Benares, India, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Hindus say that everyone should bathe in the Ganges
Benares Varanesi, India,one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, closely associated with the religious importance of the River Ganges. Often refer to it as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India". Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. According to legend, the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago, It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is one of the seven sacred cities of is mentioned in the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. Varanasi was a commercial and industrial center famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. During the time of Gautama Buddha (born circa 567 BCE), Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi. There are more temples and Ghats in the city than can be counted. Hindus believe that everyone should make one pilgrimage to Varanesi to bathe in the Ganges there.
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Location: Benares, India
Photo credit: © Tom Hanley / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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