Significance of Varanasi
Synonyms: Benares, Banaras, Kashi
In Dutch: Varanasi; In German: Varanasi; In Finnish: Varanasi; In Swedish: Varanasi; In Malay: Varanasi; In French: Varanasi; In Portugese: Varanasi; In Italian: Varanasi; In Spanish: Benarés; In Polish: Waranasi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Varanasi'
In Buddhism, Varanasi signifies a pivotal location. It's where the Buddha originated, delivered his first sermon, and frequently resided. This city served as a setting for key narratives, and its mention in the Karandyavyuha underscores its significance in Buddhist teachings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The destination where the Buddha traveled from Gaya during the week following his enlightenment, as provided in the text.[1] (2) Another city where the Buddha stayed, though less frequently than Rajagriha and Shravasti.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The city where Mahadhana originated, serving as the setting for the narrative within the verse.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) This city is where the Buddha stayed for as long as he wished after crossing the Ganga, indicating the places the Buddha and his disciples visited and the duration of their stays.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Varanasi'
In Hinduism, Varanasi is a profoundly sacred city, synonymous with Kashi, and revered for its spiritual depth. It's a place for pilgrimage, where sins are absolved, and deities are present. It is also associated with rituals of salvation and the publishing of numerous sacred texts.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Varanasi is the location of Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, which publishes the Samhita and related works.[5] (2) 'Varanasi' is the location of Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, signifying its presence as a center for the publication and study of Sanskrit texts related to Ayurveda and traditional knowledge.[6] (3) Varanasi is identified as the location where the Reprint Edition of the Charaka Samhita was published by Chaukhambha Orientalia, indicating its role in preserving ancient texts.[7] (4) This is a location of Chaukhamba Surabharati Prakashan that published Charak Samhita of Agnivesha and Sushrut Samhita of Sushrut.[8] (5) Varanasi is identified as the location of several publishing houses and institutions related to the publications mentioned in the provided text.[9]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) It is the location of the Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, which published the Charaka Samhita.[10] (2) This is a city where Chaukhambha Surabharati Publications is located, as indicated in the provided text.[11] (3) This is a location associated with Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series Office, publisher of Sharngadhara-Samhita.[12] (4) Varanasi is the city where Chaowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office is located, which publishes texts.[13] (5) It is the location where multiple Ayurvedic texts are published by Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana.[14]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This is a location associated with the publishing of several texts, including the Charaka Samhita, and the Bhavaprakash nighantu, with the Chaukhambha Bharati Academy and Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan both having published works there, according to the provided material.[15] (2) This is the location of the publishers of several texts, including Charaka Samhitha and Sharngadharasamhitha, and is mentioned in the provided text.[16]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) The location where the Buddha was present when the discussion about the use of putrid medicine took place.[17]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A city giving salvation, where god Vishveshvara, the lord of the world and the preceptor, dwells.[18] (2) The place the wise one set out to go to in order to perform the obsequies for his father.[19]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) One of the major holy cities in Hinduism, often mentioned in comparison to other sacred sites.[20]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Varanasi is a city that remained without a king for many years after being burnt by Krishna, and was incapable of being defeated.[21]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The city that was burned by the influence of the Sudarshana cakra after the fire from the abhicara ritual returned.[22] (2) A city regarded as a significant place of spirituality, considered inferior to Shri Bhuvaneshvara.[23] (3) The city where Gaura-Narayana instructed Tapana Mishra to meet him again for further discussions.[24] (4) A city where Shri Gaurasundara hid in Ramacandra Puri’s ashrama for two months.[25] (5) An ancient city inhabited by highly learned scholars, located on the banks of the Ganges.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Flows by Varanasi (kaci, civa-puri, and varanasi) - a significant city where the water flows, known for its spiritual importance.[27] (2) An ancient city, highly regarded as a vital place for spiritual rituals and pilgrimages.[28] (3) A revered city where pious actions during a lunar eclipse offer particular religious merit.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Varanasi is described as the dwelling-place of Shiva, inhabited by holy beings, resembling Mount Kailasa, where King Pratapamukuta and his son Vajramukuta lived.[30] (2) A location where Shrikantha lived and where his son, Nilakantha, returned after learning knowledge, only to find all his relations dead.[31] (3) A city where the subject fasted for three days and performed a worship of Shiva.[32] (4) A city famous for its spiritual significance and grandeur, where King Brahmadatta lives, adorned with the Ganges.[33] (5) A city mentioned in the text, known as the abode of Shiva where the story takes place.[34]
Jain concept of 'Varanasi'
In Jainism, Varanasi is a pivotal city. It's associated with the future residence of Padma, the presence of Arhats like Suparshva, and significant events involving figures like Datta, Bhutadatta, King Shankha, and Parshva, all within the context of Bharatakshetra.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A city that distinguishes the Arya-country known as Kashis.[35] (2) The location where Padma will reside, with his lifespan and height specified, as the text describes.[36] (3) The city where Datta, the son of Shesavati and Agnisimha lives, known for his height and lifespan.[37] (4) A significant city where some Arhats, including Suparshva, will reside.[38] (5) The city where Bhutadatta, the Matanga-chief, lived and where significant events of the story took place.[39]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A significant city referenced in the context, which is subject to transformation by the monk's perception and abilities.[40]
The concept of Varanasi in local and regional sources
Varanasi is a multifaceted location in the text. It's the residence of Pramadadas Mitra, the destination of the author's travels, and a significant spiritual site for Hindus. It's also associated with illness, artistic exploration, and acts of giving. The city's role shifts from a personal destination to a place of cultural and religious importance.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Varanasi is the city where Pramadadas Mitra, the recipient of the letters, resided, described as an orthodox Hindu known for his learning.[41] (2) Varanasi is identified as the ideal place for establishing Maths or centers, as opposed to Calcutta, according to Vivekananda's plans and preferences.[42] (3) This location is mentioned as the place where Pramadadas Mitra resides, to whom the letters were written.[43] (4) This is the place of origin of Pramadadas Mitra, an orthodox Hindu, to whom the Bengali letters were addressed.[44] (5) Varanasi is the city where Pramadadas Mitra resides, and to whom the speaker directed correspondence.[45]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Probably one of the oldest existing cities in the world, known for its cultural and spiritual significance, particularly as a pilgrimage site along the Ganges River.[46] (2) A holy city in Hinduism that Bhairava visits desiring liberation; it symbolizes spiritual purification and redemption.[47]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The city where Vijay anandin, the commentator, wrote a Ziğ known by [the name] Karanatilaka, namely Ġurra al-tawabiʿ.[48] (2) This is a city, and is mentioned in the provided text, and used as a source for information.[49]
The concept of Varanasi in scientific sources
Varanasi is a historically and culturally rich Indian city, central to publishing and education. It's home to the Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan and a hub for Sanskrit literature. Several publishers, including Chaukhamba, are located there.
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) This is a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, where the Department of Anatomy is located.[50]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is a city where water use patterns, sewage pollution, and waterborne diseases along the Ganges River are studied.[51] (2) A complex and dynamic urban environment in Uttar Pradesh, India, that exemplifies the challenges and opportunities for smart interventions.[52]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) This is a city in India, where studies were pursued in Vedic culture and supreme knowledge, leading to surprises and dismay.[53]