Karan Sekhri – Varanasi got its current name from the two tributaries of the holy river Ganga i.e. Varuna and Asi that flows through the region. It was called Kashi in the older days but is now more popular by the name Banaras. Varanasi has also been known as Avimuktaka, Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana and Ramya in the ancient times. Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. It is believed that Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva. The Garuda Purana XVI 114 states Varanasi as one of the seven places where one can attain Moksha. It is considered the holiest of the Sapta Pun. In one verse of the Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva says “The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kashi is my royal palace therein.” Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath which is just 10 km from the city.

Varanasi has been an educational, religious and cultural center in India for over three millenniums. The ghats and temples are the significant religious importance. The Dashashwamedh ghat is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma to welcome the Lord Shiva and sacrificed 10 horses during the Ashwamedha yajna. Agni poojas as performed here regularly and special aartis are done on Tuesday every week and on religious festivals. The Kashi Vishwanath temple situated near the ghat is one of the 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga temples and it is believed that one view of its Jyotirlinga is worth thousand views of any other Jyotirlinga. The Manikarnika ghat is the prime location for Hindu cremation where it is believed that an earring of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati fell. The Tarakesvara temple at the ghat is associated with the belief that the Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka mantra in the ear of the dead. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peeth.