City of Varanasi

Kāśī (काशी: Kashi), the city is referred to as "City of Light". Derived from Sanskrit verbal root kaś- "to shine", making Varanasi known as the "luminous city as an inspiration of learning". The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for ages and lists as one of world's oldest continually inhabited cities. The city, according to traditional lores and legends, was founded by Shiva & Parvati and has a central place in the cultural traditions of pilgrimage, mysticism and moksha in the world. Mark Twain, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."