Banaras: City of Light

By Diana Eck

Banaras: CITY OF LIGHT

by Diana L. Eck

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13841 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	608 pages
Item Weight	:	1.9 pounds

FREE

Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world. Located on the banks of the Ganges River in northern India, Banaras is a major center of Hinduism and a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is home to a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, lined with temples, shrines, and shops selling religious goods. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the sound of temple bells.

Banaras is a city of contrasts. It is a place of great beauty and spirituality, but it is also a city of poverty and pollution. The Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus, is heavily polluted and often filled with trash. The streets are crowded and chaotic, and the air is often thick with smog.

Despite the challenges it faces, Banaras remains a vibrant and fascinating city. It is a place where the sacred and the profane intertwine, and where the past and present coexist in a unique way. Banaras is a city that is both loved and hated, but it is a city that no one can ignore.

In her book, Banaras: City of Light, Diana Eck takes us on a journey into the heart of this extraordinary city. Eck, a professor of religion at Harvard University, has spent many years studying Banaras and its people. She has a deep understanding of the city's history, culture, and religion, and she shares her insights in this beautifully written and richly illustrated book.

Through Eck's eyes, we see the city's sacred sites, meet its people, and learn about its rituals and festivals. We also learn about the challenges that Banaras faces, and the efforts that are being made to preserve its unique heritage.

Banaras: City of Light is a must-read for anyone who is interested in India, Hinduism, or the history of religion. It is a book that will transport you to another world, and challenge you to think about the meaning of life and death.

Reviews

"Banaras: City of Light is a beautiful and insightful book that captures the essence of one of the world's most sacred cities. Diana Eck's writing is clear and engaging, and her knowledge of Banaras is evident on every page. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the heart of Hinduism."

-Wendy Doniger, author of The Hindus: An Alternative History

"Banaras: City of Light is a masterpiece. Diana Eck has written a book that is both scholarly and accessible, and that will appeal to a wide range of readers. This book is a major contribution to the study of Hinduism, and it is sure to become a classic."

-John Stratton Hawley, author of The Ganges: Sacred River of India

Banaras: CITY OF LIGHT

by Diana L. Eck

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13841 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	608 pages
Item Weight	:	1.9 pounds

FREE