the 'Vamana Purana', the
Varuna and Assi rivers originate from the body of the primordial person at
the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is
believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages. The holy land between these
two rivers is 'Varanasi'. Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the
root 'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light.
Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original ground'
created by Shiva and Parwati, upon which they stood at the beginning of
time.
Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of
traditional classical culture. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified
by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and
worshippers from times immemorial.

To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself
and experience in Self
discovery
an ethereal oneness of the body and soul. To every visitor,
Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering
across the Ganges
the high -banks, the temples and shrines, the
ashrams and pavilions along the banks bathed in a golden hue
soul
-stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the
air
and, the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the
Ghats
. .
Varanasi, the land where experience and discovery
reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of
music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world- renowned exponents
India has produced in these fields were schooled in the Varanasi tradition
and origins.
Luminaries parts, Varanasi abounds in the art of
silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious
Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's
items across the world, even today.