So much has been spoken of and heart about the holy city of Varanasi. We all know it as the religious capital of India, a city of ghats and temples. But there are many other interesting facts about the city not known to the common man. Let us take a look at these.

Varanasi is known as the place where Lord Shiva once lived with his wife, hence its religious importance is huge. The city, which nestles on the banks of the very sacred river Ganga, is also said to be not just India’s but the world’s oldest living city. The Hindus firmly believe that the city’s religious importance is so huge that anyone who passes away here is for sure entitled to salvation. The best hotels in Varanasi are therefore flocked by devotees all through the year.

All of us know that the city has many temples for the Shivites. But not everyone knows that there are an equal number of Vaishnavi temples too here. Both these Hindu communities have been sharing the Varanasi land since ages, and in complete harmony. Also, the city remains an important place for the Jains, this is because of one their leaders was born here.

Varanasi is not just limited to its spiritual importance. There is much more than the temples and ghats, and this is the learning and culture prevalent here. Asia’s largest university, the Banaras Hindu University is also located here. It is deemed as a very renowned university where only the brightest minds of the country find a seat.

Ayurveda and yoga also forms an important part of the city’s importance, both of which are said to have originated here.

Besides being very well known for its cultural and religious importance, the place is also a very important centre of commerce and trade since time immemorial. It deals in items such as gold and silver brocades, and the very beautiful Banarasi sari which is exported from here worldwide. The sari is the most widely sold commodity here with various shops selling a variety of these.

Another less known but interesting fact about the city is that many musical and literary geniuses belong to this city. Tulsi Das, Prem Chand, and Ustad Bismillah Khan are among a few of these names.

A number of Bollywood movies have also been shot here, given the city’s beautiful and quite natural location. Among the recent ones is the movie Raanjhana, which is completely shot in the city. The city is also featured on various travel shows.

Another interesting fact about the city is one of the customs that is practiced here. The marriage between a male and female frog takes place at the ghats with the priest performing the marriage rituals. The wedding takes place in the monsoon and once the rituals are over, the frogs are let to disappear into the ghat.

So, you see, the city is not just temples and ghats. Resorts in Varanasi are also giving the ancient city a modern touch.