History of Varanasi – The influence of mythology and the Aryans
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. The city has played a significant role in the cultural and religious history of India and is considered to be one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus. The city has also been an important center of learning, attracting scholars and thinkers from all over India and beyond. In this article, we will explore the history of Varanasi, with a focus on the influence of mythology and the Aryans.
The Mythological Origins of Varanasi
According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon. The story goes that Lord Shiva was wandering in the forest when he came across a group of sages who were performing a yagna (a ritual sacrifice) to please the gods. Lord Shiva, being pleased with their devotion, appeared before them and asked them to make a wish. The sages requested that Lord Shiva make Varanasi his abode, and he granted their wish.
Another mythological story associated with Varanasi is the legend of King Divodasa. According to this story, King Divodasa was suffering from a skin disease, and he was told that the only cure for his ailment was to take a dip in the holy river Ganga. He traveled to Varanasi and took a dip in the river, which cured him of his disease. The king was so grateful that he built a city on the banks of the Ganga and named it after himself – Divodasapuri.
The Influence of the Aryans
The Aryans were a group of people who migrated to the Indian subcontinent from the northwest around 1500 BCE. They brought with them a new language, Sanskrit, and a new religion, Hinduism. The Aryans were a pastoral people, and they settled in the fertile river valleys of northern India, including the Ganga valley, where Varanasi is located.
The Aryans had a profound influence on the culture and religion of India, and this influence can be seen in the history of Varanasi. One of the most significant contributions of the Aryans was the development of the Vedic religion, which became the foundation of Hinduism. The Vedas are a collection of hymns and prayers that were recited by the Aryans during their religious ceremonies. Many of these hymns were dedicated to the gods, and they provided a framework for the worship of these gods that continues to this day.
The Aryans also brought with them the practice of yagna, or ritual sacrifice. Yagna was an important part of Aryan religious practice, and it involved the offering of animals, grain, and other goods to the gods. Yagna was believed to be a way of pleasing the gods and ensuring their blessings, and it became an important part of the religious culture of Varanasi. Even today, yagna is performed in Varanasi, and it is considered to be one of the most sacred cities for this practice.
The Rise of Buddhism in Varanasi
In the 6th century BCE, Varanasi was an important center of the emerging Buddhist religion. The city was home to many of the early Buddhist monasteries, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism throughout India and beyond. The Buddha himself visited Varanasi several times during his lifetime, and it was in the nearby town of Sarnath that he gave his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
The Buddhist period was a time of great prosperity for Varanasi. The city was a center of trade and commerce, and it attracted merchants and traders from all over India and beyond.
The Decline of Buddhism and the Rise of Hinduism in Varanasi
Despite the early success of Buddhism in Varanasi, the religion began to decline in the city in the centuries that followed. This was due in part to the rise of Hinduism, which began to take hold in the region in the 2nd century BCE. Hinduism absorbed many elements of Buddhism, including its emphasis on karma and reincarnation, and it became the dominant religion in Varanasi.
The period of Gupta rule, which lasted from the 4th to the 6th century CE, was a time of great prosperity for Varanasi. The Guptas were great patrons of the arts and sciences, and they helped to establish the city as an important center of learning. The period also saw the construction of many important temples and shrines in the city, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which remains one of the most important Hindu temples in India to this day.
The Medieval Period and the Muslim Invasions
In the medieval period, Varanasi continued to be an important center of Hinduism. However, the city also began to come under attack from Muslim invaders, who sought to conquer and convert the region. The first major Muslim invasion of Varanasi took place in the 11th century CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni led an invasion of the region.
Over the next few centuries, Varanasi was repeatedly invaded by Muslim rulers, including Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Alauddin Khilji. These invasions led to the destruction of many Hindu temples and the conversion of many Hindus to Islam. Despite these challenges, Varanasi continued to thrive as a center of learning and culture, and it remained an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The Colonial Period and the Freedom Struggle
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the arrival of European powers in India, including the British. The British established control over much of the country, and they began to modernize and industrialize India. Varanasi was no exception, and the city began to benefit from the new infrastructure and opportunities that the British brought with them.
However, the British rule also brought many challenges for Varanasi. The city was deeply affected by the Indian independence movement, which sought to end British rule in India. Many of the city’s leaders and intellectuals were involved in the movement, and Varanasi became an important center of the struggle for freedom.
Modern Varanasi
Today, Varanasi is a thriving city with a rich cultural and religious heritage. The city is home to many important temples and shrines, and it remains a major center of learning and scholarship. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy Ganga and seek the blessings of the gods.
In recent years, Varanasi has also become an important destination for tourists from all over the world. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of India.
Final remarks
The history of Varanasi is a rich and fascinating story that spans thousands of years. From its mythological origins to its status as one of the most important centers of learning and culture in India, Varanasi has played a crucial role in the history of India and the world. The city’s enduring legacy as a center of religion, culture, and learning is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.