What is Kashi?
Kashi is the ancient and sacred name of Varanasi (also called Banaras), a city on the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. In Hindu tradition Kashi is Shiva's own city and one of the holiest places on earth; Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands at its centre. The name is usually understood to mean 'the luminous' or 'city of light'.
On this page
Three names, one city
- Kashi — the oldest name, often explained as "the luminous", from a root meaning to shine.
- Varanasi — the city between the Varuna river in the north and the Assi stream in the south; the official name since 1956.
- Banaras (Benares) — the popular name, used for centuries and still common.
Explore Kashi
- About KashiAn introduction to Kashi (Varanasi): its names and boundaries, its long history, its neighbourhoods, and the rhythms of daily life along the Ganga.
- Why Kashi Is SacredWhy Hindus regard Kashi as sacred: Shiva's city, the promise of liberation (moksha), the Ganga, the Kashi Khanda's sacred geography and how belief shapes the city.
- Kashi Pilgrimage GuideA practical Kashi pilgrimage guide: the traditional sequence of Ganga snan, Vishwanath, Annapurna and Kal Bhairav, key rituals, how long to stay and how to plan.
- Kashi YatraKashi Yatra explained: the Panchakroshi Parikrama around Kashi's sacred boundary, its five halts, other pilgrim circuits and what 'going to Kashi' means.
- The GangaThe Ganga's place in Kashi: why it is sacred, the north-flowing crescent, ritual bathing, boat rides, seasonal floods and respectful practice on the river.
- Ganga AartiGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: when it starts, how long it lasts, where to watch from (steps or boat), the morning aarti at Assi, monsoon changes and tips.
- VaranasiPlan a trip to Varanasi: the city travel guide, how to get there and around, where to stay, what to eat, itineraries, temples and ghats — all in one place.
- GhatsA guide to the ghats of Varanasi: what a ghat is, the most important ghats from Assi to Panchganga, bathing and cremation ghats, boat rides, etiquette and a walking plan.
Beyond the spiritual city
For practical travel — getting here, getting around, where to stay and eat — see the Varanasi travel guide and the travel section.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kashi and Varanasi the same?
Yes. Kashi, Varanasi and Banaras are names for the same city.
Why is Varanasi called Kashi?
Kashi is the city's ancient name, commonly understood as 'the luminous' or 'city of light'. It is used especially in religious contexts.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Banaras: City of Light — Diana L. Eck (Knopf, 1982; Columbia University Press reprint) (opens in a new tab)
Columbia University Press — Scholarly source, checked September 2026
- Varanasi (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- Temple GuideEverything about Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi: Jyotirlinga significance, history, the golden spire, the Dham corridor, darshan, timings, rules and nearby temples.
- VaranasiPlan a trip to Varanasi: the city travel guide, how to get there and around, where to stay, what to eat, itineraries, temples and ghats — all in one place.
- GhatsA guide to the ghats of Varanasi: what a ghat is, the most important ghats from Assi to Panchganga, bathing and cremation ghats, boat rides, etiquette and a walking plan.
- Nearby TemplesThe temples to visit with Kashi Vishwanath: Annapurna Devi, Kal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Durga Temple, Kashi Karvat, Tilbhandeshwar, the Nepali Temple and more.
- The GangaThe Ganga's place in Kashi: why it is sacred, the north-flowing crescent, ritual bathing, boat rides, seasonal floods and respectful practice on the river.
- 10 Temples to VisitTen temples to visit in Varanasi, from Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna and Kal Bhairav to Vishalakshi, Sankat Mochan, the BHU Vishwanath temple and the Nepali Temple.