Perhaps the most famous of all holy places is Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges some 450 miles south of Delhi. It is also called Benares and Kashi. It may be one of the oldest cities in the world and is included in the list of India's "seven ancient cities." It is mentioned in the Epics and Puranas as "the foremost city of Shiva." Its most famous mandir , the Golden Temple dedicated to Visvanatha (Shiva), was destroyed and then rebuilt under Muslim rule. Many Hindus retire to Varanasi in the hope of achieving liberation. The city is famous for its cremation ghats . Corpses are transported hundreds of miles for burning here. Relatives often bring the ashes of their loved ones and scatter them in the Ganges in the belief that this will benefit the departed soul.
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