Kashi - The cultural capital of India

In the evening, the fluttering waves of the Ganges tell the rustling winds that the splendor of Kashi is returning again.

The city of Mahadev is ready again today as if its golden age has returned.

Kashi is one of the oldest cities in the world ... Probably the oldest city in the world.

Who is not related to the earth even though he is on the ground,

Who is bound by the boundaries of the world, but cuts the bondage of all (Mokshadayini).

Who is adorned on the banks of the Mahatrilokapavani Ganges and is well-served by the gods,

Capital of Tripurari Lord Vishwanath,May Kashi protect the whole world.

It is believed that this puri is situated on the trident of Lord Shankar.

Therefore, it does not get destroyed even when there is a catastrophe.

Being situated in five kos between the rivers Varuna and Asi, it is also called Varanasi.

The meaning of the name Kashi is - where Brahman is illuminated.

It is believed that only Kashi gives direct liberation.

It is also believed that there is no rebirth of the one who sacrificing life in Kashi.

The word Kashi means the city of light.

Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built the present Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1777.

In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated one thousand kilograms of gold to get its two peaks decorated with gold.

The Kashi Vishwanath corridor connecting the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple to the ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi.The corridor, said to be the PM’s dream project, has been built over an area of 5,000 hectares.A Rs 800 crore project was launched by the PM in his parliamentary constituency in March 2019, with an aim to restore the "lost glory" of the spiritual centre.

During the inauguration ceremony, Modi has termed Kashi as avinashi (indestructible) and asserted that a "new history" was being created and "we are fortunate to have witnessed it"

Even though Kashi has witnessed destruction, it has also witnessed the valour of brave warriors, the Prime Minister said.

They said "When you come here, you will not see only faith. You will also feel the glory of your past here. You will see how ‘prachenta’ (ancient) and ‘naventa’ (modern) come alive together. This whole new complex of Vishwanath Dham is not just a grand building. This is a symbol of the Sanatan culture of our India."

This ancient city still enjoys the distinction of being the cultural capital of India.