|
Varanasi, India's most sacred city
is situated on the West bank of the Ganga. Varanasi
is also known as Benaras. Varanasi derives its name from two
streams, the Varuna on the North side of the city and the Assi, a small trickled
on the south. Varanasi is said to combine all the virtues of all other places of
pilgrimage and anyone dying within the area marked by the Panch Kosi road is
transported straight to heaven. It is also an important
pilgrimage centre for Buddhists as it was at Sarnath (10 km from
Varanasi), Lord Buddha gave his Ist sermon after enlightment. Varanasi today, is also a
centre of education, art and craft.
|