Varanasi, the city of Shiva, located at banks of Ganges, is one of the holiest places in India for Hindu and Buddhism religions. The pilgrims come here from all India to plunge in the water of Ganges, the holy river, and wash away their sins.
The city, formerly known as Kashi and Benares, is located in Uttar Pradesh and has currently population of 3 million. The current name, Varnasi, comes from the medieval name for a town that lies between two rivers, Varuna and Asi.
According the legends, the city was established by Shiva and is known since the fifth century. The city is visited every year by million of pilgrims that gather at the river banks for abolition ritual of washing of the sins.
Despite its 3,000-year history (the city is the oldest town inhabited till present) majority of monuments is not older than 200 years. This is due to Muslim attacks since the 14th century.
Few older temples and ghats remained untouched till today.
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