Kashi, Benaras, or Varanasi are names identifying one of the most ancient, historical and spiritual living cities of the world. The luminous city, Kashi, is regarded as being lifted up by the trident (Trishul) of Lord Shiva and never conquered, ruined or vanquished.

Abode of Lord Shiva, Kashi, is adorned by the Divine Ganga, which flows from South to North in a crescent form. Life and culture in this city have developed all along the banks of Ganga and its most picturesque Ghats. Its legacy and traditions continue to pulsate with vibrancy. According to some scholars, Kashi is the focal point of the entire Cosmos, where all creations diverge and converge. The city energises every molecule, every being with its glowing radiance.  This sacred city is the only place on Earth, which promises all the four purusharthas including ‘Moksha’. Death in Kashi is said to assure one’s mukti or salvation or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself whispers ‘Tarakmantra’ in the ears of a dying person to give mukti.  

                                                                                                                     Daily Evening Aarti

Since time immemorial, Kashi, the world centre of spiritualism and wisdom, has been a sacred place for saints, sages, sadhus, ascetics, philosophers and the great religious protagonists. The Vedic Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism flourished and grew here. Gautam Buddha, who visited this place and delivered his eternal message to his bhikshus(monk), stated that, “Hey Bhikshus(Monk), think for good of the people, for the happiness of the people, of compassion for the common fold, for the well-being and happiness of gods and human beings. Teach the Dharma of welfare in the end, think noble thoughts and speak noble words in your teachings.” Adi Shankaracharya (a saint) is said to have received enlightenment in Kashi after meeting with Vishwanath (Lord Shiva) in the form of a ‘Chandala’ at Ganga Ghat. Goswami Tulsidas, a great devotee of Lord Rama, stayed in Kashi and authored Ramcharitmanas from ‘Kishkinda Khand’ to ‘Uttar Khand’, at Assi Ghat. Shaiva Sampradayas, Vaishnava Sampradayas and Nath Panthis have also grown and strengthened themselves in this city. This city has been either birthplace, or work place, of many a great people, who lived and sacrificed for the well-being of all. 

The holy land of Parshwanath (23^rd Tirthankar), Ramanand, Kabir and Raidas, Kashi’s scholastic traditions are very rich. Eminent scholars of Kashi had immensely contributed in the areas of Vedas, Puranas, philosophy, yoga, aurveda, sanskrit, culture, astrology, astronomy, tantra, fine arts, architecture, education, literature and so on. The luminaries like Bhartendu Harishchandra, Jai Shankar Prasad, Munshi Premchand, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and J. Krishnamurti have enriched this city with their invaluable contribution. Natraja’s (Lord Shiva) city is considered as the birth place of Nata (dance) and Natya (drama) and Music(Vocal as well as Instrumental). No doubt there are innumerable shades and colours of Kashi and its deepest philosophy, and it is almost impossible to throw light on each and every aspect of this unique city. 

Kashi - that defies Mahapralaya (deluge) has to bear the brunt of modern civilization. Today the city is facing the problems of growing urbanization, rising population, environment pollution, deteriorating socio-ethical and moral values. The situation demands a careful analysis of the problems with effective solution. Ganga Seva Nidhi is committed to create social awareness of the environmental degradation and pollution with special emphasis on Ganga, Ghats and Kashi.