Millions of pilgrims from distant lands have come here in search of divine blessings. Varanasi is lined with Ghats that stretch right across the bandks of the Ganga, and branches off into myriad narrow lanes that form an integral part of the city. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was already an old city when Rome was founded, and was a flourishing centre of trade when Buddha came to Sarnath, some 10 km away, to preach his first sermon in 500 bc.
Varanasi lies between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges. It is also called Kashi, the city of lights. For a short period it was known as Muhammadabad while under Mughal rule. |