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Varanasi is one of the most sacred and ancient cities in the world. Known today as Varanasi, it is a spiritual capital of India and a major center of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indian philosophy. Millions of pilgrims visit the city every year to bathe in the holy river Ganga, perform religious rituals, and seek spiritual liberation.
But have you ever wondered what is the old name of Varanasi?
The answer takes us deep into Indian history, mythology, Sanskrit literature, and religious traditions that are thousands of years old.
This blog explores the old names of Varanasi, their meanings, historical evolution, and why this city holds a timeless place in Indian civilization.
Introduction to Varanasi
Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganga in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans over 3,000 to 5,000 years.
The city is famous for:
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Ghats along the Ganga
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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Spiritual learning and Sanskrit scholarship
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Funeral rites believed to grant moksha (liberation)
Throughout history, Varanasi has been known by several names, each reflecting its spiritual, cultural, and geographical identity.
The Oldest and Most Famous Old Name of Varanasi: Kashi
The oldest and most widely known name of Varanasi is “Kashi.”
Meaning of Kashi
The word Kashi comes from the Sanskrit root “kaś”, which means:
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to shine
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to illuminate
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to give light
Hence, Kashi means “The City of Light.”
It is believed that Kashi is a place where spiritual knowledge enlightens the soul, removing darkness and ignorance.
Kashi in Ancient Scriptures
The name Kashi is mentioned extensively in:
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Rigveda
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Atharvaveda
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Upanishads
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Puranas
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Mahabharata
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Ramayana
According to Hindu belief:
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Kashi was founded by Lord Shiva
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It is Shiva’s eternal city (Avimukta Kshetra)
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It exists beyond time and destruction
Even when the universe ends, it is believed that Kashi survives.
Why Kashi Is Called the City of Moksha
In Hindu tradition, dying in Kashi is believed to grant moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and death).
It is said that:
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Lord Shiva whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the dying
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The soul is liberated instantly
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Hence, Kashi is also known as the Gateway to Liberation
This belief has existed for thousands of years and is still deeply followed today.
Another Old Name of Varanasi: Banaras (Benares)
After Kashi, the most commonly known old name of Varanasi is Banaras (also spelled Benares).
Origin of the Name Banaras
The name Banaras is believed to have evolved from:
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Varanasi → Baranasi → Banaras
Some historians suggest it is derived from:
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Varuna River (north)
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Assi River (south)
The land between these two rivers was called Varanasi, which later became Banaras in common usage.
Banaras During Medieval and British Period
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During the Mughal era, the city was widely called Banaras
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The British anglicized it to Benares
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Many colonial records, maps, and documents use “Benares”
Even today, Banaras is commonly used in:
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Daily conversation
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Literature
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Music (Banarasi sarees, Banarasi paan)
Other Ancient Names of Varanasi
Apart from Kashi and Banaras, Varanasi has been known by several other names throughout history.
1. Avimukta
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Meaning: Never abandoned
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Belief: Lord Shiva never leaves this city
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Mentioned in Hindu scriptures
2. Anandavana
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Meaning: Forest of Bliss
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Reflects the spiritual joy experienced in the city
3. Rudravasa
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Meaning: Abode of Rudra (Lord Shiva)
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Emphasizes its Shaivite importance
4. Mahashmashana
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Meaning: The Great Cremation Ground
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Refers to Manikarnika Ghat
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Symbolizes the eternal truth of life and death
Old Name of Varanasi in Buddhism
Varanasi holds great importance in Buddhism as well.
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Near Varanasi lies Sarnath
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Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here
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In Buddhist texts, the city is often referred to as Kasi
The Kasi Kingdom was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India.
Old Name of Varanasi in Jainism
In Jain tradition:
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Varanasi is associated with four Jain Tirthankaras
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The city was known as Kashi during ancient Jain periods
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It served as a center of learning and spiritual discourse
Why Was the Name Changed to Varanasi?
The official name Varanasi comes from:
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Varuna River in the north
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Assi River in the south
The city lies between these two rivers, hence:
Varuna + Assi = Varanasi
When Did Varanasi Become the Official Name?
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After Indian independence
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Government records and administration adopted “Varanasi”
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However, Kashi and Banaras remain culturally alive
Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi: What’s the Difference?
| Name | Period | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Kashi | Ancient | Spiritual, religious, scriptural |
| Banaras | Medieval & Colonial | Cultural and popular usage |
| Varanasi | Modern | Official and administrative |
All three names represent different layers of the same eternal city.
Cultural Importance of the Old Name Kashi
Even today:
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The district is officially called Kashi region in many contexts
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple remains the heart of the city
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Sanskrit scholars prefer the name Kashi
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Religious texts still refer to the city as Kashi
The name Kashi carries spiritual authority that no modern name can replace.
References to Kashi in Indian Literature
Kashi is mentioned in:
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Kalidasa’s works
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Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas
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Kabir’s poems
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Adi Shankaracharya’s writings
Saints, poets, and philosophers across centuries have praised Kashi as the ultimate spiritual destination.
Why the Old Name of Varanasi Still Matters
The old name Kashi is not just historical it is symbolic.
It represents:
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Eternal wisdom
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Spiritual liberation
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Continuity of Indian civilization
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Faith beyond time
While cities rise and fall, Kashi remains unchanged in spirit.
Conclusion
So, what is the old name of Varanasi?
The most ancient and revered old name of Varanasi is Kashi, meaning The City of Light. Over time, the city also came to be known as Banaras and later officially as Varanasi.
Each name reflects a different era:
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Kashi – spiritual and eternal
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Banaras – cultural and historical
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Varanasi – geographical and administrative
Together, these names tell the story of a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations but has never lost its soul.
Varanasi is not just a city it is time itself, flowing endlessly like the Ganga.
