The Various Names of Kashi

Kashi:

This is the most ancient of all of the names. The etymology of the root probably comes from the Sanskrit root Kashi which means to shine or look brilliant and beautiful. It is called the city of light because this is the place par excellence where Shiva’s light shines. Other possible etymologies is that it comes from Kasha the name of a legendary king or that it comes from Kasha the name of a silver flowering grass that grows on the banks of the Ganges.

 

 

 

 

Varanasi:

 

This is also a very ancient name which can be found in both the Mahabharata and the Buddhist Jataka stories. It refers to the boundaries of the city. Historically, (the Asi river is now pretty much dry) the city was bounded by two rivers the Varana and the Asi. The space between these two boundaries (although the modern city far surpasses these boundaries) is a considered the abode of Shiva.

 

 

 

 

 

Avimukta:

 

This name for the city refers to the popular conception that Shiva never forsakes this city. Avi (not) mukta (left, loosened, or liberated). "Because I never forsake it, nor do I let it go, this place is therefore known as Avimukta." Vamana Pur@<a II.26-29.

 

 

 

 

Anandavana:

This city is also called the forest (vana) of bliss(Anada) In the Puranic literature which comprises the majority of the textual descriptions of this city, this is one of the favorite epithets of the poets. It refers to the city in its idyllic mythic beginnings—this city is filled with ponds, streams, and every type of tree, flower, sage and gods that the medieval Indian poetic imagination could conceive. It is a far cry from the modern city of drug addicts, lepers, cow-shit filled, botanically barren urban landscape

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Rudravasa:

This epithet refers to the city of Shiva under his ancient name: Rudra. It is not only that this city is ruled by Shiva or protected by him, the dirt, the stones, and everything in the city is Shiva. Yes, he dwells everywhere and in everyone, but he is particularly intense her.

 

 

 

Mahashmashana:

This city is also called the great (maha) cremation grounds (shmashana). kashi is not only the place where cremation equals instant and unabated liberation, it is also the place where the entire universe is said to be destroyed when the universe finally encloses itself (pralaya).

 

 

 

 

Banares:

An English degeneration of Varanasi.