The holy land of Kashi, has been the ultimate pilgrimage dream destination for Hindus since may ages. Often referred to as Banaras, Varanasi is known to be one of the oldest living cities in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to give up the physical body on the land of Kashi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Kashi is the Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that the gods graced the earth from this holy land.The Ganges in Kashi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. According to legends, Kashi was founded by the Lord Shiva and was his favourite abode. In one verse of the ancient religious text of SkandaPurana, Shiva says, “The three worlds form the one city of mine, Kāśīand this is my royal palace therein.”
Varanasi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important places of worship in the country, considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, holding great significance in the spiritual history of India. “The holiest of the holy places in the east is Kashi or Banaras as it is known today. Kashi is held as the core of the universe.”
Ghats in Kashi are riverbanks of the River Ganges. The city has 87 ghats. Most of the ghats are for bathing and puja ceremonies, while a few are used exclusively as cremation sites.Most Varanasi ghats were built after 1700 AD, when the city was part of Maratha Empire, The patrons of current ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars Bhonsale and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while some ghats are privately owned. Morning boat rides on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.
