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.