Varanasi

Varanasi, former name Benares, is a city in Uttar Pradesh, a state in India. It is situated in northern India, on the Ganges. The city derives its name from the two streams of the Ganges - Varuna and Asi. The city lies between the two, and hence called Varanasi. It is known as the most sacred city of the Hindus where there are over 1700 temples. This holy city is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus who undergo ritual purification in the Ganges. There are also many mosques with towers, domes, and minarets. It is known for Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Gyan Vapi Mosque situated side by side.

The bank of the river is laid with continuous flights of steps whence the pilgrims bathe; but the city itself is narrow, crocked, crowded, and dirty. Many thousand pilgrims visit it annually.

The city traditionally know as a great seat of Hindu learning. The city is also known for Benares Hindu University.