Gandhi’s first visit to Varanasi took place in 1902. He came by train and got off at the Kashi Railway Station located near Rajghat — a quiet corner by the sacred river Ganga.
Many people often wonder why Gandhi referred to the city as “Kashi” instead of Banaras or Varanasi.
The reason lies in the city’s ancient roots — for centuries, “Kashi” has been the traditional and spiritual name of its holiest area, symbolizing light, knowledge, and divine energy.
At the time of Gandhi’s visit, there were three major railway stations in the city:
Kashi Railway Station – at Rajghat
Banaras Cantt – now known as Varanasi Junction
Banaras City – now Varanasi City Station
Gandhi arrived at Kashi Station, and this, along with the city’s timeless spiritual aura, is perhaps why he preferred to call it Kashi in his writings.
Today, Varanasi has grown with many more railway stations and bridges, but the sacred charm of Kashi — the city of light — remains the same.
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Long before the world knew him as the Mahatma or honored him as the Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was just a young barrister, standing at the threshold of his life’s journey.
He visited Varanasi (Kashi) for the first time — not as a political leader, but as a humble pilgrim and an eager seeker of truth. During that visit, there was no sign of the great transformation that lay ahead.
The people around him, and perhaps even Gandhi himself, could not have imagined that this young man would one day awaken the conscience of a nation and lead India toward freedom through truth and non-violence.
And if you are ever planning a visit, consider going through the blog post below of mine: —
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1902 — This rare photograph helps us envision his appearance during his visit to Kashi the same year, offering a window into the early years of his journey.
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Why Gandhi Came to Varanasi in 1902
He came for two main reasons that would shape his thoughts in years to come.
First, he wanted to experience the spiritual heart of India — to take a holy dip in the Ganga and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the center of Hindu faith and devotion. This was his way of connecting with the traditions and soul of his country.
Second, Gandhi came to meet Annie Besant, a woman he deeply admired.
Besant was a renowned social reformer, educationist who played a major role in awakening India’s national consciousness.
Gandhi’s meeting with her was not just an exchange of ideas — it was an encounter between two great minds who would later shape India’s destiny in different ways.
Together, these two experiences — faith and inspiration — left a quiet but lasting mark on Gandhi’s early journey.
The desire to take a holy dip in the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga in Kashi always remains in the mind of every Hindu. The tradition of visiting the Shiva temple after taking a dip in the holy waters on the banks of the Ganga has been going on for thousands of years.
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How Kashi and Harishchandra Shaped Gandhi’s Young Mind
Kashi (Varanasi) had a special place in Gandhi’s heart long before he ever set foot there.
As a child, he had heard stories of the city’s holiness — its temples, saints, and the sacred River Ganga that washes away all sins. These stories filled his young mind with awe and respect for India’s spiritual heritage.
When Gandhi finally visited Kashi in 1902, it was like stepping into the living heart of those childhood memories. He saw with his own eyes the devotion of the people, the constant sound of temple bells, and the faith that shaped India’s soul.
Kashi is also home to the famous Harishchandra Ghat, one of the city’s oldest cremation grounds. According to legend, this is the very place where King Harishchandra—the ancestor of Lord Shri Ram—once demanded a cremation tax from his own wife for the funeral of their only son.
The story tells that King Harishchandra of Ayodhya lost his kingdom while keeping a vow of truth. Stripped of power and wealth, he worked at a cremation ground, bound by duty to collect the fee for every funeral.
When his wife came carrying the body of their son, Rohitashva, seeking permission for the last rites, Harishchandra faced the most painful test of his life. Torn between his role as a grieving father and his duty, he chose truth and honesty over his own heart’s sorrow.
This act became a timeless symbol of integrity, sacrifice, and moral strength.
This tale of truth and sacrifice left a deep mark on young Gandhi. As he wrote later in The Story of My Experiments with Truth:
“A drama company had come during these days, and I was allowed to see its play. It was the story of Harishchandra. I could not stop watching that play… I would have dreams of Harishchandra. ‘Why aren’t all truthful like Harishchandra?’ This thought would remain with me… Seeing Harishchandra’s sorrow, remembering him, I have cried a lot.”
Even as an adult, Gandhi confessed, “If I read that play today, tears will flow from my eyes.”
The holy air of Kashi, the legend of King Harishchandra’s truthfulness, and the sacred Ghat that bears his name together nurtured Gandhi’s inner world — awakening in him a lifelong devotion to truth, simplicity, and moral courage.
India’s famous painter Raja Ravi Varma beautifully captured this deeply emotional moment in one of his masterpieces, immortalizing the king’s unwavering commitment to truth and dharma.
Undoubtedly, such tales from Kashi’s cultural and spiritual heritage deeply influenced Gandhi’s lifelong devotion to truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa)
Annie Besant
Annie Besant: A Brave Reformer and Friend of India
Annie Besant was a great freedom fighter, social reformer, and a strong voice for Hinduism during the British colonial period. She was originally from England, but she chose India as her home and worked hard to protect Indian culture and traditions.
She became a leading figure in the movement to defend Hinduism from the influence of Christian missionaries and foreign rulers.
Annie Besant also worked to promote education, women’s rights, and national awareness among Indians.
Her dedication and courage made her one of the most respected leaders of her time, and her efforts inspired many people to love and protect their Indian heritage and culture.
Why Gandhi Admired Annie Besant
When Gandhi went to England to study, he saw many Christian missionaries trying to convert Indians, especially Hindus, to Christianity.
Annie Besant’s speeches and writings inspired him. She taught people to be proud of their own culture and beliefs. Her courage and clarity gave Gandhi the confidence to stand firm in his faith.
For Gandhi, Annie Besant was like an ideological shield—someone who protected Hindu values with wisdom and bravery. He respected her as deeply as one would respect a saint or a goddess.
Why Gandhi Admired Her
When Gandhi went to England to study law, he saw many Christian missionaries trying to convert Indians—especially Hindus—to Christianity.
Annie Besant’s speeches and writings gave him the confidence to stand firm in his beliefs.
She became, for Gandhi, an ideological shield—someone who defended Hindu values with courage and clarity. Gandhi respected her as deeply as one would appreciate a saint or a Goddess.
Where Did Gandhi Meet Annie Besant?
When Gandhi came to Varanasi (Kashi), Annie Besant was living in a garden house near her school. Back then, it was called Goswami Villa.
Today, this building is known as Dalmia Bhavan and is owned by Mr. Kunal Dalmia.
Interestingly, Gandhi later stayed in the same building. Even today, locals share stories about Gandhi and Annie Besant from that time, keeping history alive for visitors.
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By the time Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi visited Kashi (Varanasi) in 1902, he had already started taking an interest in Indian politics.
His earlier meeting with Annie Besant in England had left a strong impression on him. Annie Besant was not only a political leader but also a strong supporter of Hindu culture and opposed Christian missionary efforts in India.
Gandhi’s visit to her in Kashi was not just a casual meeting. It was like a darshan, a respectful and almost devotional audience with someone he deeply admired.
This meeting, along with his spiritual pilgrimage to Kashi, became an important moment in Gandhi’s life. It blended his early political awakening with his love for Indian culture and religion.