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| name = Varanasi | name = Varanasi
| native_name = वाराणसी | native_name = वाराणसी
| other_name = Kashi , Banaras | other_name
| official_name = The Holy City of Kashi
| image_skyline = Varanasi_collage.png
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Clockwise from top: Ahilya Ghat, New ], ], Tibetan Temple in ], ], ]
| nickname = The spiritual capital of India
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Uttar Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| latd = 25.28
| longd = 82.96
| coordinates_display = inline,title
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{Flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States of I
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| leader_title = ]
| leader_name = Ram Gopal Mohle (])
| leader_title1 = ]
| leader_name1 = ] (])
| leader_title2 = District Magistrate(DM)
| leader_name2 = Pranjal Yadav (])
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 3131
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 80.71
| population_total = 1,201,815
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 30th
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro = 1,435,113
| population_metro_footnotes = <!-- UA --><ref name=UA1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | format=PDF | title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India | accessdate=12 May 2014}}</ref>
| population_demonym =
| population_footnote =<ref>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above |publisher=Government of India |accessdate=12 May 2014}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = ]
| timezone1 = ]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = ]
| postal_code = 221 001 to** (** area code)
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 0542
| registration_plate = UP 65
| blank1_name_sec1 = ]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 0.926 (2011) ]/]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy (2011)
| blank2_info_sec1 = 80.12%<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/153-varanasi.html | title=Varanasi City Census 2011 data | publisher=census2011.co.in | accessdate=11 April 2014}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|varanasi.nic.in}}
| footnotes =
|settlement_type = {{nowrap|]}}|translit_lang1 =
}}
{{contains Indic text}}

'''Varanasi''' ({{IPA-hns|ʋaːˈraːɳəsi|-|hi-Varanasi.ogg}}), also known as '''Benares''' or 'the Athens of India',<ref></ref> '''Banaras''' (''{{Unicode|Banāras}}'' {{IPA-hns|bəˈnaːrəs||hi-Banaras.ogg}}), or ''']''' (''{{Unicode|Kāśī}}'' {{IPA-hns|ˈkaːʃi||hi-Kashi.ogg}}), is an ]n city on the banks of the ] in ], {{convert|320|km|mi|-1}} south-east of the state capital, ]. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities ('']'') in ] and ], and played an important role in the development of ]. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings ].{{Sfn|Bansal|2008|pp=6–9, 34–35}} It is one of the ]. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity ] . It has been mentioned in the ] that this city in older times was known as ] .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9074835/Varanasi |title=Varanasi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academia.edu/8968635/Varanasi_Varanasi_Banaras_Kashi |title=Varanasi}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=August 2014}}

The ] (] of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}} The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the ]. The city has been a cultural centre of ] for several thousand years, and has a history that is older than most of the major world religions. The ] form of ] was developed in Varanasi, and many prominent ] philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in Varanasi. ] gave his first sermon at ], located near Varanasi.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://varanasi.nic.in/tourist/tourist7.html | title=District of Varanasi – Sarnath | publisher=National Informatics Centre-Varanasi | accessdate=1 May 2009}}</ref>

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. It is often referred to as "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of ]", and "the city of learning". Scholarly books have been written in the city, including the ] of ]. Today, there is a temple of his namesake in the city, the ]. The current temples and religious institutions in the city are dated to the 18th century.<ref name=online>{{cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/r/019pho0000050s2u00064000.html|title=Ramnath Temple, Benares.|accessdate=12 August 2009|publisher=British Library On Line Gallery}}</ref> One of the largest residential universities of Asia, the ] (BHU), is located here.

==Etymology==
The name Varanasi<ref>Viśvanātha-așhțakam, śloka 1.</ref> possibly originates from the names of the two rivers from north and south: ], still flowing in Varanasi, and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat. The old city does lie on the north shores of Ganges River bounded by its two tributaries Varuna and Asi.{{Sfn|Cunningham|Sastri|2002|pp=131-140}} Another speculation is that the city derives its name from the river Varuna, which was called Varanasi in olden times.<ref>M. Julian, ''Life and Pilgrimage of Hsuan Tsang'', 6, 133, 2, 354.</ref> This is generally disregarded by historians. Through the ages, Varanasi has been known by many names including Kāśī or Kashi (used by pilgrims dating from Buddha's days), Kāśikā (the shining one), Avimukta ("never forsaken" by Shiva), Ānandavana (the forest of bliss), and Rudravāsa (the place where Rudra/Śiva resides).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/varanasi/about.htm |title=Varanasi: About the city|accessdate=23 May 2013|publisher=Official website of Uttar Pradesh Tourism}}</ref>

In the Rigveda, the city is referred to as Kāśī or Kashi, the luminous city as an eminent seat of learning.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Geography of the Rigveda |url=http://voi.org/books/rig/ch4.htm |last=Talageri |first=Shrikant G. |accessdate=4 February 2007}}</ref> The name Kāśī is also mentioned in the ]. In one verse, ] says, "The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kāśī is my royal palace therein."<ref name=leaflet2>{{cite press release | title =Varanasi – Explore India Millennium Year |publisher=Ministry of Tourism, Government of India |date=March 2007 |url=|accessdate=5 March 2007}}</ref>
The name Kashi may be translated as "City of Light".{{Sfn|Eck|1982|p=10, 58, refers to "Banares — which Hindus call Kashi, the City of Light" (p. 10) and "Hindus call it Kashi, the luminous City of Light" (p. 58).}}

==History==

Archaeological evidence of earliest known settlements around Varanasi in the Ganga valley (the seat of ] and philosophy) suggest that they began in the 11th or 12th century BC,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bhu.ac.in/kala/archieve/aihc_discoveries.htm|title=Important Archaeological Discoveries by the Banaras Hindu University|accessdate=23 May 2013|publisher=Banaras Hindu University}}</ref> placing it among the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/feb/16/whats-the-oldest-city-in-the-world |title=What is the oldest city in the world?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middleeast/11105676/The-worlds-20-oldest-cities.html |title=The world's 20 oldest cities}}</ref>{{Sfn|Jayaswal|2009|p=2, 205}}{{Sfn| Pletcher|2010|pp=159–160}} These archaeological remains suggest that the Varanasi area was populated by ]. However, the '']'' (the oldest known text referencing the city), which dates to approximately the same period, suggests that the area was populated by indigenous tribes. It is possible that archaeological evidence of these previous inhabitants has yet to be discovered.{{Sfn|Jayaswal|2009|p=206}} Recent excavations at Aktha and Ramnagar, two sites very near to Varanasi, show them to be from 1800 BC, suggesting Varanasi started to be inhabited by that time too.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.archeolog-home.com/pages/content/banaras-inde-new-archaeological-excavations-are-going-on-to-determine-the-age-of-varanasi.html|title=Banaras (Inde): new archaeological excavations are going on to determine the age of Varanasi|accessdate=22 May 2014}}</ref> Varanasi was also home to ], the 23rd ] ] and the earliest Tirthankara accepted as a historical figure in the 8th century BC.{{Sfn|Banks|Morphy|1999|p=}}{{Sfn|Partridge|2005|p=}}<!--this should be moved to the religion section: It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. It is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus.{{Sfn|Shackley|2001|p=121}}-->

Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre, famous for its ] and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.{{Sfn| Pletcher|2010|pp=159–160}} During the time of Gautama Buddha (born circa 567 BC), Varanasi was the capital of the ].{{Sfn| Pletcher|2010|pp=159–160}} Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BC when he gave his first sermon, "Turning the Wheel of Law", at nearby ].{{Sfn|Herman|1999|p=153}}{{Sfn|Melton|Baumann|2010|p=2536}} The celebrated Chinese traveller ], who visited the city around 635 AD, attested that the city was a centre of religious and artistic activities, and that it extended for about {{convert|5|km|mi}} along the western bank of the Ganges.{{Sfn| Pletcher|2010|pp=159–160}}{{Sfn|Berwick|1986|p=121}} When Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsiang, visited Varanasi in the 7th century, he named it "Polonisse" and wrote that the city had some 30 temples with about 30 monks.{{Sfn|Eck|1982|p=57}} The city's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century, when ] established the ] as an official sect of Varanasi.{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown|Elliott|2007|p=278}}

].]]
In ancient times, Varanasi was connected by a road starting from ] and ending at ] during the ]. In 1194, the city succumbed to Turkish Muslim rule under ], who ordered the destruction of some one thousand temples in the city.{{Sfn|Sahai|2010|p=21}}{{Sfn|Singh|2009|p=453}} The city went into decline over some three centuries of Muslim occupation,{{Sfn|Berwick|1986|p=121}} although new temples were erected in the 13th century after the Afghan invasion.{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown|Elliott|2007|p=278}} ] ordered further destruction of Hindu temples in the Varanasi area in 1376. The Afghan ruler ] continued the suppression of Hinduism in the city and destroyed most of the remaining older temples in 1496.{{Sfn|Sahai|2010|p=21}} Despite the Muslim rule, Varanasi remained the centre of activity for intellectuals and theologians during the Middle Ages, which further contributed to its reputation as a cultural centre of religion and education. Several major figures of the ] were born in Varanasi, including ] who was born here in 1389 and hailed as "the most outstanding of the saint-poets of Bhakti cult (devotion) and mysticism of 15th-Century India";{{Sfn|Das|1991|p=17}} and ], a 15th-century socio-religious reformer, mystic, poet, traveller, and spiritual figure, who was born and lived in the city and employed in the tannery industry.{{Sfn|Merriam-Webster|1999|p=910}} Similarly, numerous eminent scholars and preachers visited the city from across India and south Asia. ] visited Varanasi for ] in 1507, a trip that played a large role in the founding of ].{{Sfn|Gandhi|2007|p=90}}

] placing a garland on the holiest spot in the sacred city. A lithograph by ], 1832.]]
]
]
In the 16th century, Varanasi experienced a cultural revival under the Muslim ] ] who invested in the city, and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.{{Sfn|Berwick|1986|p=121}}{{Sfn|Sahai|2010|p=21}} The Raja of Poona established the Annapurnamandir and the {{convert|200|m}} Akbari Bridge was also completed during this period.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=182}} The earliest tourists began arriving in the city during the 16th century.{{Sfn|Prakash|1981|p=170}} In 1665, the French traveller ] described the architectural beauty of the Vindu Madhava temple on the side of the Ganges. The road infrastructure was also improved during this period and extended from ] to ] by Emperor ]; later during the ] it came to be known as the famous ]. In 1656, emperor ] ordered the destruction of many temples and the building of mosques, causing the city to experience a temporary setback.{{Sfn|Berwick|1986|p=121}} However, after Aurangazeb's death, most of India was ruled by a confederacy of pro-Hindu kings. Much of modern Varanasi was built during this time by the ] and ] kings, especially during the 18th century, and most of the important buildings in the city today date to this period.{{Sfn|Schreitmüller|2012|p=284}} The kings continued to be important through much of the British rule (1775–1947 AD), including the Maharaja of Benares, or ]. The kingdom of Benares was given official status by the Mughals in 1737, and continued as a dynasty-governed area until Indian independence in 1947, during the reign of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. In the 18th century, ] ordered the construction of an observatory on the Ganges, attached to Man Mandir Ghat, designed to discover imperfections in the calendar in order to revise existing astronomical tables. Tourism in the city began to flourish in the 18th century.{{Sfn|Prakash|1981|p=170}} In 1791, under the rule of the British Governor-General ], Jonathan Duncan founded a Sanskrit College in Varanasi. In 1867, the establishment of the Varanasi Municipal Board led to significant improvements in the city.
]
In 1897, ], the renowned ], said of Varanasi, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."{{Sfn|Twain|1897|p=Chapter L}} In 1910, the British made Varanasi a new Indian state, with Ramanagar as its headquarters but with no jurisdiction over the city of Varanasi itself. Kashi Naresh still resides in the ] which is situated to the east of Varanasi, across the Ganges.<ref name="A review of Varanasi">{{cite web|url=http://www.blonnet.com/life/2004/02/02/stories/2004020200050300.htm |title=A review of Varanasi |publisher=Blonnet.com |accessdate=3 November 2012}}</ref> Ramnagar Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi. Since the 18th century, the fort has been the home of Kashi Naresh, deeply revered by the local people. He is the religious head and some devout inhabitants consider him to be the incarnation of Shiva. He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}}

A massacre by British troops, of the Indian troops stationed here and of the population of the city, took place during the early stages of the ].{{Sfn|Misra|2007|p=6}} ] worked in Varanasi to promote ] and founded the ] which later became a foundation for the creation of ] as a secular university in 1916. Her purpose in founding the Central Hindu College in Varanasi was that she "wanted to bring men of all religions together under the ideal of brotherhood in order to promote Indian cultural values and to remove ill-will among different sections of the Indian population."{{Sfn|Sharma|Sharma|2001|p=197}}

Varanasi was ceded to the Union of India on 15 October 1948. After the death of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh in 2000, his son Anant Narayan Singh became the figurehead king, responsible for upholding the traditional duties of a Kashi Naresh.

According to legend, Varanasi was founded by the God Shiva.{{sfn|Melton|2007|p=29}} The ], the heroes of the ] '']'' are also stated to have visited the city in search of Shiva to atone for their sins of ] and ] that they had committed during the climactic ].{{Sfn|Bansal|2008|pp=48–49}} It is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide ].
{{quote box|Ayodhyā, Mathurā, Gayā, Kaśī, Kañchi, Avantikā, Dwārāvatī -- these seven cities should be known as the givers of liberation.|''Garuḍa Purāṇa'' XVI 114<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/gpu/gpu18.htm|title=Garuḍa Purāṇa XVI 114|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref>}}

{{See also|v:The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/History and Development}}

==Geography and climate==
]
Varanasi is located in the middle Ganges valley of ], in the Eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, along the left crescent-shaped bank of the Ganges, averaging between {{convert|50|ft|order=flip}} and {{convert|70|ft|order=flip}} above the river.{{Sfn|Mohanty|1993|p=316}} It has the headquarters of ]. By road, Varanasi is located {{convert|797|km}} south-east of ], {{convert|320|km}} south-east of ], {{convert|121|km}} east of ], and {{convert|63|km}} south of ].<ref name="GM">{{cite map|title= Maps|publisher=]}}</ref> The "Varanasi Urban Agglomeration" – an agglomeration of seven urban sub-units – covers an area of 112.26&nbsp;km<sup> 2</sup> (approximately 43&nbsp;mi²).<ref name=heritageUNESCO>{{cite web|url=http://www.sasnet.lu.se/EASASpapers/46RanaSingh.pdf |title=Varanasi as Heritage City (India) on the scale the UNESCO World Heritage List: From Contestation to Conservation |accessdate=18 August 2006 |last=Singh |first=Rana P.B. |format=PDF |work=EASAS papers |publisher=Swedish South Asian Studies Network}}</ref> The urban agglomeration is stretched between 82° 56’E – 83° 03’E and 25° 14’N – 25° 23.5’N.<ref name=heritageUNESCO/> Neighbourhoods of the city include Adampura, ], Jaitpura, Dhupchandi, Chaukaghat, Kail Garh, Guru Nanak Nagar, Chaitganj, Naipokhari, ], Maulvibagh, Siddhagiribagh, Bulanala, Chowk, Bangali Tola, ], Khanna, Gopal Vihar, Giri Nagar, Mahmoorganj, Maheshpur, Bhelpura, Shivala, ], Nagwar, ], ],Bachchhaon, and Gautam Nagar, ] Manduadih.<ref name="GM"/>

Being located in the ]s of North India, the land is very fertile because low level floods in the Ganges continually replenish the soil.{{Sfn|Bhargava|Bhatt|2005|p=32}} Varanasi is often said to be located between two confluences: one of the Ganges and ], and other of the Ganges and Assi, although the latter has always been a rivulet rather than a river. The distance between the two confluences is around {{convert|2.5|mi|km|order=flip|0}}, and religious ]s regard a round trip between these two places – a ''Pancha-kroshi Yatra'' (a {{convert|8|km|adj=on|0}} journey) ending with a visit to a ''Sakshi Vinayak Temple'' – as a holy ritual.

===Climate===
Varanasi experiences a ] (] ''Cwa'') with large variations between summer and winter temperatures.{{Sfn|Singh|1975|p=4}}<!--Singh supports Cwa classification-->{{Sfn|Pandey|1989|p=13}} The dry summer starts in April and lasts until June, followed by the monsoon season from July to October. The temperature ranges between {{convert|22|and|46|C|F|0}} in the summers. Winters in Varanasi see very large ] variations, with warm days and downright cold nights. Cold waves from the ]n region cause temperatures to dip across the city in the winter from December to February and temperatures below {{convert|5|°C|0|abbr=on}} are not uncommon. The average annual rainfall is {{convert|1110|mm|in|abbr=on}}. Fog is common in the winters, while hot dry winds, called ], blow in the summers.{{Sfn|Singh|Rana|2002|p=27}} In recent years, the water level of the Ganges has decreased significantly; upstream dams, unregulated water extraction, and dwindling glacial sources due to global warming may be to blame.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail2/story39530/is-river-ganges-drying-in-varanasi.html |title=Is River Ganges drying in Varanasi |publisher=Aninews.in |accessdate=3 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/ganges-receding-despite-rainfall/story-e6frg6so-1226066738979 | work=The Australian | title=Ganges receding despite rainfall | date=1 June 2011}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = ] (1971–2000)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 32.3
|Feb record high C = 35.8
|Mar record high C = 42.4
|Apr record high C = 45.3
|May record high C = 46.8
|Jun record high C = 48.0
|Jul record high C = 43.9
|Aug record high C = 39.8
|Sep record high C = 42.3
|Oct record high C = 39.0
|Nov record high C = 35.3
|Dec record high C = 32.7
|year record high C = 48.0
|Jan high C = 23.0
|Feb high C = 26.2
|Mar high C = 32.6
|Apr high C = 38.5
|May high C = 40.3
|Jun high C = 38.4
|Jul high C = 33.7
|Aug high C = 32.9
|Sep high C = 32.8
|Oct high C = 32.7
|Nov high C = 29.4
|Dec high C = 24.7
|year high C = 32.1
|Jan low C = 9.2
|Feb low C = 11.6
|Mar low C = 16.2
|Apr low C = 21.9
|May low C = 25.5
|Jun low C = 27.2
|Jul low C = 25.7
|Aug low C = 25.4
|Sep low C = 24.4
|Oct low C = 20.6
|Nov low C = 14.4
|Dec low C = 10.1
|year low C = 19.2
|Jan record low C = 0.3
|Feb record low C = 2.4
|Mar record low C = 7.9
|Apr record low C = 11.4
|May record low C = 17.8
|Jun record low C = 14.3
|Jul record low C = 21.4
|Aug record low C = 21.7
|Sep record low C = 19.1
|Oct record low C = 8.9
|Nov record low C = 4.3
|Dec record low C = 2.3
|year record low C = 0.3
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 19.0
|Feb precipitation mm = 18.2
|Mar precipitation mm = 8.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 6.1
|May precipitation mm = 10.3
|Jun precipitation mm = 107.3
|Jul precipitation mm = 309.3
|Aug precipitation mm = 288.4
|Sep precipitation mm = 244.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 32.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 9.3
|Dec precipitation mm = 4.8
|year precipitation mm = 1058.2
|Jan rain days = 1.6
|Feb rain days = 1.7
|Mar rain days = 1.0
|Apr rain days = 0.6
|May rain days = 1.2
|Jun rain days = 5.4
|Jul rain days = 13.9
|Aug rain days = 13.1
|Sep rain days = 10.0
|Oct rain days = 1.8
|Nov rain days = 0.6
|Dec rain days = 0.5
|year rain days = 51.5
|source 1 = India Meteorological Department (record high and low up to 2010)<ref name= IMD >
{{cite web
| url = http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/varanasi2.htm
| title = Varanasi Climatological Table Period: 1971–2000
| publisher = ]
| accessdate = April 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name = IMD2>{{cite web
| url = http://www.webcitation.org/6GmnoaB0m
| format = PDF
| title = Ever recorded Maximum and minimum temperatures up to 2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| accessdate = April 15, 2015}}</ref>
|date=December 2010
}}

==Administration==

===Politics and law===
Varanasi is governed by a number of bodies, the most important being the ] (Municipal Corporation) and the Varanasi Development Authority, which is responsible for the master planning of the city. Varanasi is represented in the ] by the ] ].

===Healthcare===
], the great surgeon and author of the '']'', the ] text of surgery lived in Varanasi. The city grew as a place for Authentic Ayurveda and Panchkarma treatment. Many Ayurvedic centres are here.<ref> ], 1909, v. 2, p.&nbsp;570.</ref> It has several hospitals, Varanasi Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Heritage Hospital, Varanasi, Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital, Sir Sundar Lal Hospital, Rajkiya Hospital, Mata Anand Mai Hospital, Ram Krishna Mission Hospital,
Marwari Hospital, and a Cancer Institute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/varanasi/restaurants.htm|title=Restaurants & Hospitals|publisher=Uttar Pradesh Tourism|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> The largest is Varanasi Hospital, established in 1964 by Dr. Baijnath Prasad.<ref name="VH">{{cite web|url=http://varanasihospital.com/|title=Welcome to Varanasi Hospital|publisher=Varanasi Hospital and Medical Research Centre|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> The hospital, which in 2012 had 66 beds, serves Varanasi and surrounding districts and states, many of which rely on it for surgery.<ref name="VH"/> Although the hospital suffers from a lack of funding, it has facilities such as ], ], ] and a Pathology Lab.<ref name="VH"/>

The urban portion of ] had an ] of 70 per 1,000 live births in 2010–2011.<ref> (11 mb PDF). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (2011).</ref>

===Public maintenance===
Due to the high population density and increasing number of tourists, the state government and international NGOs and institutions have expressed grave concern for the pollution and pressures on infrastructure in the city, mainly the sewage, sanitation and drainage components.{{Sfn|Mohanty|1993|p=316-7}} Between 1985 and 1990, the ] saw a Rs. 430.5 million renovation of five sewage pumping stations along the ghats and the installation of sewage treatment plants.{{Sfn|Mohanty|1993|p=316-7}} The sewage problem is exacerbated by the role of the Ganges in bathing and in river traffic, which is very difficult to control.{{Sfn|Mohanty|1993|p=316-7}} Varanasi's water supply and sewage system is maintained by Jal Nigam, a subsidiary of Nagar Nigam. Power supply is by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. The city produces about 350 million litres per day<ref name=schemevaranasi>{{Cite news|first=Gopal |last=Bhargava |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001025/mailbag.htm |title=Scheme for Varanasi |work=The Tribune |location=India}}</ref> of sewerage and 425 tonnes per day of solid waste.<ref name=cpcbsolidwaste>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpcb.nic.in/pcpdiv_plan4.htm |title=Waste Generation and Composition |accessdate=18 August 2006 |work=Management of municipal solid wastes|publisher=Planning Division, Central Pollution Control Board |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060717141102/http://www.cpcb.nic.in/pcpdiv_plan4.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 17 July 2006}}</ref> The solid wastes are disposed in one landfill site.<ref name=cpcbsolidwaste2>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpcb.nic.in/pcpdiv_plan4.htm
|title=Status of landfill sites in 59 cities |accessdate=18 August 2006 |work=Management of municipal solid wastes |publisher=Planning Division, Central Pollution Control Board |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060717141102/http://www.cpcb.nic.in/pcpdiv_plan4.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 17 July 2006}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{see also|List of cities in Uttar Pradesh}}
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Varanasi
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|]|orange|80}}
{{bar percent|]|green|18}}
{{bar percent|]|red|0.2}}
{{bar percent|]|violet|1.4}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|0.4}}
|caption=Distribution of religions<br/>
†<small>Includes ]s (0.2%), ] (<0.2%).</small>
}}
According to provisional data from the 2011 census, the Varanasi urban agglomeration had a population of 1,435,113, with 761,060 men and 674,053 women.<ref name=uastats>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011|accessdate =7 July 2012}}</ref>

The population of the Varanasi urban agglomeration in 2001 was 1,371,749m with a ratio of 879 females every 1,000 males.<ref name=censusmillioncities>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/|title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population of more than one million in 2001 |accessdate=18 August 2006 |date=25 July 2001|work=Census of India 2001 (Provisional) |publisher=Office of the Registrar General, India}}</ref> However, the area under ] has a population of 1,100,748<ref name=uptownscensus1>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/|title=Population, Population in the age group 0–6 and literates by sex – Urban Agglomeration/Town: 2001 |accessdate=17 August 2006 |format=PDF |work=Census of India 2001 (Provisional) |publisher=Office of the Registrar General, India |pages=53–54}}</ref> with a ratio of 883 females for every 1,000 males.<ref name=uptownscensus1/> The literacy rate in the urban agglomeration is 77% while that in the municipal corporation area is 78%.<ref name=uptownscensus1/> Approximately 138,000 people in the municipal area live in slums.<ref name=censusmillionslums>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/|title=Slum Population in Million Plus Cities (Municipal Corporations): Part A |accessdate=18 August 2006 |date=22 January 2002 |work=Census of India 2001 (Provisional) |publisher=Office of the Registrar General, India}}</ref>

==Transport==
]
]
]
Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail and road. One of the major factors in Varanasi's sustained existence as an inhabited city is its role as an established transportation hub between cities.

Varanasi is served by ], which is approximately {{convert|26|km|abbr=on}} from the city centre in Babatpur.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=195}} The airport inaugurated a new terminal in 2010, and it was granted international airport status on 4 October 2012.<ref name=fe/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=777269|title=Cabinet Grants International Status to Five Airports|publisher=Outlook India|date=4 October 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], and ] operate flights from Varanasi to ], ], ], ], Sharjah, ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByAirport.do?airportCode=VNS&airportQueryType=0 |title=Varanasi Airport|publisher=Flight Stats|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> Over 330,000 passengers pass through the airport each year.<ref name=fe>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/varanasi-airport-to-get-remotecontrol-opening/653541/1|title=Varanasi airport to get remote-control opening|publisher='']''|date=30 July 2010|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref>

], commonly known as Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, is the city's largest train station; more than 3.6 lakh passengers and 240 trains pass through each day.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-11/varanasi/29531482_1_summer-special-trains-railway-station-passenger-trains|title=With mercury soaring, Kashi is still `hot` destination|publisher='']''|date=11 May 2011|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref>
]]]
Varanasi lies along ], which connects it to ], ], ] and ].<ref name="GM"/> ] connects Varanasi to ] via ] to the northeast. ] connects Varanasi to ] via ] and ], to the northwest.<ref name="GM"/> ], the longest National Highway in India, is the most important road connecting Varanasi to southern India, passing through the cities of ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="GM"/> ] and ] are the most widely available forms of public transport in old city.{{Sfn|Bruyn|Bain|Allardice|2010|p=467}} In the outer regions of the city, buses are common, and taxis are available.{{Sfn|Bruyn|Bain|Allardice|2010|p=467}}



==Economy==
]

Approximately 29% of Varanasi's population is employed.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=29}}<!-- (This workforce participation rate is the number of workers divided by the city's total population.) --> Approximately 40% of those employed work in manufacturing, 26% work in trade and commerce, 19% work in other services, 8% work in transport and communication, 4% work in agriculture, 2% work in construction, and 2% are marginal workers (working for less than half of the year).{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=28}}

Among manufacturing workers, 51% work in spinning and weaving, 15% work in metal, 6% work in printing and publishing, 5% work in electrical machinery, and the rest work in a wide variety of industry sectors.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=31}} Varanasi's manufacturing industry is not well developed and is dominated by small-scale industries and household production.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=29}}

] is the dominant manufacturing industry in Varanasi.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=29-31}} Weaving is typically done within the household, and most weavers are ] Muslims.{{Sfn|Wood|2011|p=}} Varanasi is known throughout India for its production of very fine silk and ]s, brocades with gold and silver thread work, which are often used for weddings and special occasions. The production of silk often uses bonded child labour, though perhaps not at a higher rate than elsewhere in India.{{Sfn|Human Rights Watch|1996|p=}} The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer-generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk traders.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=29}}

In the metal manufacturing sector, ] is a major employer.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=31}} ], a large power equipment manufacturer, also runs a heavy equipment repair plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhelherp.com/about.jsp|title=About Bharat|publisher=Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited|accessdate=3 November 2012}}</ref> Other major commodities manufactured and traded in Varanasi include hand-knotted Mirzapur carpets, rugs, dhurries, brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys, handicrafts, gold jewellery, and musical instruments.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=29-31}} Important agricultural products include betel leaves (for ]), langra mangoes and ] (solidified milk).{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=31}}{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=117, 169}}

] manufactured locomotives hauling load across the nation.]]

]
Tourism is Varanasi's second most important industry.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=57}} Over 3 million domestic and 200,000 foreign tourists visit annually (in 2005 and 2010, respectively), most commonly for religious reasons.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite news|title=Foreign tourists' arrival breach 2L mark|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-02/varanasi/28363436_1_foreign-tourists-tourism-officials-arrival|accessdate=22 October 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref>{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=57}} Most domestic tourists are from Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh; most foreign tourists are from Sri Lanka and Japan.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=56}} The peak tourist season falls between October and March.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=56}} In total, there are around 12,000 beds available in the city, of which about one half are in inexpensive budget hotels and one third in ].{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=58}} Overall, Varanasi's tourist infrastructure is not well developed.{{Sfn|JNNURM|2006|p=58}}

The prominent malls and multiplexes in Varanasi are IP Mall in Sigra, IP Vijaya Mall in Bhelupur, PDR in Luxa and JHV Mall in the Varanasi Cantonment area. The city has several banks, including the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/varanasi/bank_post_telegraph.htm|title=Bank, Post & Telegraph|publisher=Uttar Pradesh Tourism|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref>

==Main sights==
]
Varanasi's "Old City", the quarter near the banks of the Ganga river, has crowded narrow winding lanes flanked by road-side shops and scores of Hindu temples. As atmospheric as it is confusing, Varanasi's labyrinthine Old City has a rich culture, attracting many travellers and tourists. The main residential areas of Varanasi (especially for the middle and upper classes) are situated in regions far from the ]; they are more spacious and less polluted.

<!-- According to the Archeological Survey of India, there are 19 monuments of national importance in Varanasi including Sarnath, Tomb of Lal Khan, Dharahra Mosque, Observatory of Mansingh and Victoria Memorial.<ref name="Archeological Survey of India">{{cite web|title=Alphabetical List of Monuments – Uttar Pradesh|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_uttarpradesh_patna.asp|publisher=Archeological Survey of India|accessdate=22 October 2012}}</ref> -->
Museums in and around Varanasi include ], ], ] and ].

===Jantar Mantar===
The Jantar Mantar observatory (1737) is located above the ghats on the Ganges, much above the high water level in the Ganges next to the Manmandir Ghat, near to Dasaswamedh Ghat and adjoining the palace of ] of ]. Compared to the observatories at Jaipur and Delhi, it is less well equipped but has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://users.hartwick.edu/hartleyc/jantar.htm|title=18th Century Observatories of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II|accessdate=2 October 2012|publisher= Hardwick University}}</ref>

===Ramnagar Fort===
The Ramnagar Fort located near the Ganges River on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, was built in the 18th century by ] Raja Balwant Singh with creamy ''chunar'' ]. It is in a typically ] style of ] with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. At present the fort is not in good repair. The fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of ]. It has been the home of the Kashi Naresh since the 18th century. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh who is also known as the Maharaja of Varanasi even though this royal title has been abolished since 1971.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|pp=124-127}}<ref name= Ram>{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/sights/museum/ramnagar-fort-museum|title=Lonely Planet review for Ramnagar Fort & Museum |accessdate=6 November 2012|publisher=Lonely Planet}}</ref> Labeled "an eccentric museum", it has a rare collection of American vintage cars, sedan chairs (bejeweled), an impressive weaponry hall and a rare astrological clock.<ref name= Ram/> In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten ] by ]. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers are also part of the collections. Because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges, it is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for films. The film titled ''Banaras'' is one of the popular movies shot here. However, only a part of the fort is open for public viewing as the rest of the area is the residence of the Kashi Naresh and his family. It is {{convert|14|km|0|abbr=off}} from Varanasi.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|pp=124-127}}<ref name= Ram/>

{{wide image|Varanasi panorama.jpg|900px|A view of the Ghat of Varanasi from the ]}}

===Ghats===
{{main|Ghats in Varanasi}}
]
]s are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Ghats in Varanasi are an integral complement to the concept of divinity represented in physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. All the ghats are locations on "the divine cosmic road", indicative of "its manifest transcendental dimension".<ref name= Ganga>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/ghat/ghatr.html|title=Ganga & ghats|accessdate=3 November 2012|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref> Varanasi has at least 84 ghats.<ref name="Ghats">{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/ghat/ghat1-20.html|title=Ghats of Benares, 1–20|accessdate=3 November 2012|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=ghats>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/ghat/ghat41-60.html|title=Ghats of Varanasi, 41 to 60|accessdate=3 November 2012|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=ghat>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/ghat/ghat61-84.html|title=Ghats of Benares, 61 to 84|accessdate=3 November 2012|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref> Steps in the ghats lead to the banks of River Ganges, including the ], the ], the Panchganga Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat (where Hindus cremate their dead). Many ghats are associated with legends and several are now privately owned.{{Sfn|Bansal|2008|pp=34–35}}

Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha control. Marathas, Shindes (]s), ]s, ]s, and ]s stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as ] sites. A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction. The extensive stretches of ghats enhance the river front with a multitude of shrines, temples and palaces built "tier on tier above the water’s edge".{{Sfn| Pletcher|2010|pp=159–160}}

The ] is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varansi located on the Ganges, close to the ]. It is believed that ] created it to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the ''Dasa -] ]'' performed here. Above the ghat and close to it, there are also temples dedicated to Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, Ganga (the Ganges), and Bandi Devi which are part of important pilgrimage journeys. A group of priests perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, ] (Sun), ] (Fire), and the whole universe. Special ]s are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.<ref name=ghats/>

The ] is the Mahasmasana (meaning: "great cremation ground") and is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. Adjoining the ghat, there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals. It is said that an ear-ring (''Manikarnika'') of Shiva or his wife ] fell here. According to a myth related to the Tarakesvara Temple, a Shiva temple at the ghat, Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead. Fourth-century ] inscriptions mention this ghat. However, the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in 1302 and has been renovated at least three times.<ref name=ghats/>

===Temples===
{{main|Hindu temples in Varanasi}}
Among the estimated 23,000 temples in Varanasi,{{Sfn|Bansal|2008|pp=48–49}} the most worshiped are: the ] of Shiva; the ]; and the Durga Temple known for the band of monkeys that reside in the large trees nearby.<ref name=Varun>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9074835/Varanasi|title=Varanasi|publisher=]|accessdate=11 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=temple>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/various_temples.html|title=Important temples of Varanasi|accessdate=2 November 2012|publisher=National Informatics Centre}}</ref>{{Sfn|Cunningham|Sastri|2002|pp=131-140}}

]

Located on the outskirts of the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – dedicated to Varanasi's presiding deity Shiva (Vishwanath – "Lord of the world") – is an important Hindu temple and one of the 12 '']'' Shiva temples.<ref name=temple/> It is believed that a single view of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is worth more than that of other jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The ], which is adjacent to the temple, is the original site of the temple.<ref name="ramjanma">{{cite book|url = http://www.scribd.com/doc/7223044/Ram-Janmabhoomi|title = Ram Janmabhoomi vs. Babri Masjid, A Case Study in Hindu-Muslim Conflict|author = Koenraad Elst|year = 1990}}</ref> The temple, as it exists now, also called Golden Temple,<ref name=route>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/42205744.cms|title=The religious route |accessdate=4 December 2008|date= 3 April 2003 |newspaper= ]}}</ref> was built in 1780 by Queen ] of ]. The two ] of the temple are covered in gold, donated in 1839 by ], the ruler of the ] and the remaining dome is also planned to be gold plated by the Ministry of Culture & Religious Affairs of Uttar Pradesh. On 28 January 1983, the temple was taken over by the government of ] and its management was transferred to a trust with then Kashi Naresh, Vibhuti Narayan Singh, as president and an executive committee with a Divisional Commissioner as chairman. Numerous rituals, prayers and aratis are held daily, starting from 2:30 am till 11:00 pm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/KASHI.html |title=Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi |publisher=National Informatics Centre, Government of India |accessdate=4 February 2007}}</ref>

The ] is one of the sacred temples of the Hindu god ] situated by the Assi River, on the way to the Durga and New Vishwanath temples within the Banaras Hindu University campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/temple/temple.htm|title=Temples of Varnasi|publisher=Varanasi Official website}}</ref> The present temple structure was built in early 1900s by the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit ], the founder of Banaras Hindu University.<ref name=ex>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/89192/|title=Blasts in Sankatmochan temple and railway station kill dozen, several injured|date=8 March 2006|work=Indian Express}}</ref> It is believed the temple was built on the very spot where the medieval Hindu saint ] had a vision of Hanuman.{{Sfn| Callewaert|2000|p=90}} Thousands flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays, weekdays associated with Hanuman. On 7 March 2006, in a terrorist attack one of the three explosions hit the temple while the Aarti was in progress when numerous devotees and people attending a wedding were present and many were injured. However, normal worship was resumed the next day with devotees visiting the temple and reciting hymns of ] (authored by Tulidas) and ] (a booklet of these hymns is provided free of charge in the temple).<ref name=ex/> After the terrorist incident, a permanent police post was set up inside the temple.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/varanasi-temple-gets-permanent-police-post/396/|title=Varanasi temple gets permanent police post|date=14 March 2006|work=Indian Express}}</ref>

]
There are two temples named "Durga" in Varanasi, ] (built about 500 years ago), and Durga Kund (built in the 18th century). Thousands of Hindu devotees visit Durga Kund during ] to worship the goddess ]. The temple, built in ] architectural style, has multi-tiered spires<ref name=route/> and is stained red with ochre, representing the red colour of Durga. The building has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund ("Kund" meaning a pond or pool). Every year on the occasion of ], the act of depicting the god ] reclining on the serpent ] is recreated in the Kund.

While the Annapurna Temple, located close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, is dedicated to ], the goddess of food,<ref name=temple/> the Sankatha Temple close to the Sindhia Ghat is dedicated to Sankatha, the goddess of remedy. The Sankatha temple has a large sculpture of a lion and a nine temple cluster dedicated to the ].<ref name=temple/>

Kalabhairav Temple, an ancient temple located near the Head Post Office at Visheshar Ganj, is dedicated to Kala-Bhairava, the guardian ('']'') of Varanasi.<ref name=temple/> The Mrithyunjay Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is situated on the way to Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple. A well near the temple has some religious significance as its water source is believed to be fed from several underground streams, having curative powers.<ref name=temple/>

The ] located in the campus of Banaras Hindu University is a modern temple which was planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the ].<ref name=temple/> The ], nearby the Durga Temple, is a modern temple dedicated to the god ]. It is built at the place where Tulsidas authored the '']'', which narrates the life of Rama. Many verses from this epic are inscribed on the temple walls.<ref name=temple/>

The ], dedicated to the national personification of India, was inaugurated by ] in 1936. It has relief maps of India carved in marble. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists, antiquarians and nationalist leaders, donated funds for its construction.<ref name=temple/>

===Mosques===
In the order of their importance the mosques in Varanasi are the ], the ], the ] and the ] which cater to the prayer needs of 25% of the Muslim population out of total population of about a 1 million. Muslims have been residing in Varanasi since several generations starting from the rule of the ].

===Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan===
] religion]]
] Park at Varanasi]]
], Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi, ], India is called the "Begumpura" and is the ultimate place of pilgrimage or religious headquarters for followers of the ] religion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi (U.P.)|url=http://www.gururavidassguruji.com/place-of-pilgrimage}}</ref> It has become a cherished dream of devotees of ] from the world over to pay their obeisance at '''Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan''' Mandir at Seer Goverdhanpur Varanasi at least once in their life. The foundation stone of this Mandir was laid on Monday 14 June 1965 on ''Ashad Sankranti'' day by Sant Hari Dass, along with a large number of devotees of ], specially deputed by Sant Sarwan Dass for the purpose. Devotees traced the birthplace of Guru Ravidass and temple was built. It is believed that Guru Ravidass used to live and do bhakti at this place. The construction of the temple was completed in 1994. Babu ], the ] supremo, performed the ceremonial installation of the golden dome atop the temple. ], the then-President of India, performed the opening ceremony of the huge monumental entry gate to the temple, on 16 July 1998.

It is the birthplace of Guru ]. It was this city where two great saints of Bhakti Movement i.e. Satguru ] and Satguru ] were born. The Janam Asthan Mandir of Guru Ji at Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi has now acquired the status of Begumpura (serenity) for Guru Ji’s followers and has become an Ultimate Place of Pilgrimage for them. Every year during birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass, the Mandir attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad.

==Culture==
]s, Varanasi, 1974]]

Varanasi has an own culture of fine art and literature. Renowned Indian writers have lived in the city: ], ] and ], who wrote much of his ] here, Kulluka Bhatt, who wrote the best known commentary of ] here in the 15th century,<ref> ], 1909, v. 2, p. 262.</ref> and ]. Later writers have included ], ], Munshi Premchand, Jagannath Prasad Ratnakar, ], ], Tegh Ali, ], ], ], Sudama Pandey (Dhoomil) and ]. Several newspapers and journals are or were published in Varanasi such as ''Varanasi Chandroday'' and its successor ''Kashivartaprakashika'', initially a fortnightly, which later became a weekly journal, first published on 1 June 1851.{{Sfn|Medhasananda |2002|p=653}}

The main newspaper is '']'', a Hindi-language nationalist newspaper first published in 1920.{{Sfn|Kasbekar|2006|p=126}} The newspaper was the bulwark of the ] and today is still a major newspaper of Hindi northern India.{{Sfn|Kasbekar|2006|p=126}}

Art lovers and historians like ], his son ], musicians Omkarnath Thakur, ], ], ], ], ] and his son ], ], ], Anokhelal Mishra, ], Kanthe Maharaj, ], ], ],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Uttar Pradesh|first1=Govt.|website=http://varanasi.nic.in/|publisher=District Varanasi}}</ref>], ] and numerous others have kept the city alive to the spiritual aspect of fine arts in addition to their ability to entertain. Numerous festivals are celebrated that preserve traditional styles of classical and folk culture. All night, open music concerts like those organised at Sankat Mochan Temple, Hori, ], ] Mela, and Budwa Mangal, are annual features that draw connoisseurs from near and far.

Varanasi is the hub of arts and crafts, particularly silks and brocades with gold and silver thread work, carpet weaving (with a carpet-weaving centre at Bhadoi), wooden toys, bangles made of glass, ivory work, perfumes, artistic brass and copper ware and a variety of handicrafts.<ref name=topic>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/623248/Varanasi|title=Varanasi=1 November 2012|publisher=Encyclopedia Brittanica}}</ref><ref name=bhu>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhu.ac.in/varanasi.htm|title=Benares, the Eternal City|accessdate=2 November 2012|publisher=Banaras Hindu University}}</ref> The former cantonment graveyard during ] is now the location of Varanasi’s Arts and Crafts.{{Sfn|Tiwari|2010|p=9}}

==Religion==
]s of Varanasi.]]

===Hinduism===
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations.{{Sfn|Vera|2010|p=179}} It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities ('']''), considered the giver of salvation ('']'').{{Sfn|Shackley|2001|p=121}}{{Sfn|Kramrisch|1946|p=3}} Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses.{{Sfn|Shackley|2001|p=121}}
Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus come here to die.{{Sfn|Wilder-Smith|Shaw|Schwartz|2012|p=273}}

As the home to the ] '']'', it is very sacred for ]. Varanasi is also a ], where the temple to goddess ] stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess ]'s earrings fell.<ref name=leaflet2/> Hindus of the ] sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti.<ref>, Ghumakkar.com. Retrieved 23 May 2013.</ref> ] wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here,<ref>, Green Message. Retrieved 23 May 2013.</ref> leading to the great Hindu revival.

In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of ].<ref name=censusreligion/><!--have not found stats for city alone yet-->

===Islam===
] at Varanasi.]]
Interwoven within one million ]s are two hundred and fifty thousand Muslims who have made Varanasi their home since the time of Islamic empires. In 2001, Muslims made up approximately 16% of the population of Varanasi District.<ref name=censusreligion/> Muslims live in the close-knit communities founded in the days of the ] and later ]. The Muslim call to prayer, ], can be heard from the ] five times a day. The other important Mosques in Varanasi include: ], ] and ].

]

===Others===
At the 2001 census, persons of other religions or no religion made up 0.4% of the population of ].<ref name=censusreligion>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Social_and_cultural/Religion.aspx |title=Census of India – Socio-cultural aspects |publisher=Censusindia.gov.in |accessdate=3 November 2012}}</ref>

Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for ] along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the birthplace of ], ], and ], who are respectively the seventh, eleventh, and twenty-third ] ]s and as such Varanasi is a holy city for Jains. Shree ] Digambar ] Tirth Kshetra (Digambar Jain Temple) is situated in ], Varanasi. This temple is of great religious importance to the Jain Religion.

], a suburb of Varanasi, is a place of ]. It is the site of the deer park where ] is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of ].{{Sfn|Mellor|Podany|2005|p=73}} The ] is one of the few ] ]s still in existence, though only its foundation remains.{{Sfn|Gupta|2003|p=11}} Also remaining is the ] commemorating the spot where Buddha met his first disciples in the 5th century.{{Sfn|Singh|2009|p=453}} An octagonal tower was built later there.

] visited Varanasi for ] in 1507 and had an encounter which with other events forms the basis for the story of the founding of ]. Varanasi also hosts the ], and has an insignificant Jewish ] community. Varanasi is home to numerous tribal faiths which are not easily classified.

]s are 13% of population Of Varanasi city.<ref>{{cite news|title=city’s demographics consists of 14% Muslims, 25% OBCs, 13% Dalits, and 46% upper castes|url=http://www.india.com/election-2014/this-is-how-narendra-modi-will-win-varanasi-27780/}}</ref> Most dalits are followers of ]. So ] is important place of pilgrimage for ] from all around India.<ref>{{cite web|title=With the growing popularity of this Mandir and also keeping in view the increasing number of pilgrims, the U.P. Government also thought of raising suitable memorials for Guru Ravidass Ji in the city of Banaras.|url=http://sachkhandballan.net/main.php?page=Ultimate_Place_of_Pilgrimage_Shri_Guru_Ravidass_Janam_Asthan_Mandir_Varanasi}}</ref>

==Religious festivals==
On ] (February) – which is dedicated to Shiva – a procession of Shiva proceeds from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.<ref name=Varun/>

Dhrupad Mela is a five-day musical festival devoted to ] style held at Tulsi Ghat in February–March.<ref name="festival1">{{cite web|last=Uttar Pradesh Tourism|title=Fair and Festivals of Varanasi|url=http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/varanasi/fair_festival.htm|publisher=Uttar Pradesh Tourism|accessdate=22 October 2012}}</ref>

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates ] (March–April), the birthday of Hanuman with great fervour. A special ], aarti, and a public procession is organized.<ref name=sm>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-08/varanasi/28040380_1_music-concert-birju-maharaj-mishra-brothers |title=Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh from April 13|date=8 April 2009|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-14/varanasi/28001802_1_music-festival-first-night-pandit-jasraj |title=Jasraj, Birju Maharaj enthral on first night|date=14 April 2009|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Starting in 1923,<!-- 89th in 2012 --> the temple organizes a five-day classical music and dance concert festival titled ''Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh'' in this period, when iconic artists from all parts of India are invited to perform.<ref name=Varun/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/04/07/stories/2006040701270300.htm|title=Glimpses of eternity|work=The Hindu | location=Chennai, India|date=7 April 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-04/varanasi/28132549_1_music-concert-music-festival-musicians|title=Sankat Mochan music concert begins|date=4 April 2010|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-12/varanasi/31330678_1_padma-awardees-music-festival-flute|title=Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh begins|accessdate=2 November 2012|publisher= Times of India|date=12 April 2012}}</ref>

The ] of ] is a dramatic enactment of Rama's legend, as told in ''Ramacharitamanasa''.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}} The plays, sponsored by Kashi Naresh, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}} On the last day, the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king ].{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}} Kashi Naresh ] started this tradition around 1830.{{Sfn|Mitra|2002|p=216}}<ref name="festival"/>

'']'' celebrates the meeting of Rama and his younger brother ] after the return of the former after 14 years of exile.<ref name=Varun/> It is celebrated during October–November, a day after the festival of ]. Kashi Naresh attends this festival in his regal attire resplendent in regal finery. The festival attracts a large number of devotees.<ref name=festival>{{cite web|url=http://varanasi.nic.in/culture/fair.html|title=Fairs and festivals |accessdate=2 November 2012|publisher= National Informatics Centre}}</ref>

] standing on serpent ] during ] festival in Varanasi]]
], celebrated on the fourth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of ] (October–November), that commemorates the victory of the God ] over the serpent ]. On this occasion, a large ] (''Neolamarckia cadamba'') branch is planted on the banks of the Ganges so that a boy acting the role of Krishna can jump into the river on to the effigy representing Kaliya. He stands over the effigy in a dancing pose playing the ]; the effigy and the boy standing on it is given a swirl in front of the audience. People watch the display standing on the banks of the river or from boats.{{Sfn| Pintchman|2005|pp=69–70}}

''Ganga Mahotsav'' is a five-day music festival organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, held in November–December culminating a day before ] (Dev Deepawali). On Kartik Poornima also called ], the Ganges is venerated by ] offered by thousands of pilgrims who release lighted lamps to float in the river from the ghats.<ref name=Varun/><ref name="festival1"/>

Annually Jashne-Eid Miladunnabi is celebrated on the day of Barawafat in huge numbers by Muslims in a huge rally coming from all the parts of the city and meeting up at Beniya Bagh. {{citation needed|date=July 2014}}

==Education==
{{Main|List of educational institutions in Varanasi|l1=Educational institutions in Varanasi}}
] is an Institute of National Importance in Varanasi]]
Historically, Varanasi has been an education centre in India, drawing students and scholars from across the country.{{Sfn|Sharma|1995|p=191}}{{Sfn|Gupta|2006|p=41}} Varanasi has an overall literacy rate of 80% (male literacy: 85%, female literacy: 75%).<ref name=uastats/> It is home of a number of colleges and universities. Most notably, it is the site of ], which – with over 20,000 students<ref>http://bhu.ac.in/aboutbhu/index.html</ref> – is one of the largest residential universities in Asia.<ref>{{cite web|author= Kumar Yadav, Mithilesh |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/HTEducation/Chunk-HT-UI-HTEducationSectionPage-OtherStories/From-ancient-to-modern/SP-Article1-709224.aspx|title=From ancient to modern|publisher='']''|date=14 June 2011|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> The ] is an Institute of National Importance in Varanasi and is one of India's 16 ]. Other colleges and universities in Varanasi include ], ], ], ] (at ]), ], Varanasi,<ref>http://www.nsrtc.nic.in/</ref> ], Varanasi<ref>http://www.aljamiatussalafiah.org</ref> ] (Kashi IT),<ref>http://www.kitvrns.com/</ref>] (IIMT), ], ], Harischandra P.G. College, Agrasen Kanya P.G. collage and numerous others. Various other engineering colleges have been set up in the outskirts of the city.

Schools in Varanasi are affiliated with the ], the ] (CBSE), or the ].{{citation needed|date=October 2012}} The overall "state of education in Varanasi is ... not good."<ref name=sc>Hiroshi Sasaki. (PDF). ''Journal of the Japanese Association for South Asian Studies'' no. 16 (October 2004): 17–39.</ref> Schools in Varanasi vary widely in quality, with private schools outperforming government schools.<ref name=sc/> In government schools, many teachers fail to come to class or to teach children.<ref name=sc/> Some government schools lack basic equipment, such as blackboards and sufficient desks and chairs for all students.<ref name=sc/> Private schools vary in quality, with the most expensive conducting lessons in English (seen as a key to children's success) and having computers in classrooms.<ref name=sc/> Pupils attending the more expensive private schools (with tuition around 300 Rs./month in 2001–2002), tended to come from upper-class families.<ref name=sc/> Lower-cost private schools (with tuition around 50 Rs./month in 2001–2002) attracted children from lower-income families or those lower-income families with higher education aspirations.<ref name=sc/> Government schools tend to serve lower-class children with lower education aspirations.<ref name=sc/>

==Music==
{{Main|Music in Varanasi}}
]
Music in Varanasi is linked to the Pauranic legends. Lord Shiva who is reported to have established this city was credited with evolving music and dance forms. In the historical medieval times, when ] ] was a rage in the country, literature of the times attest to the fact that Kashi was then a famous centre of music. Saint musicians who furthered the musical fame were ], ], ], ] and ], which continues to this day. During the monarchic rule of ] in the 16th century, the ] style of singing received royal patronage and led to other related forms of music such as Dhamar, Hori and Chaturang.<ref name=Music>{{Cite web|url=http://www.varanasicity.com/varanasi-music.html|title=Varanasi Music|accessdate=27 May 2013|publisher=Varanasi City.com}}</ref> In recent times, Girija Devi, the famous classical singer of ], who was born here was instrumental in elevating music to a status of respectability and appreciation.<ref name="SimonMark2000">{{cite book|author1=Broughton, Simon|author2=Ellingham, Mark|author3=Trillo, Richard|title=World Music Volumn 2 Latin and North America Caribean India Asia and: Pacific the Rough Guide|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=QzX8THIgRjUC&pg=PA91|accessdate=30 May 2013|year=2000|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-85828-636-5|pages=91–}}</ref>

Apart from the vocal music singers, Varanasi is also associated with many great instrumentalists like ] an iconic Sehnai maestro,<ref name=Music/> ], the famous ] player and musicologist who was given the highest civilian award of the country, the ].{{sfn|Bruyn|Bain|Allardice|2010|p=470}}

== Sport ==
]

], ] and ] are popular in Varanasi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/09/stories/2005110912892000.htm|title=Varanasi team scores big win |work=] |date=9 November 2005|accessdate=30 October 2012|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The main stadium in the city is the ], also known as Dr Sampurnanda Stadium, where first-class cricket matches are held.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.thecricketer.com/Grounds/1268.html|title=Dr Sampurnanda Stadium, Varanasi|publisher=The Cricketer|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> Local cricket matches are also played on the ] Dr. Bheeem Rao sports complex Badalalpur is also a measure sports ground of national level.{{Sfn|Ray|2003|p=3}}

The Physical Education Faculty of Arts of ] offers diploma courses in Sports Management, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology and Sports Journalism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bhu.ac.in/physicaledu/index.html|title=Department of Physical Education|publisher=Banaras Hindu University |accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref>

Gymnastics is also popular in Varanasi, and many Indian girls practice outdoors at the ghats in the mornings which hosts ], where "morning exercise, a dip in the ] and a visit to Lord ]" forms a daily ritual.{{Sfn|Tiwari|2010|p=47}} Despite concerns regarding water quality, two swimming clubs offer swimming lessons in the Ganga.<ref>{{Cite web
| last = Naskar
| first = Sudhiti
| title = The river where swimming lessons can be a health hazard
| work = BBC News
| accessdate = 2014-07-04
| date = 2014-07-01
| url = http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28112403
}}</ref>

The Varanasi District Chess Sports Association (VDCSA) is based in Varanasi, affiliated to the regional ] (UPCSA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vdcsa.webs.com/|title=Varanasi District Chess Sports Association|publisher=Varanasi District Chess Sports Association|accessdate=30 October 2012}}</ref> ] is also famous for its world class athletes like ].<ref>http://www.sportskeeda.com/2011/08/04/prashanti-singh-on-basketball/</ref>

== Partner and Sister cities ==
* {{flagicon|Japan}}], ]<ref>http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/to-rejuvenate-indian-cities-pm-modi-takes-first-step-with-japan-584209?ndtv_alsoread</ref>

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
{{Portal bar|India|Hinduism|Buddhism|Jainism}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

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* {{cite book|last=Singh|first=Sarina|title=India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=vK88ktao7pIC&pg=PA453|year=2009|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74179-151-8|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|title=The Small Hands of Slavery: Bonded Child Labor in India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=NfX3sRoJ3rYC|year=1996|publisher=]| ref = {{harvid|Human Rights Watch|1996}}|isbn=9781564321725}}
* {{cite book|last=Tiwari|first=Reena|title=Space-Body-Ritual: Performativity in the City|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=P7W1I4j75E8C&pg=PA47|year=2010|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-2857-2|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Twain |first=Mark | authorlink = Mark Twain |title=Following the Equator: A journey around the world |url=http://www.literaturecollection.com/a/twain/following-equator/|year=1897 |publisher=Hartford, Connecticut, American Pub. Co. |isbn=0-404-01577-8 | oclc = 577051 |chapter=L | chapterurl = http://www.literaturecollection.com/a/twain/following-equator/51/|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Vera|first=Zak|title=Invisible River: Sir Richard's Last Mission|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=8HhVcspIBU4C&pg=PA179|year=2010|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=978-1-4389-0020-9|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|last1=Wilder-Smith|first1=Annelies|last2=Shaw|first2=Marc|last3=Schwartz|first3=Eli|title=Travel Medicine: Tales Behind the Science|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=itegkZspCgUC&pg=PA273|year=2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-08-045359-0|ref=harv}}
* {{cite encyclopedia|last=Wood|first=Jolie M.F.|title=Contentious politics and civil society in Varanasi|encyclopedia=Re-framing Democracy and Agency at India: Interrogating Political Society|year=2011|publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=9780857283504|editor=Ajay Gudavarthy|ref=harv}}
{{div col end}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Kara|first=Siddharth|title=Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=LL4kfg6CPuwC&pg=PA59|year=2010|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-13961-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Mukherjee|first=Neela|title=Alternative Perspectives on Livelihood, Agriculture and Air Pollution|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ymo-TP_DhTIC&pg=PA49|year=2002|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-7022-986-5}}
* {{cite book|author=Singh|title=Longman Panorama History 7|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=URW9LABgF_4C&pg=PA73|year=2007|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1175-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Trayler|first=Richard|title=Life Is Short...Compared to Eternity|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=2mzsNsjVi1gC&pg=PA182|year=2010|publisher=Xulon Press|isbn=978-1-61215-343-8}}

==External links==
{{Commonscat|Varanasi}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Wikiversity|The Varanasi Heritage Dossier}}
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* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Uttar_Pradesh/Localities/Varanasi}}
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{{Geographic location
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|West = ]
|Northwest = ] |Center = Varanasi
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{{Hindu holy cities}} {{Hindu holy cities}}

Revision as of 21:50, 21 April 2015

For district, see Varanasi district. For other uses, see Banaras (disambiguation).

Place
Varanasi वाराणसी
Hinduism
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