Difference between revisions of "Varanasi" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Ganges ceremony.jpg|thumb|250px|right|People performing Hindu ceremony at one of the ghats of Varanasi]]  .  
 
[[Image:Ganges ceremony.jpg|thumb|250px|right|People performing Hindu ceremony at one of the ghats of Varanasi]]  .  
  
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====Temples====
+
====Major Temples====
−
Varanasi is a city of temples. Almost every road crossing has a nearby temple. Such small temples form the basis of daily local prayers and other rituals. But there are many large temples too, erected at different times through out the history of Varanasi.
 
  
−
[[Vishwanath Temple|Kashi Vishwanath Temple]], also called Golden Temple, which in its present shape was built in 1780 by Maharani [[Ahilyabai Holkar]] of [[Indore]], is located on the outskirts of the Ganga. This temple makes Varanasi a place of great religious importance to the Hindus, as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, the aforementioned Jyotirlinga of the Lord Shiva is enshrined here. It is said that a single view of Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than that of other jyotirlingas. A [[Naubatkhana]] was built up in front of the Temple by the collector Mohammed Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General [[Warren Hastings]] in 1785. In 1839, Punjab Kesari, the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of [[Punjab region|Punjab]] donated gold to cover the two domes of the temple. On [[January 28]], [[1983]] the Temple was taken over by the government of [[Uttar Pradesh]] and its management was transferred to a trust with Late Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh, then Kashi Naresh, as president and an executive committee with Divisional Commissioner as chairman.<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 = 2007-02-04}}</ref>. The official website of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple[[http://www.shrikashivishwanath.org Kashi Vishwanath]] was launched on 23rd Jul 2007 and gives details about temple activities as well as facilities for online booking of various sevas and pujas.
+
As a religious center, Varanasi is dotted with a wide variety of temples and other places of worship. While there are many smaller temples that have importance to their congregation, many of the temples of Varanasi have gained significance on a worldwide scale for their alleged holy properties. Perhaps the most famous of all the temples of Varanasi, the Golden Temple ( Vishwanath temple) attracts large gatherings of devout Hindus. According to Hindu belief, the Golden Temple is the resting place of the Jyotirlinga of lord Shiva. The relic is thought to have healing properties and be able to elevate the spiritual level of all who see the remains.  
  
−
The temple was once destroyed by Aurangzeb who built a mosque on it. It was later resurrected at a location near the mosque, and is many times a cause of local strain among Hindus and Muslims.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98dec06/head1.htm | title = Countrywide alert on Masjid demolition anniversary | publisher = [[The Tribune]] | date = [[1998]]-[[12-06]] | accessdate = 2007-02-05]]}}</ref>
+
The Golden Temple, made famous for religious reasons, also gains attention for its unique arcitecture and historical importance. The structure on the banks of the Ganga was an early focus of rivalry between HIndu and Muslim worshipers. According to historical sources, an early temple was destroyed in a religious struggle between the two religions, and a Muslim mosque was built over the remains of the Hindu temple. In response, a HIndu temple was built nearby its original location. The contention over the space continues to be a cause of tension between the religions. <ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98dec06/head1.htm | title = Countrywide alert on Masjid demolition anniversary | publisher = [[The Tribune]] | date = [[1998]]-[[12-06]] | accessdate = 2007-02-05]]}}</ref> In another possibly contentious move, the management of the temple was assumed by the Uttar Pradesh government in 1983. Due to the governments actions, all current and future decisions about the temple rest within the authority of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh <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 = 2007-02-04}}</ref>. Many hope that a centralized authority will ease tensions regarding the temple.
  
 
[[Image:Monkey Temple Varanasi.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Durga]] Temple or Monkey Temple]]
 
[[Image:Monkey Temple Varanasi.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Durga]] Temple or Monkey Temple]]
−
Durga Temple, also called Monkey temple, was built at some point of time in 18th century by a [[Bengali people|Bengali]] [[Maharani]]. The temple got its name as 'Monkey temple' because of the presence of large number of monkeys in the temple. According to legends, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the [[Durga]] temple during [[Navratri]] and other auspicious occasions. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard of the Durga temple but not the inner sanctum.
 
  
−
The architecture is of Nagara Style, which is typical of North India. The temple is accompanied by a rectangular tank of water called Durga Kund. The temple has multi-tiered spires and is stained red with ochre, signifying the red colour of Durga. The Kund was earlier connected to the river itself thus refreshing the water. This tunnel was later closed, leading to locked water which is replenished only by rain or drainage from the Temple. Every year on the occasion of [[Nag panchami]], the act of depicting Lord [[Vishnu]] reclining on the coiled-up [[Shesha]] is repeated in the Kund.
+
Another significant temple in Varanasi is the Durga Temple, also reffered to as the Monkey Temple. While the Golden Temple attracts Hindu and non Hindu toursts alike for its rich architecture and unique beauty, the Monkey Temple is not often included on touring itineraries for non-Hindus. In this temple, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum, and must eb content to enjoy the beauty of the outer courtyard only.  
  
−
[[Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (Varanasi)|Sankat Mochan Temple]] is dedicated to Lord [[Hanuman]] and is very popular with the local citizens. It is a place for many yearly religious as well as cultural festivals.On 7 March 2006, one of the three explosions carried out by Islamic militants hit the temple, while the aarti, in which numerous worshippers and wedding attendees participated,was in progress.
+
Visitors to the MOnkey Temple also immediately recognize root of its unique name: MOnkey Temple derives from the large number of monkeys that are visible in the decorations of the temple. MOnkey depictions are not the only unique feature of the temple, as the architecture of the temple is also distinct. Following the traditional Nagara style of architecture, the temple is distinguished by spires and a bright red color. According to Hindu ideaology, the color red is representative of the Hindu goddess Durga. Visitors who wish to view a representation of Durga need look no farther thatn the large central statue of the goddess. Acording to legend, the central Durga statue of the temple was not made by human hands, but appeared due to celestial intervention.
−
 
 
−
The new Vishwanath Temple, called Birla Mandir, mainly funded by Raja Birla of the [[Birla family|Birla family of industrialists]], was built as a replica of the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.indnav.com/servlet/Browse?mt=goToName&name=Birla+Temple+(new+Vishwanath+Temple) | title = Birla Temple (new Vishwanath Temple) | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> Planned by [[Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya]], the temple is part of the Banaras Hindu University, and stands for national revival. The temple is open to people of all castes and religions.
 
−
[[Kadar Temple ]] is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. this is very popular because it is called [[svyambu Ling]] of Shiva .it is near [[Harischandra Ghat]].it has two part one Shiva and seacond is Parvati.some pandit says one is visnu(Hari) seacond part is Shive(Har).
 
  
 
====Ghats====
 
====Ghats====
  
 +
The tern ghat has significant as both a noun representing a place for spiritual cleansing, and a verb describing the actual cleansing process. Due to the relgious signigicance of the Gnages River and Varanasi itself, the area is marked by a large proliferation of ghats for spiritual reasons. Over 100 cleansing gnats exist in Varansi on the river's edge, and pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges expect that spiritual rebirth will occur as a result. Some of the ghats on teh Ganges, however, serve as cremation sites for devout Hindus, who believe that souls can better reach the afterlife near the Ganges. The trend for cremation on teh Ganges can be traced back to early Hindu histories, where it is said that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses. Other traditions state that the Hindu Goddess Parvati hid one of her earrings on the banks of the Ganges, and  the Hindu lord Shiva spent eternity looking for the lost adornment. Myths like this reenforce the idea that the Hindu gods are present on the banks of the Ganges and are able to intervene on behalf of pilgrims.
  
−
Regions near the banks of river Ganga are extremely crowded and house several Hindu temples, narrow winding lanes and road-side shops. The main residential areas of Varanasi (especially for the middle and upper classes) are situated in regions far from the [[ghats]]; they are more spacious and less polluted. Such a place in an Indian city is called a housing colony. Varanasi has nearly 100 ghats, most of which are bathing ghats, while some others are for cremation. According to Hindu belief, dying at Kasi ensures release from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth. Many of these ghats were built when the Marathas controlled the city and the [[Scindias]], the [[Peshwas]], [[Holkars]] and [[Bhonsles]] stand out as patrons of present day Varanasi. Even today many of the ghats are privately owned. ''Shivala'' or ''Kali'' ghat is still owned by the former [[Maharaja]] of Kasi.
+
Ghats have always been a significant part of life in Varanasi, serving to dictate religious life as well as secular life. In regards to secular life, housing prices in the city are dictated by their distance from the ghats. Due to the smoke from cremation and large amount of pilgrims at buzy ghats, housing near the ghats is seen as less desireable. Middle to Upper class housing is places much farther away from the busy river's edge.
−
 
 
−
Various legends are associated with the ghats and it is believed that ''Dasaswamedh Ghat'' is where Lord [[Brahma]] sacrificed 10 horses in a [[yajna]]. ''Manikarnika Ghat'' is the place where Lord [[Vishnu]] dug a pit with his Chakra and while performing various penances filled it with perspiration. As Lord Shiva watched him, his earring (''Manik'') fell into the pit, hence the name. According to another legend, in order to keep Lord Shiva moving around with his devotees, Goddess Parvati asked him to find her earrings, which she hid, lost on the bank of Ganga and make Lord Shiva stay at the place and search forever. It is said that when the body is cremated at Mani Karnika Ghat Lord Shiva asks every soul whether they have seen the earring (Mani Karnika). Other interesting ghats are ''Man Mandir Ghat'' built in 1770 C.E. by Jai Singh of [[Jaipur]], the intrepid astronomer who built his observatories here, ''Mansarover Ghat'' built by [[Man Singh]] of [[Amber]]. ''Bachraj'' is used by Jain devotees for it has three river bank Jain temples. ''Tulsi Ghat'' is where [[Tulsidas]] wrote [[Ramcharitmanas]]. ''Lalita Ghat'' was built by late [[Nepalese monarchy|King of Nepal.]]
 
−
 
 
  
 
===Art===
 
===Art===

Revision as of 22:46, 13 December 2007


  Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh • India
Map indicating the location of Varanasi
Location of Varanasi
Coordinates: 25°19′60″N 83°00′00″E / 25.3333, 83
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
• Elevation 		1,550 km² (598 sq mi)
• 80.71 m (265 ft)
District(s) Varanasi
Population
• Density 		3,147,927[1] (2001)
• 1,995 /km² (5,167 /sq mi)[2]
Mayor kaushalendra singh
Codes
• Pincode
• Telephone
• Vehicle
• 221 001
• +0542
• UP-65

Coordinates: 25°19′60″N 83°00′00″E / 25.3333, 83


The Indian city of Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banarasm Benaras, Kashi, or Kasi, is a contstant attraction for devout Hinus seeking the holy waters of the Ganges River. The Ganges River, considered holy in the Hindu religion, cuts through Varanasi, providing the city with a large abundance of river access points. The large quantity of river front property contributed to the early development of Varanasi as an important religious city. Possibly due to religious undertones, the city one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire country of India. [3]

Varanasi is commonl refered to as the the "city of temples and learning", a name which reflects the rich cultural heritage of the city. [4] As a cultural nexus in northern India, Varanasi has pioneered its own distict style of music, as well as educated many distinguished intellectuals. Currently, Varanasi hosts the Banaras Hindu University, an institution dedicated to continuing educational idealism in the region.

Geography

Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges and has many temples along its banks

The most distinct feature of Varanasi is the Ganges River, which draws pilgrims to its shores for its religious qualities. Geographically, the Ganges River defines the borders of Varanasi through its flood plain. Due to the annual floods that plague the area, Varanasi is necessarily located on the high ground above the dangers of the roaring rivers. On the opposite side of Varanasi from the Ganges lies the Varuna river, which also defines the shape of the city by a flood plain. Despite the fact that Varanasi is located on relatively high ground for the area, the mean elevation only reaches 80.71 m.[5]

Because Varanasi has been continuously inhabited for such a long period, a debate rages about the borders of the ancient city in corrolation to the modern metropolis. The search to define the original Varanasi is further complicated by conflicting reports in ancient documents, sme of which sharply diverge when measuring natural features. Many ancient documents also refer to Varanasi as being situated between the Ganges, Varuna, and Assi rivers. This topic is particularly contentious as modern scholars have failed to locate remains of a river Assi notable enough to be cited by ancient historians.

In modern times, the city of Varanasi serves as the district headquarters for the Varanasi district of India. According to the Indian political system, urban groupings called districts represnt the interests of their inhabitants and participate in minor legislative activites. The Varansai district, officially refered to as the Varanasi Urban Agglomeration due to the fact that it includes a variety of sub-units, covers approximately 43 square miles [6] and stretches between 82° 56’E - 83° 03’E and 25° 14’N - 25° 23.5’N.[6]

Climate

Varansi, like much of India, experiences long hot summers and cool winters. Officially classified as a subtropical climate, India experiences extreme variation in tempature and weather conditions between seasons. Winters in Varansi, and surrounding areas, are remarkably cool, with tempatures often reaching the low 40s and 50s on the Farenheit scale. [5] Summers, however, are much warmer in the holy city, with tempatures often reachign 90-115° Farenheit. [5] Summer warmth also brings along its own natural hazards, such as the chalenging monsoon season that precedes summer annually, and the harsh dry winds called Loo that sweep across the subcontinent during the summer. During the summer, water levels become increasingly important to the survival of the city. In recent years pollution and dam construction have combined to lower the water table of the river, a fact which is made more threatening by the low annual rainfall of only 1110 mm (44 in).[7].

People and culture

Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Varanasi attracts thousands of Hindu piligrims every year.

Religion

The idea of Varanasi as a religious site traces back to the earliest creation myths of the region. One myth, that gained popularity with the rise of Hinduism, states that the Varuna and Assi rivers flowed out the first person when the world was created. Guided by this story, Varanasi ( the area between the two rivers) came to be regarded as the holiest area of land. The vision of varanasi as a religious center was further enhanced by the Hindu idea that the city was the site where the Hindu god Shiva spent their time. Devout Hindus who complete pilgrimages to the region believe, that by bathing in the rivers, Shiva will aid in wiping clean any mental or emotional impurities. It is also believed in the Hindu faith that by dying in the city of Varansi, a soul can effectively bypass the reincarnation process. The idea behind this concept is that Varansi is so holy, that any soul who leaves a body in its borders is naturally pure enough to enter the afterlife without the purification process of rebirth. Essentially the city is thought to endow its inhabitants, whether dead or alive, with the highest form of spiritual purity. Over a million pilgrims voyage to Varanasi annually to take part in the cleansing associated with the city.

While Varanasi is predominately associated with Hinduism, strong ties to the Budhist and Jainist community also exist in the area. A large park, called Sarnath, which lies on the fringes of the city is thought to be the original site for the inception of Budhism. It is thought, by followers of the philosophy, that Sarnath is the site where Gautama Buddha gave his first lecture about the guiding tenets of Budhism. After delineating the goals of the philosophy, Gautama Buddha declared the park as a pilgrimage site. Following this announcement, Budhist pilgrims flock annually to the area, in hopes of fulfilling their religious duties to the greatest degree possible. Other pilgrimage sites announced with Varansi include: Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini. To commerate the original lecture of Gautama Budha, Budhists in the area preserve the Chaukhadi Stupa at the spot where he was believed to have stood during the original sermon. For Jainists, the historical significance of the region draws from the belief that it is the birthplace of Parshvanatha, an important figure in the religion. A lesser felt cultural influence in the area is Islam, that while visible, is not often considered a prominent religion in the area.

People performing Hindu ceremony at one of the ghats of Varanasi

.

Major Temples

As a religious center, Varanasi is dotted with a wide variety of temples and other places of worship. While there are many smaller temples that have importance to their congregation, many of the temples of Varanasi have gained significance on a worldwide scale for their alleged holy properties. Perhaps the most famous of all the temples of Varanasi, the Golden Temple ( Vishwanath temple) attracts large gatherings of devout Hindus. According to Hindu belief, the Golden Temple is the resting place of the Jyotirlinga of lord Shiva. The relic is thought to have healing properties and be able to elevate the spiritual level of all who see the remains.

The Golden Temple, made famous for religious reasons, also gains attention for its unique arcitecture and historical importance. The structure on the banks of the Ganga was an early focus of rivalry between HIndu and Muslim worshipers. According to historical sources, an early temple was destroyed in a religious struggle between the two religions, and a Muslim mosque was built over the remains of the Hindu temple. In response, a HIndu temple was built nearby its original location. The contention over the space continues to be a cause of tension between the religions. [8] In another possibly contentious move, the management of the temple was assumed by the Uttar Pradesh government in 1983. Due to the governments actions, all current and future decisions about the temple rest within the authority of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh [9]. Many hope that a centralized authority will ease tensions regarding the temple.

File:Monkey Temple Varanasi.jpg
Durga Temple or Monkey Temple

Another significant temple in Varanasi is the Durga Temple, also reffered to as the Monkey Temple. While the Golden Temple attracts Hindu and non Hindu toursts alike for its rich architecture and unique beauty, the Monkey Temple is not often included on touring itineraries for non-Hindus. In this temple, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum, and must eb content to enjoy the beauty of the outer courtyard only.

Visitors to the MOnkey Temple also immediately recognize root of its unique name: MOnkey Temple derives from the large number of monkeys that are visible in the decorations of the temple. MOnkey depictions are not the only unique feature of the temple, as the architecture of the temple is also distinct. Following the traditional Nagara style of architecture, the temple is distinguished by spires and a bright red color. According to Hindu ideaology, the color red is representative of the Hindu goddess Durga. Visitors who wish to view a representation of Durga need look no farther thatn the large central statue of the goddess. Acording to legend, the central Durga statue of the temple was not made by human hands, but appeared due to celestial intervention.

Ghats

The tern ghat has significant as both a noun representing a place for spiritual cleansing, and a verb describing the actual cleansing process. Due to the relgious signigicance of the Gnages River and Varanasi itself, the area is marked by a large proliferation of ghats for spiritual reasons. Over 100 cleansing gnats exist in Varansi on the river's edge, and pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges expect that spiritual rebirth will occur as a result. Some of the ghats on teh Ganges, however, serve as cremation sites for devout Hindus, who believe that souls can better reach the afterlife near the Ganges. The trend for cremation on teh Ganges can be traced back to early Hindu histories, where it is said that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses. Other traditions state that the Hindu Goddess Parvati hid one of her earrings on the banks of the Ganges, and the Hindu lord Shiva spent eternity looking for the lost adornment. Myths like this reenforce the idea that the Hindu gods are present on the banks of the Ganges and are able to intervene on behalf of pilgrims.

Ghats have always been a significant part of life in Varanasi, serving to dictate religious life as well as secular life. In regards to secular life, housing prices in the city are dictated by their distance from the ghats. Due to the smoke from cremation and large amount of pilgrims at buzy ghats, housing near the ghats is seen as less desireable. Middle to Upper class housing is places much farther away from the busy river's edge.

Art

A holy city, Varanasi does not take a backseat when it comes to fine arts and literature. Great Indian writers have lived in this city from Kabir, Ravi Das, and Tulsidas to Bharatendu Harishchandra, Jayshankar Prasad, Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla, Munshi Prem Chand, Jagannath Prasad Ratnakar, Devaki Nandan Khatri, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Tegh Ali, Kshetresa Chandra Chattopadhyaya, Vagish Shastri, Baldev Upadhyaya, Vidya Niwas Mishra, Kashi Nath Singh, Namvar Singh, Rudra Kashikeya, Nirgun among many other notables.

File:Wall paintings, Varanasi, 1974.JPG
Wall paintings, Varanasi, 1973

Art lovers and historians like Rai Krishnadas, his son Prof. Anand Krishna, musicians like Pt. Omkarnath Thakur,P t. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Siddheshwari Devi, Dr. Lalmani Misra and his son Dr. Gopal Shankar Misra, Dr. N. Rajam, Dr.Rajbhan Singh, Pt. Anokhelal, Pt. Samta Prasad, Kanthe Maharaj, Pt. M. V. Kalvint, Sitara Devi, Gopi Krishna, Pt. Kishan Maharaj, Rajan and Sajan, Mahadev Mishra, Girija Devi and numerous others have kept the city alive to the spiritual aspect of fine arts apart from their ability to entertain. Numerous festivals are celebrated that preserve traditional styles of classical and folk culture. All night, open music concerts like ones organised at Sankat Mochan Temple, Hori, Kajri and Chaiti Mela, Budwa Mangal, are annual features that draw connoisseurs from all over.

Economy

Varanasi has several small cottage industries, including Silk sari making, the production of textiles such as hand-woven carpets, and handicrafts. The Banarasi Pan (betel leaves) and Banarasi Khoa (a milk product, somewhat similar to cheese) are popular, and the related small-scale industries employ many people. Indian Railways runs a major diesel locomotive factory in Varanasi, Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW). According to Macaulay, Varanasi was the "city which, in wealth, population, dignity and sanctity was among the foremost in Asia". He described the commercial importance saying "from the looms of Benaras went forth the most delicate silks that adorned the halls of St. James and of Vesailles."[10][11]


Transport

A typical rickshaw

Auto Rickshaw and Rickshaw are the most widely available public transport within Varanasi. In outer regions of the city, mini-buses are common. Small boats and small steamers are used to cross the river Ganga.

Varanasi is well connected by air, rail and buses with all the important places of India. Its distance from Delhi is 776 km. The Babatpur airport is about 25 km from the city center and it is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Nepal. All the famous Airlines like Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Indian, Spicejet, and Alliance Air operate from here.

One of the major factors for sustainment of Varanasi for such a long time as an inhabited city, is its effective transport between different cities. From ancient times the city was connected to cities like Taxila, Gazipur, Pataliputra, Vaishali, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Agra etc.

The city was connected through a single road from Taxila going through Pataliputra during Mauryan empire. This road was later renovated and extended by Sher Shah Suri during 16th century, which was later to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road.


Tourism

Probably due to its unique culture, Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. A number of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels are present in the city. All sort of cuisines are available mostly as street food due to rich and hospitable culture of Varanasi.

Varanasi is a noted centre for silk weaving and brassware. Fine silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brassware, jewellery, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades and masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities are some of Varanasi's shopping attractions. The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar. www.discovervaranasi.org[10]b


Notes

  1. ↑ Ranking of Districts by Population Size in 1991 and 2001. Government of Uttar Pradesh. Retrieved 2007-02-04.
  2. ↑ Ranking of Districts by Population Density. Government of Uttar Pradesh. Retrieved 2007-02-04.
  3. ↑ Lannoy, Richard (October 1999). Benares Seen from Within. University of Washington Press, Back Flap. ISBN 029597835X. OCLC 42919796. 
  4. ↑ Varanasi : The eternal city. Banaras Hindu University. Retrieved 2007-02-04.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Varanasi. India-cities. Atrip4india.com. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Singh, Rana P.B.. Varanasi as Heritage City (India) on the scale the UNESCO World Heritage List: From Contestation to Conservation (PDF). EASAS papers. Swedish South Asian Studies Network. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  7. ↑ Varanasi tourism. DelhiTourism.com. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  8. ↑ "Countrywide alert on Masjid demolition anniversary", The Tribune, 1998-12-06. Retrieved 2007-02-05]].
  9. ↑ Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi. National Informatics Centre, Government of India. Retrieved 2007-02-04.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named leaflet2
  11. ↑ Varanasi. Tourism of India pp. 2. HinduNet Inc. (2003). Retrieved 2007-03-07.

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