Varanasi is the holy city of India, and also known by the
name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since
centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, 'paan' and Benares Hindu
University and Avimukta of the ancient days, Varanasi is the most popular
pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city
is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in
India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get
an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.
According to legend, Varanasi was founded by the Lord Shiva and was his favourite abode. In one verse of the ancient religious text of Skanda Purana, Shiva says, “The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kāśī is my royal palace therein.”
Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, 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
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