Varanasi: (Sanskrit) Also known as Kashi or Banaras.

Varanasi: (Sanskrit) Also known as Kashi or Banaras. (Derived from the name of two rivers, the Varana, "warding off," and Asi, "sword.") One of the most holy of Saivite cities, and among the oldest cities in the world. Located in North India on the Ganges River. Hindus consider it highly sanctifying to die in Kashi, revering it as a gateway to moksha. varna: (Sanskrit) "External appearance, covering; type, species, kind, color; caste. See: varna dharma.

varna dharma: (Sanskrit) "The way of one's kind." The hereditary social class system, generally referred to as caste, established in India in ancient times. Within varna dharma are the many religious and moral codes which define human virtue. Varna dharma is social duty, in keeping with the principles of good conduct, according to one's community, which is generally based on the craft or occupation of the family.

Strictly speaking it encompasses two interrelated social hierarchies: 1) varna, which refers to the four classes: brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra; and 2) jati, the myriad occupational subgroups, or guilds, which in India number over 3,000. Hence this dharma is sometimes called jati dharma. The class-caste system is still very much a part of Indian life today.

Many modern Hindus propose that social status is now (and was originally) more properly determined by a person's skills and accomplishments than by birth. Mobility between jatis, or castes, within Hindu communities worldwide is limited but not impossible, and is accomplished through marrying into a new jati, or changing professions through persistence, skill and education.

Shastris say that once a person breaks out of his varna or jati of birth and changes "caste," it takes three generations for his family to become fully established in that new strata of society, provided the continuity is unbroken. --varna: The four varnas are as follows. --brahmin (brahmana): "Mature, evolved soul." Scholarly, pious souls of exceptional learning.

Hindu scriptures traditionally invest the brahmin class with the responsibility of religious leadership, including teaching and priestly duties. --kshatriya : "Governing; endowed with sovereignty." Lawmakers and law enforcers and military, also known as rajanya. --vaishya : "Landowner, merchant." Businessmen, financiers, industrialists; employers. Those engaged in business, commerce and agriculture. --shudra : (Sanskrit) "Worker, servant." Skilled artisans and laborers.