Varanasi is the most commonly visited pilgrim spot in India. This ancient city of Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh, a state of India. Varanasi is often known by other names such as Kashi and Benares and some times as Banaras. This holy city of Varanasi is located by the river Ganga. In India, Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest cities.

Varanasi, Holy City of Uttar Pradesh:

This holy city has association with ancient myths of Hindu religion. As legends go, it is said that Lord Shiva came to Kashi or Varanasi after he married Parvati. Shiva was attended by a number of his followers from his Himalayan abode. Later he returned to his abode with Dandapani and Kalabhairav. The gods and goddesses of heaven formed a mandala or a protective ring by centering Lord Shiva or Vishwanath.

The sacred city of Varanasi or Kashi is a center of pilgrimage for the Hindus. If anybody dies at Varanasi, then it is considered to be very auspicious by the devout Hindus. Many burning ghats are also found at the river ghats of Varanasi.

The holy river Ganga that flows by this city is supposed to be drained from Heaven so that she can wash away the impurities and sins of human existence on the mortal earth. Pilgrims from near and far come to Varanasi to take a holy dip in the river Ganges, so that their sins are all washed away and they are blessed.