Varanasi - Holy City of India Trivia Quiz

Answer: Uttar Pradesh

Located in northern India, Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of all the Indian states. Its capital is Lucknow, although the cities of Varanasi and Agra may be more famous and better known to those from overseas: Agra for the Taj Mahal and Varanasi for its deep roots with the Hindu religion.

Answer: Seven

The Indian holy cities are also sometimes known as pilgrim cities. There are seven holy cities in Hinduism: Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Dwark. Varanasi is dedicated to Shiva as Vishwanath for the Hindus. Interestingly, Varanasi also has importance to Buddhists because of its early recordings of their religious pilgrimages.

Answer: Ganges

The Ganges River is considered sacred to the Hindus, who use it to bathe for purifying their bodies, praying, making offerings and cremation. In addition to religious reasons, the Ganges is an important life source for local Indians that live along the length of it. Sadly, this importance and religious significance has also caused the Ganges to be one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Answer: True

The Hindus believe Varanasi is the gateway to salvation. A person who dies in Varanasi will break the cycle of death and rebirth: therefore as you are not reborn you have obtained salvation. There are hundreds of people waiting to die in Varanasi and numerous hotels to house these people.

Some people have been there decades, other families arrive just days before death: either way the need is there for those who want to die in Varanasi.

Answer: Riverfront steps

The riverside steps known as Ghats in Varanasi are of religious importance either for purification or cremation. Two Ghats are exclusively used for cremations, Harishchandra and Manikarnika Gahts, where over 80 people a day are cremated.

Answer: Pooja Ceremony

The Pooja Ceremony is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the River Ganges and is performed nightly. The ceremony follows rituals of burning incense, fire, bells and music, and is very colourful. This ceremony is one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Varanasi.

Answer: Equatorial

An equatorial sundial consists of a flat surface lined up with the equator and a gnomon placed perpendicular to the surface. The purpose was to measure local time and to predict eclipses. The Jantar Mantar observatory was constructed in 1737 and is located above the cremation Ghats in Varanasi.

Answer: True

Varanasi does have a fort - Ramnagar Fort although it has sadly fallen into disrepair. Located on high ground on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort was built in the 18th century. Its style is Mughal architecture, constructed in cream sandstone, with intricately carved balconies, open courtyards and pavilions. The fort is occupied by Kashi Naresh and his family so there is limited access to it.

Answer: Golden Temple

One of the 12 holy temples in India Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located on the western bank of the Ganges. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple as its two spires are gold plated.

Answer: Sarnath

Sarnath is where Buddha conducted his first teaching after obtaining enlightenment. Buddha taught his five travel companions the four noble truths. After the sermon the five companions became enlightened too. Buddha stayed for numerous months giving sermons and teaching and when the number had reached 60 followers, Buddha dispersed them to spread the word of his teaching.