Varanasi is a city in the Uttar Pradesh state of northern India. As can be seen by the miles of ghats, temples, and shrines lining the river Ganges, Varanasi is the holiest site in Hinduism, drawing more than 2.5 million religious devotees yearly.
Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city attracts Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
This ancient city dates to the 11th century BC. Tradition says that Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati walked here at the beginning of time. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi will attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Approximately 250,000 Muslims also reside here, almost 30% of the city population.
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