The God Men of Varanasi

This painting pays tribute to Varanasi (also known as Benaras, Banaras or Kashi) which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. She is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike.

The city is more than 3000 years old and is supposed to be the oldest city in the world (though Jericho also claims the same).  It is the heart of India and an epitome of the synthesis of cultures, religions and races since Varanasi is the place where Buddhism was founded, that birthed 3 important Jain Tirthankaras, that houses the Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi, that has a significant native muslim community and an equally big Jewish expat community.

My painting reflects just one aspect of this wondrous city- the Yogis in saffron lining the streets and inhabiting every nook and cranny of Varanasi, those wandering monks who have renounced all earthly possessions and have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of Nirvana