Varanasi is often called the oldest living city in the world, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. While cities like Athens and Jerusalem are ancient, Varanasi has been continuously inhabited and spiritually active throughout its existence.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Timeline
- Why It Survived
- The Spiritual Continuity
Historical Timeline
Kashi finds mention in the Rigveda (1500 BCE). The Buddha gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath in 528 BCE. Mark Twain wrote that Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition.
Why It Survived
Unlike other ancient cities that were destroyed and rebuilt, Varanasi maintained continuous spiritual importance. Its association with death and moksha made it inviolable even to conquerors.
The Spiritual Continuity
The same aartis, the same mantras, and the same rituals have been performed here for millennia. The eternal flame at Manikarnika symbolises this unbroken spiritual continuity.
Quick Tips
Varanasi is 5,000+ years old, continuously inhabited. Mentioned in Rigveda. Survived because of its sacred association with moksha. The spiritual traditions remain unbroken.
Frequently Asked Questions
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