The oldest living city in the world, Varanasi is the ultimate destination of all Hindu pilgrims searching for moksha from the cycle of birth and re-birth. It is held sacred for being the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati as also the presence of the mighty river, Ganges that in Varanasi is said to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

No one knows when Varanasi was found, a city whose status as the foremost place of Hindu pilgrimage cannot be questioned. Located in the modern-day state of Uttar Pradesh, in the Uttaranchal region, its beginnings are lost in the mists of time. However, it is said that Shiva and Parvati were its first citizens.

Ganga (the Ganges) the 'River of Life', is said to have acquired the boon to wash away the sins of the human race, when it flowed from the tresses of Lord Shiva. And Varanasi is the place where she turns into the mighty river. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims flock to this eternal city to expiate their sins. Mark Twain who was fascinated by the legend of Benaras (as it was called earlier), once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". That says it all.

Varansi probably derives its name from the rivers Varana and Asi that flank the city. The city is said to have been found ten centuries before Christ. There are mentions of it in such ancient texts as the Vamana Purana, the Mahabharata and the Buddhist chronicles. The holy city within Benaras is known as Kashi, the 'City of Light' and it was here that the Buddha preached his first sermon, 3000 years ago. Kashi is also the place where the famous Vishwanath temple is located. Benaras is sometimes referred to in the ancient texts as Avimukta, meaning "Never forsaken," the city that Shiva never deserted. Anandvana, the "Forest of Bliss" and Rudravasa the place of Shiva's residence are the other appellates used to refer to Varanasi.

Varanasi is a city of temples. A mandal or sacred pattern is formed by the shrines of over 350 gods and goddesses starting with the ring of Lord Ganesha and with Shiva Vishwanath at the centre. The circular Panchakroshi Road binds Kashi, the holy city, while Varanasi itself begins from the Asi Ghat and circles round to the point where the Ganges and Varana meet. An area known as Avimukta commences at Kedar Ghat and culminates at the Trilochana Ghat. The greatest importance is attached to Antargriha the 'Inner Sanctum', which has the Kashi Vishwanath temple at its hub. In some temples in India, entry to non-Hindus is restricted. The Vishwanath temple is one such temple.

Varanasi is the religious centre of the world as far as Hindus are concerned. It is doubly sacred as the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati and the Ganges. For many pilgrims this is the ultimate destination. It is also believed that if one breathes their last at Varanasi, the person's soul ascends to heaven directly. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims flock to Varanasi to offer homage and wash away their sins in the waters of the Ganges. The ashes of dear departed ones are scattered to the four winds from the banks of the Ganges so that they can find release from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Sins committed during your previous birth are believed to be expiated by the holy waters of the river, as are the crimes of this one.

Manifold are the ways in which devotees offer prayers along the banks of the Ganges. Day begins well before dawn for many and everyone has their own ways of showing devotion. Some take a dip, some have a bath, a few immerse themselves completely, but whatever their means, all of them offer prayers to the rising sun. Offerings are as varied as the means. Flowers, fruits, diyas, garlands, all are grist to the mill. Especially during festivals the river is colourful with all the gifts floating on the surface.

The burning ghats situated on the banks of the river, house temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu -- the Holy Trinity of the Hindu belief. After the ritual of washing away the sins in the waters of the Ganges, devotees proceed to pay homage to the Gods, especially at Kashi's Vishwanath temple. The famous pillar of light is reported to have first appeared at this spot hence the name given to Kashi, 'The City of Light'. Incidentally, light holds a great significance in Hindu philosophy. It symbolises wisdom, the emerging of a human being from the darkness of ignorance. Evil is deemed a consequence of ignorance and it must be every person's endeavour to acquire wisdom. Hence the 'City of Light' is also known as the 'City of Eternal Wisdom'.

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