city
Varanasi (Kashi)
वाराणसी (काशी)
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Lord Shiva's most sacred abode.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benares, is considered the holiest city in Hinduism. It is believed that dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges liberates the soul from the cycle of rebirth.
Visit Info
Timings: Ghats: 24 hours, Temples: 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Best time: October to March
How to Reach
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (22 km)
Varanasi Junction Railway Station
Well connected by NH-2 and state highways
Deities
Lord ShivaGoddess Ganga
Festivals
Dev DeepavaliMaha ShivaratriGanga Aarti
Special Rituals
Ganga AartiRudrabhishekPitra Paksha rituals
Legends & Stories
- Lord Shiva established Kashi as his permanent abode
- The city exists beyond the cycle of creation and destruction