Known as one of the world’s oldest living cities. It is situated between 2 tributaries of the Ganga, the Varuna and Assi from where it gets its name. Also known as Banaras (Mughul) and Kashi – City of Light (Hindu). The Ganga, which normally follows a south eastern course changes its path here briefly and flows north for a while, through the city. This is considered very auspicious. Shiva is said to have poured the river Ganga down from the Himalayas. Buddha gave his first sermon just outside the city, and 3 tirthankars of the Jain religion were born here. It is the holiest of the 7 sacred cities of Hinduism. To die here is to receive an instant passport to heaven. There are more than 2,000 temples and shrines.
Varanasi main Ghat
