Why Varanasi is called Kashi: A Brief History

While Varanasi and Banaras are the names of the city, Kashi is the name of its soul.

• The Ancient Name
  Kashi is the oldest and most sacred name for the city. It comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “Kāś,” which means “to shine.”
• The City of Light
  This is why Kashi is known as the “City of Light.” But this isn’t just about sunlight; it’s about a spiritual light. It is believed to be the city of Lord Shiva, and it is considered a place of incredible divine knowledge and enlightenment.
• The Spiritual Name
  So, while Varanasi is the official name and Banaras is the popular one, Kashi is the city’s spiritual name. It’s the name that describes the very essence of the place—a beacon of light and wisdom that has been shining for thousands of years.