Aayu Publications

Situated on the left bank of the Ganges, in UP, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has withstood countless attempts to destroy over the centuries. The city survived thanks to its unshakeable faith in various Gods and Goddesses. It is a wonder that despite the repeated onslaught on Varanasi's Hindus and their places of worship, the temples were rebuilt and retained the essence of bhakti and beliefs. Varanasi has no parallel in history. It is home to 1,722,259 people and about 70,000 people bathe in Ganges every day. For Hindus, it is the most sacred place on earth. For Buddhists, it is the divine spot where Buddha preached his first sermon. For Jains, it is the birthplace of their two patriarchs. Shankaracharya, the great Hindu saint, wrote hymns on Devi while he stayed in Varanasi. The city is considered the best pathway to Heaven as per Hindu theology and it is considered good karma to get cremated here. Varanasi vibrates with positive energy from all sides. It is a seat of wisdom and learning. It is a city of Vedic scholars and is home to Asia's largest University. The author spent a lot of time in Varanasi exploring the various religious and cultural practices, many of which are thousands of years old. He describes the rites and festivals in temples, at length as well. He also explores the lifestyle of the city's inhabitants. Written in simple language, the book depicts the religious and cultural aspects of Varanasi. It is a book which invokes divine inspiration page after page, about the city which never sleeps.