Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
The land of Varanasi has been the best pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few words of Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than legend, and seems twice as old as all together." Hindus believe that those who have the honor of dying in the land of Varanasi would obtain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Residence of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are still unknown. It is believed that Ganga in Varanasi has the power to wash the sins of mortals.
The land of Varanasi has been the best pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few words of Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older than legend, and seems twice as old as all together." Hindus believe that those who have the honor of dying in the land of Varanasi would obtain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Residence of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are still unknown. It is believed that Ganga in Varanasi has the power to wash the sins of mortals.
