Kashi

/ˈkɑːʃi/ noun

Definition

An ancient name for the holy city of Varanasi in India, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'Kāśī' meaning 'the luminous one' or 'city of light', derived from the root 'kāś' meaning 'to shine'. The name reflects the city's spiritual significance as a center of learning and enlightenment in Hindu tradition.

Kelly Says

Kashi has been a center of learning and spirituality for over 3,000 years, earning it the title 'City of Light' not just metaphorically but literally - its ghats along the Ganges River are illuminated by thousands of oil lamps during evening prayers. Mark Twain famously said it was 'older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.'

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