How Varanasi City Got Its Name: The Fascinating History Behind It

India.com

22-05-2025

Varanasi, often referred to as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. This name is said to come from the ancient word Baran which meant to 'describe,' while the city itself was once described as beautiful and modern. Varanasi is famed for its deep rooted history and its jaw dropping temples, palaces and Bathing Ghats. Located at the banks of the holy river Ganga in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, Varanasi is a city loaded with heritage. Wondering how Varanasi got its name?
Let us now tell you everything that you need to know about the story behind the name 'Varanasi.' The name is broken into two parts: Varan and Nasi. Varan translates to 'the two rivers' which together with Nasi, which translates to 'obliteration', refers to 'the place where the two rivers obliterate.'
Amazingly fascinating to say the least, is the 'Naga Parshuram' legend which states that there were people living at the Varanasi site well before recorded history, flourishing as a highly developed civilization. Just like in the lore, there were crusades launched by Parshurama against civilizations deemed evil – as well as the cities ruled by the other devilish deities such as Shiva.
The most holy of pilgrimages is believed to be the one where the followers dip themselves into the river and would renounce things that bound them in life. The story goes that the city was built by Shiva which makes it of great sacred importance to not only Hindus but also Buddhists. And because the followers of Shaivism worshipped him as Bhole Narayan, he was also called Bhole Bhandari.
Some Puranic myths say that after defeating a demon, goddess Durga threw her sword into the earth which created a rivulet that eventually turned into the Assi River. Similarly, Varuna, a god in vedic religion also Water body that was associated with him was referred to as Varuna River and does find a mention in the Rigveda. Both these rivers help in forming the name for the city of Varanasi and also represent the spirituality of the city.
Cultural Varanasi
In the past, Varanasi had several names throughout history. It was known as 'Kashi' which came from the Sanskrit word Kaas, meaning 'to shine' and in ancient texts like Rig Veda and Mahabharata, Kashi was known as a center of culture, learning and having the spirituality of a hub. This also explains the ancient city's reputation as a center of enlightenment and knowledge.
During the height of trade and cultural mixing, Varanasi also formed the name 'Banaras' which is thought to be derived from 'Varanasi' during the medieval period. Having a colloquial name made its use more common especially among traders and scholars from different regions, helping spread the name far and wide.
The city has seen the rule of multiple associations over the years: the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, to name a few. Each dynasty left its legacy in Varanasi in one form or the other, therefore molding its culture and name. However, with all these changes, the spiritual meaning behind the name 'Varanasi' still persisted because it is closely related to its rivers and mythology.
Significant Symbolism in 'Varanasi'
Like any name, Varanasi also comes with an identity and therefore is not simply a word used to locate a place on a map. The rivers Varuna and Assi signify the two sides of life: pleasure and pain, and cleanliness and filth. While the Ganges that passes through Banaras signifies hope and death, merging with other forms of life through symbolism, which is consistent with the rivers that accompany it.
Together, these rivers formulate a spiritual core that gives life to Varanasi. Artists, holy men and thinkers have fueled themselves through these metaphors. Kabir, Tulsidas, Ravidas are only a few names of the many who saw the magic of Varanasi and became inspired.
Chaotic But Traditional
These other names such as 'Banaras', 'Kashi,' are still commonly used today but 'Varanasi' has taken over as the standard accepted term. Other than the fact that it indicates a place, it certainly holds so much more with cultural and traditional significance.
Varanasi is still a hotspot for millions of tourists and students every year thanks to the culture and spirituality in the region. Students flock to its ancient centers of learning, and travelers seek to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture. Through all these interactions, the name 'Varanasi' can be viewed as a timeless symbol of spirituality and life's interconnectedness.
The name Varanasi is extremely important to different cultures around the world and has many names. Here are some facts that help shed light on its importance:
Ancient Texts – There are mentions of Varanasi in the Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Ramayana which helps exhibit how ancient it is.
Colonial Influence – Banaras is a name that became common during the British Era which goes on to show the extent to which Varanasi is known around the globe.
Further Persian influence helps shed more light on the importance of this area. These synonyms help us understand the Persian view of mythological places which helps display our culture on a global level.
Conclusion
'Varna' like many other locations of India is infused with myth, history, and geography making it one of the most sacred places in the world. It portrays the relationship between man, nature, and divinity. If 'Vera' helps shed understanding on the relevance of this mythological location, it is used as an analogy to Varanasi's spirituality on a more civilized level.
The name of the city is enough to represent what it stands for; a source of immense light and wisdom. Whether it is Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras, the city's legacy shines as bright as the name suggests.