 = Varanasi = 
 
 Varanasi ( <unk> pronunciation : [ <unk> ] ) , also known as Benares , Banaras ( <unk> [ <unk> ] ) , or Kashi ( <unk> [ <unk> ] ) , is a North Indian city on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh , India , 320 kilometres ( 200 mi ) south @-@ east of the state capital , Lucknow , and 121 kilometres ( 75 mi ) east of Allahabad . The spiritual capital of India , it is the <unk> of the seven sacred cities ( <unk> Puri ) in Hinduism and Jainism , and played an important role in the development of Buddhism . Varanasi lies along National Highway 2 , which connects it to Kolkata , Kanpur , <unk> , and Delhi , and is served by Varanasi Junction and Lal <unk> Shastri International Airport . 
 Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre , famous for its muslin and silk <unk> , perfumes , ivory works , and sculpture . Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around <unk> BC when he gave his first sermon , " The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma " , at nearby <unk> . The city 's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century , when Adi <unk> established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi . Despite the Muslim rule , Varanasi remained the centre of activity for Hindu intellectuals and theologians during the Middle Ages , which further contributed to its reputation as a cultural centre of religion and education . <unk> Tulsidas wrote his epic poem on Lord Rama 's life called Ram <unk> Manas in Varanasi . Several other major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi , including Kabir and Ravidas . Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for <unk> in <unk> , a trip that played a large role in the founding of <unk> . In the 16th century , Varanasi experienced a cultural revival under the Muslim Mughal emperor <unk> who invested in the city , and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu , though much of modern Varanasi was built during the 18th century , by the Maratha and <unk> kings . The kingdom of Benares was given official status by the <unk> in 1737 , and continued as a dynasty @-@ governed area until Indian independence in 1947 . The city is governed by the Varanasi Nagar Nigam ( Municipal Corporation ) and is represented in the Parliament of India by the current Prime Minister of India <unk> <unk> , who won the <unk> <unk> elections in 2014 by a huge margin . Silk weaving , carpets and crafts and tourism employ a significant number of the local population , as do the <unk> <unk> Works and Bharat Heavy <unk> Limited . Varanasi Hospital was established in 1964 . 
 Varanasi has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years , and is closely associated with the Ganges . Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation , making it a major centre for pilgrimage . The city is known worldwide for its many ghats , embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions . Of particular note are the Dashashwamedh Ghat , the Panchganga Ghat , the Manikarnika Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat , the last two being where Hindus <unk> their dead . The Ramnagar Fort , near the eastern bank of the Ganges , was built in the 18th century in the Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies , open courtyards , and scenic pavilions . Among the estimated 23 @,@ 000 temples in Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva , the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple , and the Durga Temple . The Kashi Naresh ( <unk> of Kashi ) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi , and an essential part of all religious celebrations . An educational and musical centre , many prominent Indian philosophers , poets , writers , and musicians live or have lived in the city , and it was the place where the Benares Gharana form of <unk> classical music was developed . One of Asia 's largest residential universities is Banaras Hindu University ( BHU ) . The Hindi @-@ language nationalist newspaper , Aj , was first published in 1920 . 
 
 = = Etymology = = 
 
 Traditional etymology links " Varanasi " to the names of two Ganges tributaries forming the city 's borders : Varuna , still flowing in northern Varanasi , and Assi , today a small stream in the southern part of the city , near Assi Ghat . The old city is located on the north shores of the Ganges , bounded by Varuna and Assi . 
 In the <unk> , an ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns , the city is referred to as <unk> ( Kashi ) from the Sanskrit verbal root <unk> " to shine " , making Varanasi known as " City of Light " , the " luminous city as an eminent seat of learning " . The name was also used by pilgrims dating from Buddha 's days . 
 Hindu religious texts use many epithets to refer to Varanasi , such as <unk> ( Sanskrit : " the shining one " ) , <unk> ( Sanskrit : " never forsaken " by Shiva ) , <unk> ( Sanskrit : the forest of <unk> ) , and <unk> ( Sanskrit : the place where <unk> / <unk> resides ) . 
 Over most of the last millennium , the city was known as Banaras . In the 1950s , Indian government decided to return to the Sanskrit form Varanasi ; however , Banaras is still the predominant form used locally . 
 
 = = History = = 
 
 According to legend , Varanasi was founded by the god Shiva . The <unk> , the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata , are also said to have visited the city in search of Shiva to atone for their sin of <unk> and <unk> that they had committed during the climactic <unk> War . It is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide <unk> ; <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , and <unk> are the seven cities known as the <unk> of liberation . 
 
 = = = Archaeological evidence = = = 
 
 Archaeological evidence of the earliest known settlements around Varanasi in the Ganges valley suggest that they began in the 20th century BC , placing it among the world 's oldest continually inhabited cities according to Kenneth Fletcher . These archaeological remains suggest that the Varanasi area was populated by Vedic people . However , the oldest known text referencing the city , the <unk> , which dates to approximately the same period , suggests that the area was populated by indigenous tribes . It is possible that archaeological evidence of these previous inhabitants has yet to be discovered . Recent excavations at <unk> and Ramnagar , two sites very near to Varanasi , show them to be from 1800 BC , suggesting Varanasi was also inhabited by this time . 
 
 = = = Ancient period = = = 
 
 Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre , famous for its muslin and silk <unk> , perfumes , ivory works , and sculpture . During the time of <unk> Buddha , Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi . The Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around <unk> BC when he gave his first sermon , " The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma " , at nearby <unk> . The celebrated Chinese traveller <unk> , also known as <unk> <unk> , who visited the city around 635 AD , attested that the city was a centre of religious and artistic activities , and that it extended for about 5 kilometres ( 3 @.@ 1 mi ) along the western bank of the Ganges . When <unk> , visited Varanasi in the 7th century , he named it " <unk> " and wrote that the city had some 30 temples with about 30 monks . The city 's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century , when Adi <unk> established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi . 
 
 = = = Medieval period = = = 
 
 <unk> , founder of the <unk> dynasty made Banaras a second capital in <unk> . 
 During the Birth Period , Varanasi was connected by a road starting from <unk> and ending at <unk> . 
 <unk> Shah ordered Hindu temples at Varanasi destroyed in <unk> . 
 Varanasi remained the centre of activity for intellectuals and theologians during the Middle Ages , which further contributed to its reputation as a cultural centre of religion and education . Several major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi , including Kabir who was born here in <unk> , and Ravidas , a 15th @-@ century socio @-@ religious reformer , mystic , poet , traveller , and spiritual figure , who was born and lived in the city and employed in the tannery industry . 
 
 = = = Modern history ( 1500 – present ) = = = 
 
 Similarly , numerous eminent scholars and preachers visited the city from across India and south Asia . Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for <unk> in <unk> , a trip that played a large role in the founding of <unk> . 
 Varanasi experienced a Hindu cultural revival in the 16th century under the Muslim Mughal emperor <unk> , who invested in the city and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu . The Raja of Pune established the Annapurna Mandir , and the 200 @-@ metre ( 660 ft ) <unk> Bridge was also completed during this period . The earliest tourists began arriving in the city during the 16th century . In 1665 , the French traveller Jean Baptiste <unk> described the architectural beauty of the <unk> <unk> temple on the side of the Ganges . The road infrastructure was also improved during this period . It was extended from Kolkata to <unk> by Emperor Sher Shah <unk> ; later during the British Raj it came to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road . In 1656 , Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of many temples and the building of mosques , causing the city to experience a temporary setback . However , after <unk> 's death , most of India was ruled by a confederacy of pro @-@ Hindu kings . Much of modern Varanasi was built during this time , especially during the 18th century by the Maratha and <unk> kings . The kings governing Varanasi continued to wield power and importance through much of the British Raj period , including the <unk> of Benares , or Kashi Naresh . 
 The Kingdom of Benares was given official status by the <unk> in 1737 , and continued as a dynasty @-@ governed area until Indian independence in 1947 , during the reign of Dr. <unk> Narayan Singh . In the 18th century , Muhammad Shah ordered the construction of an observatory on the Ganges , attached to Man Mandir Ghat , designed to discover imperfections in the calendar in order to revise existing astronomical tables . Tourism in the city began to <unk> in the 18th century . In 1791 , under the rule of the British Governor @-@ General Warren Hastings , Jonathan Duncan founded a Sanskrit College in Varanasi . In 1867 , the establishment of the Varanasi Municipal Board led to significant improvements in the city 's infrastructure and basic amenities of health services , drinking water supply and sanitation 
 In 1897 , author Mark Twain , said of Varanasi , " Benares is older than history , older than tradition , older even than legend , and looks twice as old as all of them put together . " In 1910 , the British made Varanasi a new Indian state , with Ramnagar as its capital but with no jurisdiction over the city of Varanasi itself . The religious head , Kashi Naresh , has had his headquarters at the Ramnagar Fort since the 18th century , also a <unk> of the history of the kings of Varanasi , which is situated to the east of Varanasi , across the Ganges . The Kashi Naresh is deeply revered by the local people and the chief cultural patron ; some devout inhabitants consider him to be the incarnation of Shiva . 
 In 1857 , the British Army committed a massacre of Indian troops and city residence during the early stages of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 . Annie Besant founded the Central Hindu College , which later became a foundation for the creation of Banaras Hindu University in 1916 . Besant founded the Central Hindu College because she wanted to bring men of all religions together under the ideal of <unk> in order to promote Indian cultural values and to remove ill @-@ will among different sections of the Indian population . " 
 Varanasi was ceded to the Union of India in 1947 , and Dr. <unk> Narayan Singh incorporated his territories into the United <unk> in 1949 . He died in 2000 . The current king and the resident of the fort is <unk> Narayan Singh , since 1971 . 
 
 = = Geography and climate = = 
 
 
 = = = Geography = = = 
 
 Varanasi is located at an elevation of 80 @.@ 71 metres ( 264 @.@ 8 ft ) in the centre of the Ganges valley of North India , in the Eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh , along the left crescent @-@ shaped bank of the Ganges , averaging between 15 metres ( 50 ft ) and 21 metres ( 70 ft ) above the river . The city is the headquarters of Varanasi district . By road , Varanasi is located <unk> kilometres ( 495 mi ) south @-@ east of New Delhi , 320 kilometres ( 200 mi ) south @-@ east of Lucknow , 121 kilometres ( 75 mi ) east of Allahabad , and 63 kilometres ( 39 mi ) south of <unk> . The " Varanasi Urban <unk> " – an agglomeration of seven urban sub @-@ units – covers an area of 112 @.@ 26 km 2 ( approximately 43 mi ² ) . <unk> of the city include <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> Nagar , <unk> Nagar , Gopal <unk> , Guru Nanak Nagar , <unk> , <unk> <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , Lanka <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , and Sigra . 
 Being located in the Indo @-@ <unk> Plains of North India , the land is very fertile because low level floods in the Ganges continually replenish the soil . Varanasi is located between the Ganges <unk> with two rivers : the Varuna and the Assi stream . The distance between the two <unk> is around 2 miles ( 4 km ) , and serves as a sacred <unk> route for Hindus , which culminates with a visit to a <unk> <unk> Temple . 
 
 = = = Climate = = = 
 
 Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification <unk> ) with large variations between summer and winter temperatures . The dry summer starts in April and lasts until June , followed by the monsoon season from July to October . The temperature ranges between 22 and 46 ° C ( 72 and 115 ° F ) in the summers . Winters in Varanasi see very large diurnal variations , with warm days and downright cold nights . Cold waves from the <unk> region cause temperatures to dip across the city in the winter from December to February and temperatures below 5 ° C ( 41 ° F ) are not uncommon . The average annual rainfall is 1 @,@ 110 mm ( 44 in ) . <unk> is common in the winters , while hot dry winds , called <unk> , blow in the summers . In recent years , the water level of the Ganges has decreased significantly ; upstream dams , unregulated water extraction , and <unk> glacial sources due to global warming may be to blame . 
 
 = = Administration = = 
 
 
 = = = Politics and law = = = 
 
 Varanasi is governed by a number of bodies , the most important being the Varanasi Nagar Nigam ( Municipal Corporation ) and the Varanasi Development Authority , which is responsible for the master planning of the city . Water supply and sewage system is operated by the <unk> Nigam . Varanasi is represented in the Parliament of India by the current Prime Minister of India <unk> <unk> who won the <unk> <unk> elections in 2014 by a huge margin . 
 
 = = = Healthcare = = = 
 
 <unk> , the great surgeon and author of the <unk> <unk> , the Sanskrit text of surgery , lived in Varanasi and practised medicine and surgery sometime during the 5th century BC . Since 1922 , Ayurveda has been a subject of training in the Banaras Hindu University and in 1927 a separate Ayurvedic College was established . There are many Ayurvedic centres in Varanasi like <unk> Ayurvedic Centre which provide Ayurvedic treatments such as <unk> and other methods . S S Ayurveda Hospital operates a <unk> treatment centre , in association with <unk> Ayurveda Ltd . 
 <unk> has several hospitals , including Heritage Hospital , <unk> Hospital , <unk> <unk> , Mata Anand Mai Hospital , <unk> Hospital , Ram Krishna Mission Hospital , <unk> Prasad Gupta Hospital , Pandit <unk> <unk> <unk> hospital ( managed by state <unk> . ) the largest & <unk> hospital is Sir <unk> Lal Hospital ( University Hospital ) having more 1150 beds & a separate trauma centre having 340 beds , and Varanasi Hospital and Medical Research Centre . A separate cancer institute is also operated in Varanasi . The Varanasi Hospital , established in 1964 by Dr. <unk> Prasad . The hospital , which in 2012 had 66 beds , serves Varanasi and surrounding districts and states , many of which rely on it for surgery . Although the hospital suffers from a lack of funding , it has facilities such as x @-@ ray , <unk> , <unk> and a pathology lab . The urban portion of Varanasi District had an infant mortality rate of 70 per 1 @,@ 000 live births in 2010 – 2011 . 
 
 = = = Public maintenance = = = 
 
 Because of the high population density of Varanasi and the increasing number of tourists , the Uttar Pradesh government and international non @-@ governmental organisations and institutions have expressed grave concern for the pollution and pressures on infrastructure in the city , mainly the sewage , sanitation , and drainage components . <unk> of the Ganges is a particular source of worry because of the religious significance of the river , the dependence of people on it as a source of drinking water , and its prominence as a symbol of Varanasi and the city itself . The sewage problem is exacerbated by the role of the Ganges in bathing and in river traffic , which is very difficult to control . Because of the sewage , people using local untreated water have higher risk of contracting a range of water @-@ borne stomach diseases . 
 Parts of Varanasi are contaminated with industrial chemicals including toxic heavy metal . Studies of wastewater from Varanasi 's sewage treatment plants identify that water 's contamination with metals and the reuse of this water for irrigation as a way that the toxic metals come to be in the plants that people grow for food . One studied example is <unk> , a popular leafy vegetable which takes up heavy metal when it is in the soil , and which people then eat . Some of the <unk> sludge contains minerals which are fertiliser , which could make polluted water attractive to use . <unk> used in local farming are persistent enough to be spread through the water , to sewer treatment , then back to the farms as wastewater . 
 Varanasi 's water supply and sewage system is maintained by <unk> Nigam , a subsidiary of Varanasi Nagar Nigam . Power supply is by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited . The city produces about 350 @,@ 000 @,@ 000 litres ( 77 @,@ 000 @,@ 000 imp gal ; 92 @,@ 000 @,@ 000 US gal ) per day of sewage and 425 tonnes ( <unk> long tons ; 468 short tons ) per day of solid waste . The solid <unk> are disposed in one landfill site . 
 
 = = Demographics = = 
 
 According to provisional data from the 2011 census , the Varanasi urban agglomeration had a population of 1 @,@ 435 @,@ 113 , with 761 @,@ 060 men and <unk> @,@ <unk> women . 
 The population of the Varanasi urban agglomeration in 2001 was 1 @,@ <unk> @,@ <unk> with a ratio of <unk> females every 1 @,@ 000 males . However , the area under Varanasi Nagar Nigam has a population of 1 @,@ 100 @,@ <unk> with a ratio of 883 females for every 1 @,@ 000 males . The literacy rate in the urban agglomeration is 77 % while that in the municipal corporation area is 78 % . Approximately 138 @,@ 000 people in the municipal area live in slums . 
 7 
 
 = = Economy = = 
 
 According to the 2006 City Development Plan for Varanasi , approximately 29 % of Varanasi 's population is employed . Approximately 40 % are employed in manufacturing , 26 % work in trade and commerce , 19 % work in other services , 8 % work in transport and communication , 4 % work in agriculture , 2 % work in construction , and 2 % are marginal workers ( working for less than half of the year ) . 
 Among manufacturing workers , 51 % work in spinning and weaving , 15 % work in metal , 6 % work in printing and publishing , 5 % work in electrical machinery , and the rest work in a wide variety of industry sectors . Varanasi 's manufacturing industry is not well developed and is dominated by small @-@ scale industries and household production . 
 Silk weaving is the dominant industry in Varanasi . Muslims are the influential community in this industry with nearly half a million of them working as <unk> , <unk> , <unk> <unk> , and <unk> . Weaving is typically done within the household , and most <unk> are <unk> Ansari Muslims . Varanasi is known throughout India for its production of very fine silk and <unk> <unk> , <unk> with gold and silver thread work , which are often used for weddings and special occasions . The production of silk often uses bonded child labour , though perhaps not at a higher rate than elsewhere in India . The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer @-@ generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk imports . 
 In the metal manufacturing sector , <unk> <unk> Works is a major employer . Bharat Heavy <unk> Limited , a large power equipment manufacturer , also operates a heavy equipment maintenance plant . Other major commodities manufactured and traded in Varanasi include hand @-@ <unk> <unk> carpets , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , wooden and clay toys , <unk> , gold jewellery , and musical instruments . Important agricultural products include <unk> leaves ( for <unk> ) , <unk> <unk> and <unk> ( solidified milk ) . 
 Tourism is Varanasi 's second most important industry . Over 3 million domestic and 200 @,@ 000 foreign tourists visit annually ( in 2005 and 2010 , respectively ) , most commonly for religious purposes . Most domestic tourists are from <unk> , West Bengal , <unk> Pradesh , and Uttar Pradesh , while the majority of foreign tourists are from Sri Lanka and Japan . The peak tourist season falls between October and March . In total , there are around 12 @,@ 000 beds available in the city , of which about one half are in inexpensive budget hotels and one third in <unk> . Overall , Varanasi 's tourist infrastructure is not well developed . 
 The prominent malls and <unk> in Varanasi are <unk> Mall in the Varanasi <unk> area , IP Mall in Sigra , IP Vijaya Mall in <unk> , and PDR in <unk> . The city has several banks , including the Allahabad Bank , Andhra Bank , Bank of <unk> , <unk> Bank , Central Bank of India , Corporation Bank , Indian Overseas Bank , and State Bank of India . 
 
 = = Notable landmarks = = 
 
 Apart from the 19 archaeological sites identified by the Archaeological Survey of India , some of the prominent places of interest are the <unk> <unk> , the Alamgir Mosque , the <unk> <unk> , the Bharat Kala <unk> ( Art Museum ) , the Bharat Mata Temple , the Central University for <unk> Studies , the <unk> Temple , the Durga Temple , the Jantar Mantar , the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple , the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi <unk> , the New Vishwanath Temple on the BHU campus , the Ramnagar Fort , the <unk> Ghats , the Tulsi Manas Temple . 
 
 = = = Jantar Mantar = = = 
 
 The Jantar Mantar observatory , constructed in 1737 , is located above the ghats along the Ganges , and is adjacent to the <unk> and <unk> Ghats and near the palace of Raja Jai Singh of <unk> . While less equipped than the observatories at <unk> and Delhi , the Jantar Mantar has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person . 
 
 = = = Ramnagar Fort = = = 
 
 The Ramnagar Fort , located near the Ganges on its eastern bank and opposite the Tulsi Ghat , was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja <unk> Singh with cream @-@ coloured <unk> sandstone . The fort is a typical example of the Mughal architecture with carved balconies , open courtyards , and scenic pavilions . At present , the fort is in disrepair . The fort and its museum are the <unk> of the history of the kings of Benares . Cited as an " eccentric " museum , it contains a rare collection of American vintage cars , bejewelled <unk> chairs , an impressive weaponry hall , and a rare <unk> clock . In addition , manuscripts , especially religious writings , are housed in the <unk> <unk> which is a part of a museum within the fort . Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style are also part of the collections . Because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges , it is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for films . 
 
 = = = Ghats = = = 
 
 The Ghats in Varanasi are world @-@ renowned embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions . The ghats are an integral complement to the Hindu concept of divinity represented in physical , metaphysical , and supernatural elements . Varanasi has at least 84 ghats , most of which are used for bathing by pilgrims and spiritually significant Hindu puja ceremony , while a few are used exclusively as Hindu cremation sites . Steps in the ghats lead to the banks of Ganges , including the Dashashwamedh Ghat , the Manikarnika Ghat , the Panchganga Ghat , and the Harishchandra Ghat , where Hindus <unk> their dead . Many ghats are associated with Hindu legends and several are now privately owned . 
 Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha control . Many ghats were constructed under the patronage of the <unk> , <unk> ( <unk> ) , <unk> , <unk> , and <unk> . Most of the ghats are bathing ghats , while others are used as cremation sites . A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular tourist attraction . The extensive stretches of ghats in Varanasi enhance the <unk> with a multitude of shrines , temples , and palaces built " tier on tier above the water 's edge " . 
 The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varanasi located on the Ganges , close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple . It is believed that Brahma created this ghat to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa @-@ <unk> <unk> performed there . Above and adjacent to this ghat , there are also temples dedicated to <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> <unk> , Ganga ( the Ganges ) , and <unk> Devi , which are all important pilgrimage sites . A group of priests perform " Agni <unk> " ( Sanskrit : " Worship of Fire " ) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva , Ganga , Surya ( Sun ) , Agni ( Fire ) , and the entire universe . Special <unk> are held on <unk> and on religious festivals . 
 The Manikarnika Ghat is the <unk> , the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city . <unk> the ghat , there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals . According to a myth it is said that an <unk> of Shiva or his wife Sati fell here . Fourth @-@ century Gupta period inscriptions mention this ghat . However , the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in <unk> and has been renovated at least three times throughout its existence . 
 The Jain Ghat or <unk> Ghat is a Jain Ghat and has three Jain Temples located on the banks of the River . It is believed that the Jain <unk> used to own these <unk> Ghat has three Jain temples near the river 's banks and one them is a very ancient temple of <unk> <unk> . 
 
 = = = Temples = = = 
 
 further information at Religion in Varanasi 
 Among the estimated 23 @,@ 000 temples in Varanasi , the temples most popular for worship are : the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva ; the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple ; and the Durga Temple , known for monkeys that reside in the large trees nearby . 
 The Kashi Vishwanath Temple , on the Ganges , is one of the 12 <unk> Shiva temples in Varanasi . The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its existence . The Gyanvapi Mosque , which is adjacent to the temple , is the original site of the temple . The temple , which is also known as the Golden Temple , was built in <unk> by Queen <unk> <unk> of <unk> . The two pinnacles of the temple are covered in gold and were donated in 1839 by <unk> Singh , the ruler of Punjab . The dome is scheduled to receive gold plating through a proposed initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs of Uttar Pradesh . Numerous rituals , prayers , and <unk> are held daily at the temple between 02 : 30 and 23 : 00 . 
 The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple , which is situated by the <unk> River , is one of the sacred temples of the Hindu god Hanuman . The present temple was built in the early 1900s by the <unk> and Indian independence figure , Pandit <unk> Mohan <unk> , the founder of Banaras Hindu University . According to Hindu legend the temple was built on the very spot where the medieval Hindu saint Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman . During a 7 March 2006 terrorist attack , one of three explosions hit the temple while a wedding was in progress , and resulted in injuries to 30 people apart from 23 deaths . Following the attack , a permanent police post was installed inside the temple . 
 There are two temples named " Durga " in Varanasi : Durga Mandir built in the 16th century ( exact date not known ) , and Durga Kund ( Sanskrit ' <unk> ' meaning " pond or pool " ) built in the 18th century . A large number of Hindu devotees visit Durga Kund during <unk> to worship the goddess Durga . The temple , built in the <unk> architectural style , has multi @-@ tiered <unk> and is stained red with <unk> , representing the red colour of Durga . The building has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund ( " Kund " meaning a pond or pool ) . During annual celebrations of Nag <unk> , the act of depicting the god Vishnu <unk> on the serpent <unk> is recreated in the Kund . While the Annapurna Temple , located nearby to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , is dedicated to Annapurna , the goddess of food , the Sankatha Temple adjacent to the <unk> Ghat is dedicated to Sankatha , the goddess of remedy . The Sankatha Temple has a large sculpture of a lion and a cluster of nine smaller temples dedicated to the nine planets . Other temples of note are : the Bharat Mata Temple , dedicated to the national personification of India , which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 , the <unk> Temple , the <unk> <unk> Temple , and the New Vishwanath Temple located in the campus of BHU , the Tulsi Manas Mandir . 
 Parshvanath Jain temple : The Parshvanath Jain temple , Varanasi is temple of Jain religion dedicated to Parshvanath , the 23rd <unk> who was born at <unk> in Varanasi . The idol deified in the temple is of black colour and 75 cm in height . It is located in <unk> about 5 km from the centre of Varanasi city and 3 km from the Benares Hindu University . It belongs to the <unk> sect of Jainism and is a holy <unk> or pilgrimage centre for Jains 
 
 = = = <unk> = = = 
 
 There are 15 mosques of significant historical value in Varanasi . Of particular note are the Abdul <unk> , Alamgir , <unk> <unk> , <unk> , <unk> <unk> <unk> , <unk> , <unk> <unk> , <unk> and <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> . Many of these mosques were constructed from the components of the Hindu shrines which were destroyed under the auspices of subsequent Muslim invaders or rulers . The two well known mosques are the Gyanvapi Mosque and the <unk> Mosque . 
 The Gyanvapi Mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1664 CE , after destroying a Hindu temple . <unk> <unk> ( Sanskrit : " the well of knowledge " ) , the name of the mosque , is derived from a well of the same name located within the precincts of the mosque . The remains of an <unk> temple can be seen in the foundation , the columns and at the rear part of the mosque The façade of the mosque is modelled partially on the Taj <unk> 's entrance . The mosque is administered by the <unk> <unk> <unk> ( <unk> ) . 
 The <unk> Mosque was built in the 17th century by emperor Aurangzeb over the ruins of a Hindu temple . The Hindu temple that was destroyed was dedicated to Vishnu , and had been built by Beni <unk> Rao <unk> , a Maratha chieftain . When emperor Aurangzeb had captured Banaras , he had ordered total destruction of all Hindu temples there . Aurangzeb then built a mosque over the ruins of this temple in 1669 and named it as <unk> Mosque in the name of his own honorific title " Alamgir " which he had adopted after becoming the emperor of Mughal empire . The mosque is located at a prominent site above the Panchganga Ghat , which is a funerary ghat facing the Ganges . The mosque is <unk> a blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture , particularly because of the lower part of the walls of the mosque having been built fully with the remains of the Hindu temple . The mosque has high <unk> and <unk> . Two of its <unk> had been damaged ; one <unk> crashed killing a few people and the other <unk> was officially brought down because of stability concerns . Non @-@ Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque . The mosque has a security cordon of a police force . 
 
 = = = <unk> Guru Ravidass <unk> <unk> = = = 
 
 <unk> Guru Ravidass <unk> <unk> , at Seer <unk> is the ultimate place of pilgrimage or religious headquarters for followers of the <unk> religion . The foundation stone of this Mandir was laid on 14 June 1965 on <unk> <unk> day at the birthplace of Guru Ravidass . The temple was completed in 1994 . 
 
 = = Culture = = 
 
 
 = = = Literature = = = 
 
 Varanasi has its own culture of fine art and literature . <unk> Indian writers who have resided in the city were Kabir , Ravidas , and Tulsidas , who wrote much of his Ram <unk> Manas here . <unk> <unk> wrote the best known account of <unk> in Varanasi in the 15th century , Later writers of the city have included <unk> <unk> , Baldev <unk> , <unk> Harishchandra , <unk> <unk> <unk> , <unk> Prasad <unk> , <unk> Prasad , <unk> <unk> , <unk> Ali , <unk> Prasad <unk> , <unk> Chandra <unk> , <unk> <unk> ( <unk> ) , <unk> Shastri , and <unk> <unk> Mishra . 
 Several newspapers and journals are or were published in Varanasi such as Varanasi <unk> and its successor <unk> , which became a weekly journal , first published on 1 June 1851 . The main newspaper is Aj , a Hindi @-@ language nationalist newspaper first published in 1920 . The newspaper was the <unk> of the Indian National Congress and is still a major newspaper of Hindi northern India . 
 
 = = = Art = = = 
 
 Varanasi is a major centre of arts and designs . It is a producer of <unk> and <unk> with gold and silver thread work , carpet weaving , wooden toys , <unk> made of glass , ivory work , perfumes , artistic brass and copper ware and a variety of <unk> . The former <unk> graveyard during the British Raj is now the location of Varanasi 's Arts and <unk> . 
 Artists ( musicians and dancers ) and historians of repute who belonged to this city were : Anand Krishna , <unk> Mishra , <unk> Khan , musicians <unk> Thakur , Ravi Shankar , <unk> Devi , Gopal Shankar <unk> , <unk> <unk> Maharaj , <unk> Maharaj , <unk> <unk> , N. <unk> , <unk> <unk> , <unk> Devi , <unk> Prasad , <unk> Devi , Thakur <unk> Singh , and Pandit <unk> Maharaj . 
 
 = = = Music = = = 
 
 Varanasi ’ s music tradition is traced to the <unk> days . According to ancient legend , Shiva is credited with evolving music and dance forms . During the medieval era , Vaishnava , a <unk> movement , grew in popularity , and Varanasi became a thriving centre for musicians such as <unk> , Kabir , <unk> , <unk> and Tulsidas . During the <unk> rule of <unk> Chandra in the 16th century , the Dhrupad style of singing received royal patronage and led to other related forms of music such as <unk> , <unk> , and <unk> . <unk> the Dhrupad <unk> Pandit <unk> <unk> from Varanasi is working for the revival of this art @-@ music . 
 In recent times , <unk> Devi , the native famous classical singer of <unk> , was widely appreciated and respected for her musical renderings . Varanasi is also associated with many great <unk> such as <unk> <unk> Khan , Pandit <unk> Maharaj , and Pandit Ravi Shankar , the famous <unk> player and <unk> who was given the highest civilian award of the country , the Bharat <unk> . Varanasi has joined the global <unk> of UNESCO " Cities of Music " under the Creative Cities Network . Varanasi chosen in music category of creative cities network clearly signifies the rich musical heritage of this ancient city . 
 
 = = = Festivals = = = 
 
 On <unk> ( February ) , a procession of Shiva proceeds from the <unk> Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple . Dhrupad <unk> is a five @-@ day musical festival devoted to <unk> style held at Tulsi Ghat in February – March . The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates Hanuman <unk> ( March – April ) , the birthday of Hanuman . A special puja , <unk> , and a public procession is organised . Since 1923 , the temple has organised a five @-@ day classical music and dance concert festival named Sankat Mochan <unk> <unk> , when iconic artists from all parts of India are invited to perform . 
 The <unk> of Ramnagar is a dramatic enactment of Rama 's legend , as told in <unk> . The plays , sponsored by Kashi Naresh , are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days . On the last day , the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama <unk> the demon king Ravana . Kashi Naresh <unk> Narayan Singh started this tradition around 1830 . 
 Nag <unk> is celebrated on the fourth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik ( October – November ) . It commemorates the victory of Krishna over the serpent <unk> . On this occasion , a large <unk> tree ( <unk> <unk> ) branch is planted on the banks of the Ganges so that a boy , playing the role of Krishna , can jump into the river on to the effigy representing <unk> . He stands over the effigy in a dancing pose playing the flute , while an audience watches from the banks of the river or from boats . Bharat <unk> celebrates the meeting of Rama and his younger brother Bharata after the return of the former after 14 years of exile . It is celebrated during October – November , a day after the festival of <unk> . Kashi Naresh attends this festival in his regal attire . The festival attracts a large number of devotees . 
 Ganga <unk> is a five @-@ day music festival organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department , held in November – December . It culminates a day before Kartik <unk> , also called the Ganges festival . On this occasion the Ganges is attended by thousands of pilgrims , release <unk> lamps to float in the river from the ghats . 
 Every year , the primary Muslim festivals celebrated in the city are the <unk> @-@ ul @-@ <unk> ' ( <unk> ) , <unk> , <unk> @-@ e @-@ <unk> , <unk> <unk> and <unk> . Additional festivals include <unk> and <unk> . A non @-@ religious festival observed by Muslims is <unk> @-@ <unk> @-@ <unk> @-@ <unk> ( " the marriage of <unk> <unk> " ) . 
 
 = = Education = = 
 
 Historically , Varanasi has been a centre for education in India , attracting students and scholars from across the country . Varanasi has an overall literacy rate of 80 % ( male literacy : 85 % , female literacy : 75 % ) . It is home to a number of colleges and universities . Most notably , it is the site of Banaras Hindu University ( BHU ) , which is one of the largest residential universities in Asia with over 20 @,@ 000 students . The Indian Institute of Technology , BHU is designated an Institute of National Importance and is one of 16 Indian Institutes of Technology . Other colleges and universities in Varanasi include <unk> Arabic College , the Institute of Integrated Management and Technology ( <unk> ) , Mahatma Gandhi Kashi <unk> , <unk> <unk> Kala <unk> , <unk> Sanskrit University , Sri <unk> <unk> <unk> College , and <unk> <unk> <unk> College . Various engineering colleges have been established in the outskirts of the city . 
 St. Joseph 's <unk> School , in <unk> , in Varanasi was established by the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence of France as a Catholic ( Christian ) minority institution with due approval of the Government of Uttar Pradesh . It is an autonomous organisation under the Bishop of Varanasi Diocese . It provides education not only to the Catholic Christian children but also to others who abide by its rules . 
 Another important institution is the Central Hindu School ( <unk> ) , Varanasi which was established by Annie Besant in July 1898 with the objective of <unk> secular education , is located in <unk> . It is one of the reputed schools in the country and is also one of the largest such schools . It is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education ( <unk> ) It is open to students of all culture . 
 Schools in Varanasi are affiliated with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education ( <unk> ) , the <unk> , or the Uttar Pradesh Board of Technical Education ( <unk> Board ) . The overall " state of education in Varanasi is ... not good . " Schools in Varanasi vary widely in quality , with private schools <unk> government schools . In government schools , many teachers fail to come to class or to teach children . Some government schools lack basic equipment , such as <unk> and sufficient <unk> and chairs for all students . Private schools vary in quality , with the most expensive conducting lessons in English ( seen as a key to children 's success ) and having computers in classrooms . Pupils attending the more expensive private schools , tended to come from upper @-@ class families . Lower @-@ cost private schools attracted children from lower @-@ income families or those lower @-@ income families with higher education aspirations . Government schools tend to serve lower @-@ class children with lower education aspirations . 
 
 = = Sport = = 
 
 Basketball , cricket , and field hockey are popular sports in Varanasi . The main stadium in the city is the Sigra Stadium , also known as Dr <unk> Stadium , where first @-@ class cricket matches are held . Local cricket matches are also played on the BHU Ground Dr. <unk> Rao sports complex . 
 The Physical Education Faculty of Arts of BHU offers <unk> courses in Sports Management , Sports <unk> , Sports Psychology and Sports <unk> . 
 <unk> is also popular in Varanasi , and many Indian girls practice outdoors at the ghats in the mornings which hosts <unk> , where " morning exercise , a dip in the Ganges and a visit to Lord Hanuman " forms a daily ritual . Despite concerns regarding water quality , two swimming clubs offer swimming lessons in the Ganges . 
 The Varanasi District Chess Sports Association ( <unk> ) is based in Varanasi , affiliated to the regional Uttar Pradesh Chess Sports Association ( <unk> ) . <unk> <unk> <unk> College is also known for its world class athletes like <unk> Singh . 
 
 = = Transport = = 
 
 Varanasi is well @-@ connected by air , rail and road . One of the major factors in Varanasi 's is its access to all parts of the country . Within the city mobility is provided by taxis , rickshaws , cycle rickshaws and three <unk> but with certain restrictions in the old town area of the city . 
 Varanasi is served by Lal <unk> Shastri International Airport , which is approximately 26 km ( 16 mi ) from the city centre in <unk> . The airport inaugurated a new terminal in 2010 , and it was granted international airport status on 4 October 2012 . Air India , Buddha Air , Jet Airways , Jet <unk> , <unk> , and <unk> operate flights from Varanasi to Delhi , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , <unk> , Lucknow , Mumbai , Hyderabad , Bangalore , and Kolkata . Over 330 @,@ 000 passengers pass through the airport each year . 
 Varanasi Junction , commonly known as Varanasi <unk> Railway Station , is the city 's largest train station . More than 360 @,@ 000 passengers and 240 trains pass through each day . Some of the important express trains operating from the Varanasi Junction railway station are : the <unk> Varanasi Express that runs between <unk> ( <unk> ) junction and Varanasi , a distance of 1 @,@ 398 kilometres ( <unk> mi ) ; the Kashi Vishwanath Express that runs between Varanasi and New Delhi Railway Station ; the Kanpur Varanasi <unk> express , also called Varuna express , which runs over a distance of 355 kilometres ( 221 mi ) and connects with Lucknow ( the capital city of Uttar Pradesh ) and Kanpur ; and the <unk> Express which runs between Varanasi and <unk> . Varanasi lies along National Highway 2 , which connects it to Kolkata , Kanpur , <unk> , and Delhi . National Highway 29 connects Varanasi to <unk> via <unk> to the northeast . National Highway 56 connects Varanasi to Lucknow via <unk> and <unk> , to the northwest . National Highway 7 , the longest National Highway in India , is the most important road connecting Varanasi to southern India , passing through the cities of Hyderabad , Bangalore , Salem , <unk> , <unk> , and <unk> . Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the most widely available forms of public transport in old city . In the outer regions of the city , buses are common , and taxis are available . 
 
 = = Twin towns – Sister cities = = 
 
 Varanasi is twinned with : 
 <unk> , Japan 
 
 