● Hindu · Sacred place
Varanasi
वाराणसी
The oldest living city on earth — where Shiva himself grants liberation at death
Varanasi (Kashi) on the banks of the Ganga is considered the most sacred city in Hinduism and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth (over 3,000 years). It is said that dying in Kashi guarantees liberation — Shiva himself whispers the Taraka mantra into the ear of the dying. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat at sunset is one of the most spectacular religious ceremonies in the world. Varanasi is also where the Buddha gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath, making it sacred to Buddhism as well.
KashiBenaresCity of LightMahashmashana
See it as a constellationTap connections to travel, one hop at a timePlaces
Shivapresides overHanumanrevered at Sankat Mochan templeIndraconnected through Vedic geographyParshvanathaborn inGautama Buddhafirst sermon near (Sarnath)SarnathSarnath is nearbyKabirlived and died inChhath Pujaobserved at ghats ofMahashivaratrigrandest atHanuman JayantiSankat Mochan templeGangaflows through
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A 60-second practice
Light a candle or lamp at sunset today. As the flame burns, imagine offering every burden you carry into it — as Kashi devotees offer diyas to the Ganga.
Best at sunset — the time of the Ganga Aarti.
Keep this offering free
MyBrahman is free and ad-free for everyone. If it has given you something, dāna keeps the lamp lit.
Educational purposes only. Compiled from general reference sources and not reviewed by any religious authority. No disrespect is intended to any deity, tradition, scripture or community. For authoritative guidance, consult qualified scholars and primary texts.