Inside the City of Death: 7 Myths That Keep Varanasi Shrouded in Mystery

The Eternal City: A Place of Death or Life?

Varanasi, sometimes called the “Eternal City,” is wrapped in the belief that it is more than just a place to die—it’s where the journey of the soul finds its final rest. People from all over India, and even the world, flock to Varanasi with the hope that dying here brings immediate freedom from the endless cycle of rebirth, a concept known as moksha.

This belief is powerful; families bring their elders and loved ones, sometimes even waiting for months, to ensure their final moments are spent on this sacred soil. According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, over 60 million people visit Varanasi each year, many with the express wish of dying or performing last rites here.

The city’s energy is a strange mix—there’s the mourning of loss, but also the vibrant buzz of life everywhere you look. Children play near the ghats as pyres burn, and markets hum with the sound of daily business.

This myth that Varanasi is just a city of death ignores the fact that it is also teeming with the pulse of life, making it one of the most unique cities on Earth.

The Ganges: A River of Purity or Pollution?

The Ganges River has always been seen as the ultimate purifier, with millions believing that a single dip can cleanse a lifetime of sins. Yet, this spiritual reputation stands in stark contrast to the reality revealed by science and statistics.

The Central Pollution Control Board of India has reported that the Ganges is among the most polluted rivers globally, burdened by high levels of fecal bacteria and industrial waste. Despite these shocking figures, the ritual of bathing in the Ganges continues every day, with crowds flocking to its banks at sunrise.

For many, faith triumphs over facts—the river’s spiritual significance remains untouched by its physical condition. This fascinating paradox is visible everywhere: devotees perform prayers and rituals, while plastic bottles and offerings float by.

The government has launched several cleanup projects, but progress is slow. The myth of purity persists, highlighting the deep emotional attachment people have to the Ganges, even as its waters face real environmental threats.

The Burning Ghats: A Sacred Ritual or a Morbid Attraction?

The burning ghats of Varanasi, especially Manikarnika Ghat, are perhaps the most iconic and misunderstood sites in the city. Myths say that the funeral pyres here never go out, holding an eternal flame that has burned for centuries.

In reality, the ghats are a place of constant activity, with cremations occurring day and night—local estimates suggest Manikarnika alone sees around 200 cremations daily. It’s a place where sorrow and acceptance mingle, and the air is thick with both smoke and a sense of peace.

While some see the ghats as sacred and deeply meaningful, others are drawn by a morbid curiosity, treating them almost like a tourist attraction. The rituals here are both public and intimate, with families gathered around the pyres as priests chant ancient Sanskrit prayers.

The myth that only the devout or the wealthy can be cremated here isn’t true; people from all walks of life come, united in death. Despite the crowds and occasional chaos, the sense of ritual and tradition is powerful—every flame carries the weight of centuries of belief.

The Legend of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A Tale of Resilience

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a symbol of unbroken faith and resilience. Its history is a dramatic saga of destruction and rebirth, with the temple being razed and rebuilt multiple times.

The most famous reconstruction was led by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1780, after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the previous temple to build a mosque. This cycle of loss and renewal has become a powerful myth, reinforcing the idea that faith can survive any adversity.

Today, the temple is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus, drawing millions of pilgrims each year. Security is tight, and the area around the temple is always crowded, reflecting its immense importance.

The myth that the temple has always stood unchallenged is just that—a myth. Its real story is one of struggle, resilience, and the undying spirit of its devotees.

The temple’s gold-plated spire gleams in the sunlight, a testament to the city’s ability to rise again and again from the ashes.

The Sadhus: Mystics or Charlatans?

Sadhus, with their ash-covered bodies and wild hair, are one of the most visible and enigmatic presences in Varanasi. They are believed to be mystics, living outside the bounds of normal society, possessing secret knowledge and spiritual powers.

Tourists and pilgrims alike seek their blessings, hoping for insight or miracles. However, not all sadhus are what they seem.

The Varanasi Tourism Board conducted a survey showing that while 70% of visitors felt a spiritual connection with sadhus, 30% suspected that some might be frauds, taking advantage of people’s faith. The truth is, there are genuine sadhus who have renounced worldly life, but also many who don the robes for easy money.

This mix of the sacred and the fake adds another layer of mystery and confusion. Still, the myth of the sadhu as a true spiritual guide remains strong, drawing people searching for answers and meaning.

The Night of Shiva: A Festival of Lights or a Commercial Spectacle?

Mahashivaratri, the great night dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated in Varanasi with awe-inspiring energy. The city lights up with lamps, music, and processions, drawing thousands of devotees to the temples and ghats.

The festival is believed to have the power to erase sins and open the gateway to enlightenment. Yet, as the crowds have grown, so has the business side of the event.

Local news has reported significant surges in hotel prices, and shops turn the festival into a commercial bonanza. Streets are filled with vendors selling trinkets and festival foods, and it’s easy to see how tradition sometimes clashes with profit.

Some locals worry that the true spirit of Mahashivaratri is getting lost in the noise. But for many, the festival still offers a chance to feel part of something ancient and powerful, even if commerce has become part of the ritual.

The Future of Varanasi: Preserving Tradition Amidst Change

Varanasi stands at a crossroads, torn between its ancient traditions and the pressures of modernization. Local authorities are implementing new strategies for sustainable tourism, hoping to protect the city’s fragile heritage while welcoming millions of visitors.

Community engagement programs are underway, encouraging both locals and tourists to respect sacred spaces and participate in preservation efforts. Recent reports highlight the importance of balancing economic growth with cultural integrity, a challenge that grows each year.

The city’s residents are proud of their history but also keenly aware of the risks posed by unchecked development. The myth that Varanasi is unchanging is quickly fading, replaced by a new reality where adaptation is key.

The choices made in the coming years will determine whether Varanasi remains a city of mystery and wonder, or becomes just another stop on the tourist trail.

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