Download Varanasi City of Light

Varanasi
City of Light
from
Mystic Lands
catalog # 3216
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MYSTIC LANDS
Grades 9-12
SERIES INTRODUCTION
Mystic Lands, a 13-part documentary series, takes the viewers on an
incomparable journey of discovery to some of the world’s most unique
spiritual places. From the cloud-shrouded majesty of Peru’s Machu
Picchu to the pagoda-studded plains of Myanmar’s Bagan, and from
the architectural grandeur of India’s Taj Mahal to the simplicity of a
rural Haitian village’s vodou hounfor (temple), Mystic Lands explores
the allure of these sacred spaces and vividly documents their continued powerful influence on the daily lives of countless believers. The
Mystic Lands series, in its artistic blending of the past and present,
details the legends, mysteries, history, and facts that surround these
great spirit lands of the world. Intended for grades 9-12, the series highlights the “living faith” embodied in the architecture, expressive arts,
contemporary spiritual practices, lifestyle, people, and cultures that
surround these spiritual sites today.
Through worldwide, on-location, live-action video, original illustrations, maps, excerpts and translations of sacred writings and oral traditions, as well as interview footage, Mystic Lands acquaints the viewers with the world’s “sacred geography,” identifying the mystical sites,
temples, holy cities, places of pilgrimage, prophets, gods and beliefs
that have molded the world’s diverse spiritual traditions. Mystic Lands
is narrated by acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos and features original music by international recording artist Chris Spheeris.
Programs in this series are ideal for use in multi-cultural studies. Viewers will gain an appreciation for cultural diversity and become more
globally conscious through learning about religious differences, how
other societies relate to the natural world, and lifestyles totally different than their own.
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Titles in the series include:
Anasazi - The Ancient Ones
The mysteries of the Anasazi culture from America’s southwest desert
unfold through their myths and legends. Sunbaked ruins, broken pottery sherds, elaborate road systems, ceremonial great houses and kivas
weave an amazing tale of the spiritual life of this great Native-American culture.
Australia - Dreamtime
The legends, ceremonies, songs, dances, sacred beliefs, and aspects of
everyday life of Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal Anangu and Tiwi
tribes are explored. These native people see the landscape as a living
embodiment of the myths and stories of their creation–an age of legendary heroes called “the Dreamtime.”
Bali - Island Of A Thousand Temples
On the magical island paradise of Bali, religion and spirits blend themselves into all aspects of Balinese life. The Balinese spiritual beliefs are
richly expressed through their arts. Delicate weavings, intricate carvings, vivid paintings and imaginative dances are an integral part of
Balinese life.
Bhutan - Land Of The Thunder Dragon
In this secluded Himalayan Kingdom, Buddhism is not just a religion;
it is a way of life. From fluttering prayer flags to the rhythmic spin of
prayer wheels, worship to Lord Buddha permeates every aspect of life
in Bhutan.
Burma - Triumph Of The Spirit
Burma (Myanmar) is a devout Buddhist nation struggling to find its
way in today’s post-industrial world. This reclusive country, graced
by golden pagodas and teak temples, is considered one of the last magical destinations in the Orient. The spiritual life of Burma is explored
through its historic religious sites.
Egypt - Cycle Of Life
Rising from the windswept desert sands along the banks of the lifegiving Nile, the great pyramids of Egypt rise to the heavens–eternal
monuments in stone to the pharaohs’ quest for immortality. This program delves into the complex culture of Ancient Egypt and its rich
spiritual traditions.
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Greece - Isle Of Revelation
From the majestic Athenian Acropolis to the cloud-shrouded top of
Mount Olympus, Greek ruins dot an epic landscape. Greece was once
home to a powerful pantheon of gods, but a new religion, a legacy of
the historic visits of the Christian disciples John and Paul, shattered
the old myths and still shapes the faith of Greece today.
Haiti - Dance Of The Spirit
Dispelling the myths and preconceptions that surround the practice of
vodou, this provocative episode dramatically explores the truth and
beauty of mystical Haitian vodou spirituality through fantastic dance
and fire ceremonies.
Jerusalem - Mosaic Of Faith
Claimed by three living religions, Jerusalem is perhaps the most spiritually charged city in the world. The historic and mystic roots of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism unfold in an exploration of this ancient city
of faith.
Maya - Messages In Stone
The mysterious cities of the Maya–Tikal, Chichén Itzá, and Palenque–
are explored, focusing on the legends, history and facts derived from
the “rock records” left by the ancient Maya. Human sacrifice is explained through Maya religious beliefs.
Peru - Kingdom In The Clouds
Considered to be the most significant archaeological site on the South
American continent, Machu Picchu was built and then abandoned by
the Inca after only 100 years. The influence of the Inca spiritual beliefs
on their lifestyle, architecture and astronomical achievements will be
explored in the ruins of Machu Picchu and the spiritual centers of Peru’s
Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Taj Mahal - Heaven On Earth
Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a complex of gardens, mosques,
and minarets constructed as a tribute to Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz
Mahal, after her death. In his grief, Shah Jahan vowed to build the
most beautiful tomb that ever existed. The spiritual motivations behind the building of the Taj Mahal and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri
are highlighted.
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Varanasi - City Of Light
Located on the banks of India’s great river Ganges, Varanasi is considered by Hindus to be the holiest place on earth. The eternal city of
Varanasi has been a center of enlightenment and civilization for more
than 2,000 years. The spiritual and cultural aspects of the Hindu faith
continue to define this sacred city. Rituals and beliefs surrounding death
by cremation and the end of the cycle of reincarnation are explored.
Each program in the Mystic Lands series includes one video, the average length is approximately 25 minutes; a Teacher's Guide with lesson
plans, suggested student activities, Internet listings, and script; and
a set of reproducible blackline masters for classroom use.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTES
It is suggested that you preview the video and review this teacher's
guide before involving your students in the lesson activities. In this
way you will become familiar with the materials and be better prepared to adapt them to the needs of your students. You may find it
necessary to make some changes, deletions or additions to fit the specific needs of your class. We encourage you to do so, for only by tailoring this program to your students will they obtain the maximum benefits afforded by the materials.
It is also suggested that the video presentation take place before the
entire group under your supervision. The lesson activities grow out of
the content of the video; therefore, the presentation should be a common experience for all students.
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VARANASI - City of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
Viewing Time: 25 Minutes
Grade Level: 9-12
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION
OF THE PROGRAM
To Hindus the ancient city of Varanasi is the holiest place in the world,
a sacred city and a place of pilgrimage. It is the spot, Hindus believe,
that their great god Shiva picked as his earthly home. Varanasi has
been a center of learning, enlightenment, culture, and civilization for
more than 2000 years. Today, perhaps most visible along the shores of
the Ganges in the softening morning light of sunrise, the spiritual and
cultural traditions of the Hindu faith continue to define Varanasi. As
noted by Henry Wilson in his book Benares, this city represents the
essence of India. "Here is India's life and drama and its uncompromising harshness. But here too, concentrated and almost tangible, is the
mysterious, magical 'energy' that has enticed and captivated so many."
Varanasi lies in the great northern plains of India, on the left bank of
the Ganges River. Throughout its long history, the city has been known
by a number of names - Anandavana, the "Forest of Bliss," Kashi, the
"City of Light," Varanasi, a name derived from the rivers of the Varauana
and Asi that flow into the Ganges there, Banaras and Benares Muslim
and British appellations, and once again, Varanasi.
This sacred city is the final destination for what many considered to be
the most significant religious pilgrimage in the modern world. Today,
as they have done for centuries, thousands of Hindu faithful come to
Varanasi from all over India, all over the world, to purify themselves
in the holy waters of the river Ganges. They come by means of modern
transportation, and they come as they have always come, on foot. Many
believe that in enduring the hardships of the journey all their immoral
acts will be undone and wiped away.
The mystical, spiritual allure of Varanasi draws not only pilgrims, but
ascetics and holy men who come to this sacred city to be released from
the bonds of their human existence. These holy men believe that if they
renounce all worldly ties, and die in Varanasi, their souls will be re6
leased from the endless cycle of death and rebirth – heaven will be
theirs. But even those who have been less disciplined in the conduct of
their lives come to Varanasi to await death and liberation. For the Hindu
faithful believe that the benefits of salvation will be extended at the
time of death to anyone who has their tongue anointed with even just
a few drops of water from the Ganges.
It is the holy waters of the Ganges River, the "spiritual heart of India,"
that brings the faithful to Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology,
the Ganges once flowed through the spheres of heaven. The Ganges is
worshipped by the Hindus as a goddess – "the liquid essence of Shiva's
divine energy."
The sacred river is the destination both for the living and the dead at
Varanasi. According to Hindu tradition, to die within the precincts of
this sacred city is to gain liberation from samsara – the continuous cycle
of birth, death and rebirth. Scattered along the west bank of the Ganges,
amidst the numerous temples that crowd the riverfront, are the ghats.
There are the bathing ghats where pilgrims gather to perform their
ceremonies of renewal, arriving at dawn to bathe in the river and wash
away their sins. There are also the burning ghats for cremation of the
dead. For here in Varanasi, it is said the god Shiva will whisper the
special mantra, the enlightening words of crossing, into the ear of the
dying. It is common practice to sprinkle the ashes of the dead into the
river so that their souls are free to enter the realm of paradise.
In this program, shot on location in Varanasi, India, the Hindu roots of
this sacred city and its holy river are explored. The basic tenets of Hinduism, including the cycle of reincarnation and the path toward enlightenment, as well as ancient legends, Hindu gods, rituals, spiritual
traditions, cremation beliefs and practices, and sacred architecture are
also the focus of this program. From dawn's prayerful renewal, to the
mingling of the ashes of the dead into the Ganges, "merging body with
holy water and the soul with the gods," in both life and death the city
of Varanasi, India's City of Light, and its sacred river are the heart and
soul of Hindu India.
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PROGRAM GOALS
The overall goals of this program are to…
• Explore the Hindu roots of the holy city of Varanasi and its sacred
river, the Ganges, by introducing basic tenets of Hindu philosophy, as
well as the Hindu gods, legends, history, spiritual traditions, and rituals inextricably linked with both.
• Demonstrate how the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Hindu
faith continue to define Varanasi today and influence every aspect of
daily life in this city of faith.
USES OF THE PROGRAM
This program can be used in a variety of ways and in different courses
of study. The lesson activities focus on the following:
Cultural Studies
Religion
Geography
History
A thematic approach is suggested, but not required, in order to achieve
the student objectives and thereby accomplish the program goals.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
After viewing Varanasi - City of Light and participating in the lesson
activities, the viewers should be able to…
• Discuss the legends associated with the Ganges, explain the river's
spiritual significance for Hindus, and describe the daily sunrise rituals
that take place at the ghats on the river's edge.
• Discuss the concepts of reincarnation and karma as defined by Hinduism, and explain karma's significance in the cycle of reincarnation.
• Discuss the allure of Varanasi for sadhus and holy men, and explain how the lifestyle and appearance of these ascetics reflect their
spiritual beliefs.
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• Define puja, discuss its place in the daily life of the Hindus, and
explain the symbolic meanings of bells, flowers, light, incense, and the
anointing of the forehead as part of worship.
• Discuss the legends associated with Varanasi, explain Varanasi's
spiritual significance to Hindus both in life and death, and describe
the rituals and beliefs that attend the practice of cremation at Varanasi.
INTRODUCING THE VIDEO/BLACKLINE MASTERS
• Map Activity: On a large wall map point out India, the city of
Varanasi (formerly Benares or Banaras) and roughly trace the Ganges
River from its source in the Himalayas to its emptying into the Bay of
Bengal near Calcutta. Varanasi is located in the eastern region of the
state of Uttar Pradesh, which is situated in the northern part of India
and shares a border with Nepal.
• Before viewing the video, ask a few leading questions. For example…
-What do you already know about Varanasi or the Ganges River,
their legends, history, and/or spiritual significance for India's Hindus?
-What do you know about India's diverse spiritual traditions, customs and practices?
Although the majority of Indians (80%) are practicing Hindus, there is
probably more spiritual diversity in India than anywhere else in the world.
All the world's major religions are represented in India, as well as many
sects. Jainism, a very old religion peculiar to India, is still practiced,as is
Zoroastrianism, one of the world's most ancient religions. These faiths
exist side by side in India – centuries old traditions, rituals, devotions,
and prayers reflecting the philosophies, beliefs, and deep spirituality of
India's faithful.
-What do you know already know about Hinduism, its philosophy
and beliefs, gods, traditions, rituals and/or practices? Its influence
on the history and culture of India?
-How might learning about a society's spiritual beliefs and practices make a difference in developing an understanding of its culture?
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-What is a pilgrimage and why might someone want to go on one?
Can you think of any places of pilgrimage that remain important
today?
• If desired provide a brief overview of Hindu philosophy - "Many
Paths, One Goal":
Hinduism is the major religion of India, practiced by approximately
80% of its people. It is the only major religion that has not been traced
to a single founder. It does not have a single scripture or creed. Hinduism does have a number of holy books, the most important being the
four Vedas (Divine Knowledge) which form the foundation of Hindu
philosophy. A complex religion with its doctrine of transmigration of
souls from one earthly existence to another, and its hundreds of gods,
but only one Ultimate Reality, Hinduism "resists definition and rejoices
in diversity."
As noted in The World's Religions: Understanding the Living Faiths, "The
term Hindu comes from the word coined by the ancient Persians to
describe those who lived opposite them on the other side of the Indus
River. Modern Hindus prefer the phrase 'sanatana dharma' to describe
their religion. This can be translated as the 'eternal way of conduct' –
eternal because it is divine in origin and way of conduct because it
covers every aspect of life."
Hinduism has a very pluralistic approach which makes its spiritual
traditions very rich and colorful. In Hinduism, Brahma the creator,
Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer and reproducer, are considered the three physical representations of the one omnipresent god.
One may choose to worship Vishnu or Shiva, or any other god or goddess for that matter, or even, instead, one can choose to meditate on
the Spirit that resides within one's own heart. The choice is up to the
individual. Hinduism accepts the validity of many paths leading to
the same goal.
At a basic level Hindus believe that at death only the physical body
actually dies, the soul continues to live many times in different bodies
until moksha, the liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth
(samsara), is achieved. With each reincarnation you can move closer to
or further away from eventual moksha. Your karma, which is the Hindu
law of cause and effect, determines the path your soul will travel as it
moves through the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Hindus believe
that bad actions in your life result in bad karma, and good actions result in good karma. Good and bad deeds in a person's previous or
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present life determines the quality of the next incarnation. Depending
on the choices one has made, it is possible not to be reincarnated as a
human being but instead as some lower life form, such as a rodent,
flower, or even an insect.
The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to reach moksha. The paths of devotion, action and knowledge are recognized as traditional paths that
lead to liberation. Yoga, which is a variety of physical and mental disciplines which emphasize breath control, body posture, concentration
and meditation, is seen as another way to attain liberation.
In terms of both physical cleanliness and spiritual health, Hindus attach great importance to purity and pollution. This emphasis has implications for and influences worship, social position, and the preparation and eating of food. Puja, or worship, cremation of the dead, and
the rules and regulations of the caste system are three basic practices
of the Hindu religion.
Caste, a system of social division, is very important in Hinduism. In
Hindu society each individual is assigned to a restricted group. Each
group, or caste, has its own obligations and taboos. Caste affects, among
many other things, occupations, choice of marriage partners, and food
choices. Within groups, lives are ordered to minimize contact with "outsiders" to avoid being polluted by contact with lower castes.
There are four distinct castes recognized in Hindu society: the Brahmins (priests and professionals), the Kshatriyas (soldiers and administrators), the Vaishyas (merchants and peasant-farmers), and the Shudras
(artisans). Beneath all the castes is the 5th class or group, the untouchables. Even more than a religion, Hinduism is a way of life.
• Distribute Blackline Masters 1 and 2, Vocabulary Guide. This will
help acquaint viewers with some of the unusual terminology used in
the video presentation. It is suggested that this list be duplicated and
distributed before viewing the program.
• Distribute Blackline Master 3, Viewer's Guide. It is recommended
that you duplicate and distribute this before viewing the program. Some
questions may require additional reading. Have viewers answer the
questions either while watching the video or shortly after the video
presentation. You may want to divide the group into smaller units,
assign each group certain questions, and share answers with the entire
group.
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• Present the video. The viewing time is 25 minutes.
• Distribute Blackline Master 4, Word Match. This activity will test
student comprehension of the terms presented in the video and on
Blackline Masters 1 and 2.
• Blackline Master 5, Quiz, may be taken immediately following the
video or at a later date after viewers have participated in other followup activities. The quiz is a brief check on what the viewers have retained from this lesson.
FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION
Immediately after viewing Varanasi - City of Light, ask for questions
and comments about the content of the video.
Use Blackline Master 2, Viewer's Guide questions as a basis for a discussion of the information presented in the video. If the discussion
leads to details that were not covered in the video, you may want to
have the students or groups of students research the subject and report
back to the class. An answer key for the Viewer's Guide is provided
beginning on page 14 of this guide.
Some additional suggested discussion questions are…
1. What are ghats and how are they used in Varanasi?
Answers will vary. The ghats are steps or a landing on the river. They provide
a ceremonial approach to the river. There are more than 70 ghats, wide flights
of steps and platforms, in Varanasi. Each ghat in Varanasi has its own purpose and history. Hindu priests sit along the ghats and assist the faithful in
prayers and rituals. Every morning at dawn in Varanasi hundreds of Hindus
stand on the ghats facing the rising sun murmuring prayers, bathing, and
making offerings. Some float small oil lamps on the water's surface. Many
cup their hands and take a ritual drink of the sacred water. The ghats are also
used for doing spiritual exercise and even laundry. There are also the "burning" ghats where cremations take place.
2. Why do the Hindus believe that Varanasi is the most beautiful place
on earth?
Answer: To the Hindus Varanasi is their most sacred city. They believe that
the glow from the natural and spiritual light of the sacred river, the Ganges,
that flows through the city, makes Varanasi the most beautiful city on earth.
Interestingly, in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the name for the
Hindu city of Varanasi was Kashi. It translates to mean "City of Light." Ac12
cording to tradition, Kashi is a play on words that links the sun's light to a
person's spiritual enlightenment.
3. What are some of the rituals and their spiritual significance that
take place when a monk has died?
Answers will vary. Instead of the traditional cremation, monks are given special burials. It is believed that by his living a moral life and dying in Varanasi,
reincarnation no longer has power over him. He will not be born of this world
again. The Hindus believe he has achieved immortality. The monk is encased
in a stone coffin. The coffin is assembled at the edge of the Ganges. The monk
is seated in an upright position, which is the traditional posture reserved for
kings and holy men. His body is wrapped in garlands of marigolds, their orange color symbolizing the quest for spiritual knowledge. His coffin is slipped
into the river from a boat. He becomes one with the sacred river.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS
1. You may choose to assign individuals or groups to research and
prepare written or oral reports on the following topics:
• The Ganges - legends, history, and spiritual significance.
• The Varanasi ghats - legends, history, significance, and contemporary uses.
• Sadhus and ascetics - lifestyle, practices and beliefs of these "eternal
wanderers."
• The Hindu caste system - its origins, divisions, requirements, and
cultural implications.
• The place of women in Indian society - both historically and today.
• Hindu festivals and ceremonies - there are 360 different Hindu festivals associated with, among other things, gods, goddesses, heroes, as
well as animals, plants, stars, planets, rivers and lakes. These occasions are a glorious, colorful mix of the sacred and the secular.
• Hindu cremation rituals and beliefs as practiced in Varanasi. Additionally, or instead, students could compare and contrast with beliefs
and rituals that accompany the practice of cremation that takes place
in Bali.
• The sacred architecture of Varanasi - temples and mosques, legends,
histories and significance.
• Indian music and musical instruments - especially the sitar and the
tabla.
• Indian dance - as art, ritual and ceremony.
Work with the school librarian. Have him/her pull books and other
resource materials related to different aspects of the culture, history,
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religion, and/or customs of India. Also gather any materials specific
to Varanasi and/or Hinduism. If possible have the materials available
in your classroom. Distribute a list of materials available through the
school library/media center.
2. The cultural impact of Hinduism in India. Alternately, students
could choose to look at the cultural impact of Hinduism in the west.
The Hare Krishna movement, which was founded in the United States
in 1966, has its roots in Hinduism.
3. In Varanasi "The sacred Ganges is being worshipped to death."
Have students explore the pollution/environmental implications of
monsoons, pilgrims, ritual bathing, cremation, and urban density on
the Ganges.
4. Architecture as a reflection of spiritual values. Have students
choose a church, temple, shrine or sacred monument from any culture
and describe how the architectural design, choice of site, building materials, and/or decorative elements combine to "embody a vision of
the divine."
EXTENDED LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. You may choose to assign individuals or groups to research and
prepare written or oral reports on the following topics:
• The epic Sanskrit tales the Mahabharata, the Ramayana or the
Bhagavad Gita.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela - during this festival held only every twelve
years (the exact time is determined by astrologers) millions of Hindus
gather near the city of Allahabad for a mass immersion ritual .
• The Panchakroshi - the 50 mile pilgrimage around Varanasi - it normally takes 5 days and requires 108 stops at important shrines and
sites.
• India's "Great Soul" - Mahatma Gandhi - his life, philosophy, influence, his policy of noncooperation and nonviolence, and India's independence from British rule.
• Cows in Hindu India - their significance in Hindu religious traditions. Also how food preparation and dietary choices are influenced
by Hindu sacred traditions. Additionally, or instead, students may
choose to explore how spiritual traditions impact dietary choices in
another culture or religion.
• Yoga - its history, philosophy, and practice. Alternately, you can have
the students break into smaller groups, learn, and then demonstrate
different yoga movements.
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• Sacred places, monuments, relics, shrines, temples, as "spiritual magnets drawing pilgrims to their sacred precincts." The role of pilgrimage in the world's spiritual traditions.
2. Have the students imagine that they have had a chance to visit
Varanasi. Have them write a letter to a friend describing what they
saw, felt and heard as they explored the city and witnessed rituals,
ceremonies and daily life along the ghats, in the temples, and in the
city's alleys and marketplaces.
3. Have students chose a site that was once or continues to be a site of
pilgrimage in another religious tradition. Detail its history, legends,
sacred sites and spiritual significance both historically, and if applicable, its contemporary importance. Some possible sites might be
Delphi, Mecca, Lourdes, Canterbury Cathedral, Mount Kailas, and the
Holy Land.
INTERNET ACTIVITIES
1. Access the alphabetical listing for India in the World Factbook at
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/95fact/index.html
This website lists facts about the country's geography, people, government, economy, transportation, communication, defense forces, and a
map. Discuss the differences between this country and others around
the world. How do the country's features contribute to its position
within the world economy? Locate Varanasi on the map of India. How
does its location impact its spiritual importance?
2. Visit Northern India and the Ganges at
http://www.lonelyplanet.com.au/dest/ind/nor.htm
Read and discuss the descriptions of Varanasi; use the hypertext links
to access photographs of some of the ghats along the shores of the
Ganges. What is the function and significance of the ghats? Are there
structures similar to ghats in any other cultures?
ANSWER KEY
Blackline Master 3, Viewer's Guide
1. What are some aspects of the Hindu religion as described in the
video?
Answer: Each sunrise is a call to prayer. Hindus appeal in prayer to many
gods. It is said that there are as many as 330 million gods in the Hindu pan15
theon. There are gods for the days of the week, gods for towns and villages,
gods of emotions, gods of illness, gods of birth and gods of death. The Hindu
religion is defined by its lack of absolutes – to the Hindu, all religions are
considered true and few religious ideas are considered irreconcilable. Hindus
believe in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth called reincarnation.
2. What city is most sacred to the Hindus in life and in death? Why?
Answer: The ancient city of Varanasi is sacred to the Hindus in death. For
here in Varanasi, it is said, the god Shiva will whisper the special mantra, the
enlightening words of crossing, into the ear of the dying. It is also sacred to
the Hindus in life. According to Hindu tradition, to die within the precincts
of this sacred city is to gain liberation from samsara – the continuous cycle of
birth, death and rebirth. Varanasi is seen as the final destination in the Hindus journey towards enlightenment. It is the search for enlightenment that
draws Hindus to Varanasi and to the holy waters of the Ganges. The sacred
river is the destination both for the living and the dead at Varanasi. Scattered
along the west bank of the Ganges, amidst the numerous temples that crowd
the river front, are the ghats. There are the bathing ghats where pilgrims arrive to perform their ceremonies of renewal, gathering at dawn to bathe in the
river and wash away their sins. There are also the burning ghats for cremation of the dead. It is a common practice to sprinkle the ashes of the dead into
the river so that their souls are free to enter the realm of paradise.
3. What legends are associated with the river Ganges, and what significance does the Ganges hold in Hindu spiritual traditions?
Answer: According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges flows from Heaven in a
torrent so fierce it could destroy the world. But Hindus believe that the god
Shiva catches the water in his hair and lessens the river's power until it becomes the broad, smooth Ganges. Hindus believe that the water of the Ganges
is "the nectar of immortality," and that the river is the liquid form of God.
They believe that a pilgrimage to the Ganges is among the most sacred acts of
Hinduism. In their sunrise ritual ceremonies at the river, the Hindus offer the
holy water to the sun, washing away their sins and remembering their ancestors. They drink the sacred water of the river to absorb the spirit of the Ganges.
They believe it is the spirit of the Hindu god Shiva. They also believe the river
is a source of life the Hindus call Ganga – a beautiful goddess. Hindus believe
that Ganga is pure, nurturing, and kind to all creatures.
4. What Hindu god makes his home in Varanasi, and why is he considered so important?
Answer: Shiva, among the most powerful of the Hindu gods, makes his home
in Varanasi. Hindus believe that it is Shiva who grants spiritual enlightenment. Hindus believe that enlightenment is the knowledge that merges the
soul with the Supreme Being. And according to Hindu belief, with enlighten16
ment, one life leads not to another, but to spiritual freedom. Hindus believe
that at the moment of death Shiva whispers the truth the soul needs to achieve
enlightenment and set it free.
5. Who are the sadhus, why do they come to Varanasi, and how does
their appearance reflect their beliefs?
Answer: The sadhus are devout Hindus who have shed all their worldly possessions. Many sadhus (wandering hermits) come to Varanasi to escape materialism and pursue a virtuous life. They come to seek enlightenment from
Shiva and an end to the cycle of reincarnation. They often smear themselves
with ashes as a sign of the renunciation of the world. Like Shiva, the sadhus
wear their hair long and matted, some twisted into a topknot. They often mark
their foreheads with the sign of Shiva – white horizontal bands. Many place a
central red dot on their foreheads, the mark of the Supreme Being.
6. How does Hinduism define karma, and what effect does karma have
on the cycle of reincarnation?
Answer: Karma is the Hindu law of cause and effect. Hindus believe that
one's karma determines the path of the soul as it travels from birth through
life, to death and back to life. Hindus believe that bad actions in your life
result in bad karma, and good actions result in good karma. Good and bad
deeds in a person's previous or present life determines the quality of the next
incarnation. Depending on the choices one has made, it is possible not to be
reincarnated as a human being, but instead as some lower life form, such as a
rodent, flower or even an insect. This is the reason why Hindus maintain a
reverence for all living things. For the followers of Shiva, good karma can be
found in denial and self-discipline. Hindus believe Shiva himself lived this
way.
7. What is puja and what are the symbolic meanings behind different
aspects of this practice?
Answer: Puja is the Hindu word for worship. It is an integral part of Hindu
daily life and can take place at any time. Bells are used as part of puja to
announce a worshipper's presence at the temple, to block out other distracting
sounds, and to focus the mind on meditation. The smell and smoke of incense
signify the presence of God. Flowers are given as offerings to the gods. They
are considered a symbol of happiness, love and devotion. Sweets and holy water
from the Ganges are also offered. Lights, which symbolize divine illumination, are waved to show reverence. Emotions are often freely expressed during
worship.
8. Why do Hindus mark their foreheads?
Answer: At the end of a ceremony a Hindu priest may anoint the believer's
forehead. This will mark the spot where it is believed there is a third eye. When
17
one has achieved enlightenment, it is believed that the third eye can open and
look inward at the soul, drawing one closer to the gods.
9. Why do the Hindus cremate their dead, and what are some of the
traditional rituals and beliefs that attend this practice?
Answer: Burning the dead is an ancient Hindu custom, as Hindus believe
that their souls are sent to heaven under the care of Agni, Hindu god of fire.
The bodies are shrouded, perfumed and decorated with flowers. Before cremation, each body is carried to the Ganges for a final cleansing immersion in the
holy water. The mood is solemn but not somber. Open mourning is considered
bad luck for the dead, who must still continue their journey towards salvation. Each pyre burns for about three hours. Once the body is consumed, the
ashes of the dead are poured into the Ganges to merge the body and soul with
the sacred waters and the gods.
10. When do Hindus believe death occurs?
Answer: Hindus believe the actual moment of death occurs while the body is
in flames. It is at that time that Shiva whispers the truth the soul needs to
receive enlightenment and set itself free.
Blackline Master 4, Word Match
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
E
D
F
A
H
6. B
7. G
8. J
9. I
10. C
Blackline Master 5, Quiz
Part 1
1. Golden Temple
2. Agni
3. Kashi
4. Puja
5. Reincarnation
Part 2
6. F
Hindus believe that it is the god Shiva who grants spiritual
enlightenment, whispering at the moment of death the truth
the soul needs to achieve enlightenment and set it free.
7. T
18
8. F
The Hindus believe that karma actually determines the path
of the soul as it travels from birth though life, to death and
back to life. Karma is the Hindu law of cause and effect.
9. T
10.T
19
LIST OF RESOURCES/SUGGESTED READINGS
Clarke, Peter B., Editor. The World's Religions: Understanding the Living
Faiths. Reader's Digest Books, 1993.
Darian, Steven G. The Ganges In Myth and History. Hawaii, 1978.
Eck, Diana L. Banaras: City of Light. Alfred A. Knopf, 1982.
Eck, Diana L. "Kashi, the Luminous." Parabola, Winter 1993, pp. 26-29.
Finlay, Hugh. India: A Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet Publications,
1993.
Fuller, C. J. The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India.
Princeton University Press, 1992.
Gupta, Shakti M. Legends Around Shiva. Somaiya Publications, 1979.
Harrison, Barbara Grizzuti. "Shiva's Holy City." New York Times Magazine, May 16, 1993, pp. 85-93.
Heiderer, Tony. "Sacred Space, Sacred Time." National Geographic Magazine, May 1990, pp. 106-116.
Pandey, Rajabli. Varanasi: Heart of Hinduism. Orient Publications, 1969.
Punja, Shobita. Banaras. Guidebooks, 1992.
Rau, Santha Rama. "Banaras: India's City of Light." National Geographic
Magazine, February 1986, pp. 214-251.
Singh, Raghubir. The Ganges. Aperture, 1992.
Singh, Raghubir. "India Along the Ganges." USA Today, September 1990,
pp. 40-48.
Shearer, Alistair. The Traveler's Key to Northern India: A Guide to the Sacred Places of Northern India. Alfred A. Knopf, 1983.
Smith, Huston. The Illustrated World's Religions: A Guide to Our Wisdom
Traditions. Harper San Francisco, 1991, 1994.
Vir Singh, Dharman. Hinduism: An Introduction. Japir, 1991.
20
Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Hinduism (World Religions). Facts on File, 1991.
Ward, Geoffrey. "Benares, India's Most Holy City, Faces an Unholy Problem." Smithsonian. September 1985, pp. 83-92.
Wislon, Henry. Benares. Thames & Hudson, 1985.
India. Editors of Time-Life Books. Time-Life Books, 1986.
Music In India: The Classical Traditions. Riverdale, 1987.
New Cambridge History of India. 14v. Cambridge, 1990.
21
SCRIPT OF VIDEO NARRATION
In India, each morning sun is a call to prayer for the devout Hindu–a
summons to continue the journey from the profane to the sacred.
From birth to death to rebirth, the Hindu odyssey crosses many lives
in the cycle of reincarnation.
Along the path towards deliverance from this world, Hindus appeal
with their prayers to many gods. It is a pilgrimage they believe will
not end until they pass through Varanasi, India's City of Light.
From the crowded markets of Delhi to the misty beauty of Taj Mahal,
India assaults the senses.
It is a nation teeming with nearly one billion people engaged in the
tasks of daily life.
It is a land of religious diversity and religious conflict, of mysticism
and mystery, a land where the spirit is at the center of life's events.
For the majority in modern India, life does not exist without the Hindu
influence. It is a religion defined by its lack of absolutes, even by its
contradictions. To the Hindu, few religious ideas are considered irreconcilable, and all religions are considered true.
It is said there are as many as 330 million gods in Hinduism, gods for
the days of the week, gods for towns and villages, gods of emotion
and gods of disease, gods of birth, and gods of death.
And in death, there is a place sacred to all Hindus, the ancient city of
Varanasi and the holy river Ganges that transcends the heart of the
city.
The river Ganges begins as snowfall high in the Himalayas, the world's
tallest mountain range that courses southern Asia. It flows fifteen hundred miles across India's northern plains, passing through Varanasi on
its route to the Bay of Bengal near Calcutta.
At Varanasi, the Ganges swings into a wide crescent-shaped arc where
it's joined by several smaller tributaries.
22
The city of Varanasi wakes before dawn, and its people hurry to awaken
their souls. An ancient scripture urges "Come on, get up. It is dawn
now. How long this ignorant life, this dark life–wake up."
As the sun climbs into the morning sky, thousands of Hindu faithful
descend the ancient steps each day as they have for more than 3,000
years. The river Ganges, Hindus believe, is the liquid form of God.
And a pilgrimage to this river is among the most sacred acts of Hinduism.
They offer holy water to the sun, remembering their ancestors, washing away their sins. They face east and pray for spiritual knowledge.
They drink the sacred water, revel in the river, and absorb the spirit of
the Ganges. It is a spirit of the Hindu god Shiva, the spirit that will
carry their soul to heaven.
Devotion to the Hindu god Shiva and to the sacred river Ganges is a
way of life in India's holy city of Varanasi. This is the final destination
in the Hindu's journey toward enlightenment.
Long series of stone steps called ghats line the shore along the western
bank of the Ganges. There are more than 70 ghats in Varanasi, each
with its own purpose and history.
Since the birth of Hinduism around 1500 B.C., the ghats have been
rebuilt many times. From the water, the ghats appear like a huge amphitheater facing the dawn, providing a ceremonial approach to the
river.
Along the ghats, scores of Hindu priests sit under umbrellas, assisting
pilgrims with bathing, prayers and rituals.
Of the 70,000 pilgrims that visit here daily, most find a meditative atmosphere for spiritual exercise and a place for the chores of everyday
life.
According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges flows from Heaven in a
torrent so fierce it could destroy the world. Instead, the Hindu god
Shiva catches the water in his long matted hair and strains the river's
fury until it becomes the broad, smooth Ganges.
The river is a source of life the Hindu call Ganga, a beautiful goddess.
Ganga, they believe, is pure. Ganga is nurturing and kind to all creatures.
23
Ganga is the never-ending flow of wisdom from the Supreme Being,
the highest God, the universal power.
On a bluff high above the Ganges west bank, Varanasi has grown to a
city of more than one million people. Hindus believe that the glow
from both the natural and spiritual light of the river make this the most
beautiful city on earth.
Varanasi is filled with life. Its narrow alleys overflow with markets
and vendors; its streets are like a river of souls.
It is here that Shiva, among the most powerful of Hindu gods, makes
his home. It is he who grants spiritual enlightenment, the knowledge
that merges the soul with the Supreme Being. And with enlightenment, one life leads not to another, but to spiritual freedom.
Varanasi is the home of thousands of Hindu monks and solitary sadhus,
devout Hindus who have shed all their worldly possessions. They come
here to escape materialism and pursue a virtuous life. They seek refuge in the monasteries and ashrams scattered throughout the city. They
seek enlightenment from Shiva and an end to the cycle of reincarnation.
While it may be a Hindu's goal to get beyond reincarnation, achieving
it is not easy. Karma, the Hindu law of cause and effect, determines the
path of the soul as it travels from birth through life, to death, and back
to life.
But the path may not be straight. Depending on the choices an individual makes, a soul may be reincarnated as a human being, but it's
also possible to come back to this world as a rat, a flower, even an
insect. For this reason, Hindus maintain a reverence for all living things.
For followers of Shiva, good Karma may be found in denial and selfdiscipline. Hindus believe Shiva himself lives this way.
Like Shiva, many monks and sadhus wear their hair long and matted,
some twisted into a topknot. Some cover their bodies with ashes as a
sign of their renunciation of the world. Others wear the sign of Shiva
on their foreheads.
White, horizontal bands symbolize three kinds of truth in thought,
word, and deed. And many devout Hindus place a central red dot on
their foreheads, the mark of the Supreme Being.
24
The glorification of Shiva can also be found in architecture throughout
Varanasi. The Golden Temple, considered the holiest Hindu temple in
Varanasi, honors the spot where Shiva pierced the earth with a colossal shaft of light to prove his superiority over the other gods. Erected
in the 18th century, its spires were adorned with three quarters of a ton
of gold.
Clanging bells and spoken prayers; the smell of incense and the flare
of a sacred flame–like the ghats, the temples of Varanasi hold mysteries of their own.
In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the Hindu city of Varanasi
was called Kashi, the city of light. Kashi is a play on words that links
the sun's light to a person's spiritual enlightenment.
It's the search for enlightenment that draws Hindus to Varanasi, to the
holy waters of the Ganges, and to the sacred shrines found in temples
throughout the city.
The Hindu temple is the place for puja, the Hindu word for worship.
In India, puja is a part of life. It can happen at any time of day.
Bells announce a worshipper's presence at temple, block out other
sounds, and focus the mind on meditation.
During puja, the smell and smoke of incense disperses to signify the
presence of God.
Flowers, the symbol of happiness, devotion, and love, are offered to
the gods along with sweets and water from the Ganges.
Lights, waved to show a worshipper's reverence, symbolize divine illumination.
The search for enlightenment is a personal one, inward looking, but
may also be filled with freely expressed emotion.
To a non-Hindu, the mood of a temple may seem unorganized, even
celebratory. It is certainly spontaneous.
As part of tradition that dates back centuries, a eunuch arrives, dancing to appease the gods.
25
Hindus believe the presence of a dancing eunuch can make a barren
woman fertile. Their blessing is considered good luck by childless
couples.
When worship is finished, a Hindu priest anoints the believer's forehead, marking the spot where it's believed there is a third eye. A person who has achieved enlightenment can open the third eye and look
inward at the soul. They can become closer to the gods.
For many, worship is constant. Scriptures from the Hindu holy book,
the Vedas, are studied and read aloud by believers from all walks of
life.
These sacred writings reveal that the cycle of reincarnation can be
stopped. A moral life lead by a monk or sadhu is one step, but to take
the final step, Hindus believe a person must die in Varanasi.
It is said that India's sacred city of Varanasi frees a Hindu believer to
live a good life, a clean life, a pious life because it frees the soul for a
good death.
A Hindu monk has died and his fellow holy men are attending to his
final pilgrimage.
With the river Ganges as their destination, the journey is joyous. Encased in a stone coffin assembled at river's edge, the dead monk is
seated upright, the traditional posture for holy men and kings.
His body is wrapped in garlands of marigolds, orange like the monk's
robes, to symbolize the quest for spiritual knowledge.
Instead of cremation, the traditional burning of the dead in Varanasi,
the monk is given a special burial, one reserved only for holy men and
sacred cows.
Reincarnation has no power over him. He will not be born to this
world again. By living a moral life and dying in Varanasi, it's believed
he has achieved immortality.
Amid the revelry of his victory celebration, the stone coffin slips from
the side of the boat. He is now one with the sacred river Ganges, the
water Hindus call "the nectar of immortality."
26
A smoky haze hangs over Manikarnika Ghat. This is the holiest place
in Varanasi, the place where Hindu belief says the world was created
and where it will be destroyed.
Death is commonplace here. Many sick and elderly come to Varanasi
to die, hoping to be cremated near the Ganges.
Once death comes, their bodies are shrouded, perfumed, and decorated with flowers. Before cremation, each body is carried to the Ganges
for a final cleansing dip in the holy water.
Burning the dead is an ancient Hindu tradition. It's believed that souls
of the dead are sent to heaven under the care of Agni, Hindu god of
fire.
As sacred as cremation is, the atmosphere is public, matter of fact, even
casual. The mood is solemn but not somber. Open mourning is considered bad luck for the dead, who in the coming days must continue
their journey toward salvation.
Hindus believe the actual moment of death occurs while the body is in
flames. At that time, Shiva whispers the truth that the soul needs to
achieve enlightenment and set itself free.
So many Hindus come to Varanasi to die that funeral pyres burn constantly. Scores of cremations occur each day, tens of thousands a year.
Each pyre will burn for about three hours, many well into the night.
Once the body is consumed, ashes of the dead are poured into the
Ganges merging body with holy water and soul with the gods.
With the new dawn, the quest for enlightenment continues among the
living. A Hindu priest and his followers welcome a new day in
Varanasi, India's city of light.
27
Name _________________________________
1
VARANSI - City of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
VOCABULARY GUIDE
Agni - Hindu god of fire. Burning the dead is an ancient Hindu custom, as Hindus believe that their
souls are sent to heaven under the care of Agni.
Ganga - The Ganges River, said to flow from the toe of Vishnu; also the goddess representing the
sacred Ganges River. Hindus believe that Ganga is pure, nurturing, and kind to all creatures.
Ganges River - One of the sacred rivers of India. The Ganges has its source high in the Himalayas. It
flows 1500 miles across India's northern plains, passing through the city of Varanasi on its way to the
Bay of Bengal near Calcutta. According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges flows from Heaven in a
torrent so fierce it could destroy the world. But Hindus believe that the god Shiva catches the water in
his hair and lessens the river's power until it becomes the broad smooth Ganges. Hindus believe the
water of the Ganges is "the nectar of immortality" and that it is the liquid form of god. A pilgrimage
to this river is the among the most sacred acts of Hinduism.
ghats - Steps or a landing on a river. There are more than 70 ghats, wide flights of steps and platforms, in Varanasi. They provide a ceremonial approach to the river. Hindu priests sit along the ghats
and assist the faithful in prayers and rituals. Every morning at dawn in Varanasi hundreds of Hindus
stand on the ghats facing the rising sun murmuring prayers, bathing, and making offerings. Some
float small oil lamps on the water's surface. Many cup their hands and take a ritual drink of the sacred water. There are also the "burning" ghats where cremations take place.
Golden Temple - Considered the holiest Hindu temple in Varanasi. The temple honors the spot
where it is believed Shiva pierced the earth with a colossal shaft of light to prove his superiority over
the other gods. Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor, destroyed the original temple and built a
mosque over its remains. A new temple was built in the 18th century. It is said that its spires are
adorned with three-quarters of a ton of gold plating.
karma - Hindu law of cause and effect. It is the principle of retributive justice for past deeds. Hindus
believe that one's karma determines the path of the soul as it travels from birth through life, to death
and back to life. Hindus believe that bad actions in your life result in bad karma and good actions
result in good karma. Good and bad deeds in a person's previous or present life determines the
quality of the next incarnation. Depending on the choices one has made, it is possible not to be reincarnated as a human being but instead as some lower life form, such as a rodent, flower or even an
insect.
Kashi - In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the name for the Hindu city of Varanasi. It translates to mean "City of Light." According to tradition, Kashi is a play on words that links the sun's light
to a person's spiritual enlightenment.
(Continued on Blackline Master 2)
©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc.
Distributed by AGCUnited Learning
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www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]
Name _________________________________
2
VARANSI - City of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
VOCABULARY GUIDE (continued)
Manikarnika Ghat - This is considered the holiest place in Varanasi, for this is the place where Hindu
belief says the world was created and where it will end. According to legend, the god Vishnu was
granted a favor by Shiva. Vishnu asked that all who died in Varanasi or were cremated there would
be free from rebirth.
puja - Hindu word for worship. Literally means respect; offering or prayers. Puja is an integral part
of everyday life in India. During worship the deities are honored with offerings of flowers, incense,
holy water from the Ganges, and/or food.
reincarnation - The belief that at death the soul is born again into another body. For Hindus this is the
process though which an individual soul passes through a sequence of bodies. It is also known as
transmigration. From birth, to death, to rebirth, the Hindu odyssey crosses many lives in this cycle of
reincarnation. When enlightenment is finally achieved, one life leads not to another, but to spiritual
freedom.
sadhu - A holy person, ascetic, one who is trying to achieve enlightenment. The sadhus are devout
Hindus who have shed all their worldly possessions. They often smear themselves with ashes as a
sign of the renunciation of the world. They wear their hair long and matted. They often mark their
foreheads with the sign of Shiva – white horizontal bands. Many sadhus (wandering hermits) come
to Varanasi to escape materialism and pursue a virtuous life.
Sanskrit - The ancient language of India.
Shiva (Siva) - The destroyer; also the creator, in which form he is worshipped as a lingam. Shiva,
among the most powerful of the Hindu gods, makes his home in Varanasi. Hindus believe that it is
Shiva who grants spiritual enlightenment. Hindus believe that at the moment of death, Shiva whispers the truth the soul needs to achieve enlightenment and set it free.
Vedas - There are a number of Hindu holy books, but the four Vedas (divine knowledge) are considered the most important. They form the foundation of Hindu philosophy. The Vedas are a collection
of hymns composed in pre-classical Sanskrit during the second millennium B.C. The collection is
divided into four books: Rig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-Veda.
Varanasi (Formerly Benares or Banaras) - An ancient city, Varanasi lies in the great northern plains of
India, on the left bank of the Ganges River. Varanasi has been a center of learning, enlightenment,
culture, and civilization for more than 2000 years. To Hindus, Varanasi is the holiest place in the
world, a sacred city and a place of pilgrimage. It is the spot, Hindus believe, that their great god Shiva
picked as his earthly home. According to tradition, the sacred city of Varanasi is believed to free a
Hindu believer to lead a good life, a pious life, because it frees the soul for a good death. It is believed
to be a glorious fate for a Hindu to die in Varanasi, for it is considered the final destination of the
Hindu's journey toward enlightenment.
©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc.
Distributed by AGC/United Learning
1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706
www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]
Name _________________________________
3
VARANASI - City of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
VIEWER'S GUIDE
Directions: Answer the following questions immediately after viewing the video or as instructed by
your teacher. Use the back of this sheet if necessary.
1. What are some aspects of the Hindu religion as described in the video?
2. What city is most sacred to the Hindus in life and in death? Why?
3. What legends are associated with the river Ganges, and what significance does the Ganges hold in
Hindu spiritual traditions?
4. What Hindu god makes his home in Varanasi, and why is he considered so important?
5. Who are the sadhus, why do they come to Varanasi, and how does their appearance reflect their
beliefs?
6. How does Hinduism define karma, and what effect does karma have on the cycle of
reincarnation?
7. What is puja, and what are the symbolic meanings behind different aspects of this practice?
8. Why do Hindus mark their foreheads?
9. Why do the Hindus cremate their dead, and what are some of the traditional rituals and beliefs
that attend this practice?
10. When do Hindus believe death occurs?
©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc.
Distributed by AGCUnited Learning
1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706
www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]
Name _________________________________
4
VARANASI - City Of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
WORD MATCH
Directions: Match the term in the left column with the correct definition in the right column.
1. _____
karma
A. The belief that at death the soul is born again into another body.
2.. _____
ghats
B. The holiest place in Varanasi; the place where Hindu belief says
the world was created and where it will end.
3. _____
Agni
4. _____
reincarnation
C. Considered the most important of Hindu holy books.
D. Steps or a landing on a river, such as those on the Ganges in
Varanasi. Hindu priests sit along them and assist the faithful in
prayers and rituals.
5. _____
Sanskrit
6. _____
Manikarnika Ghat
7. _____
Golden Temple
E. Hindu law of cause and effect. It is the principle of retributive
justice for past deeds.
8. _____
sadhu
F. Hindu god of fire.
9. _____
Shiva
G. Honors the spot where it is believed that Shiva pierced the earth
with a colossal shaft of light to prove his superiority.
10. _____
Vedas
H. The ancient language of India.
I. The destroyer, also the creator; among the most powerful of the
Hindu gods. He makes his home in Varanasi.
J. A holy person, ascetic, one who is trying to achieve enlightenment; devout Hindus who have shed all their worldly possessions.
©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc.
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1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706
www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]
Name _________________________________
5
VARANASI - City of Light
from the Mystic Lands Series
QUIZ
Part 1
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the missing term.
1. The _____________ is considered the holiest Hindu temple in Varanasi. The temple honors the spot where it
is believed Shiva pierced the earth with a colossal shaft of light to prove his superiority over the other gods.
2. ___________ is the Hindu god of fire. Hindus believe their souls are sent to heaven under the care of this
god.
3. In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, ____________ is the name for the Hindu city of Varanasi. It
translates to mean "City of Light." According to tradition, this name is a play on words that links the sun's
light to a person's spiritual enlightenment.
4. Hindu word for worship. Literally means respect; offering or prayers. __________ is an integral part of
everyday life in India. During worship the deities are honored with offerings of flowers, incense, holy water
from the Ganges, and/or food.
5.
_________________ is the belief that at death the soul is born again into another body. For Hindus this is
the process though which an individual soul passes through a sequence of bodies. It is also known as transmigration.
Part 2
Directions: Place a "T" before the True statements, and an "F" before the False statements.
6. ___
Hindus believe it is the god Vishnu who grants spiritual enlightenment whispering at the
moment of death the truth the soul needs to achieve enlightenment and set it free.
7. ___
The four Vedas, Hindu holy books, form the foundation of Hindu philosophy.
8. ___
The Hindus believe that karma has no effect on the path the soul travels as it goes through the
cycle of reincarnation.
9. ___
Sadhus are holy men or ascetics who have shed all their worldly possessions on their spiritual
journey trying to achieve enlightenment. They often smear themselves with ashes as a sign of their
renunciation of the world.
10. ___
Hindus believe Varanasi and the river Ganges have importance for both the living and the dead.
©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc.
Distributed by AGCUnited Learning
1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706
www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]