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Uttar
Pradesh ( Varanasi )
Varanasi has been the religious capital of
Hinduism since times immemorial. Written records of
the Skaknda Purana & the Mahabharata mention
its existence as long as 3,000 years ago. It is
probably the oldest city in India, and one of the
worlds most ancient. As a place of devotion and
worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims
every year. Many Hindus in the latter part of their
lives wish to spend their retirement here.
The mythological name of the city was
Kashi meaning light or luminescence, i.e. the city,
that illuminates with its spiritual light. Two
rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, meet the holy
Ganga at the northern and southern tips of the city
respectively. In mediaval times and till; as
recently as the mid-20th century, the city was
known as Banaras, which seems to have been the
result of putting together the names of the rivers
Varuna Assi. Since 1956, the name had been changes
to Varanasi.
At a distance of 12 Km from Varanasi lies
Sarnath where Lord Budha preached his first sermon
after enlightment. Here he revealed the eight-fold
path.
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