Enlightenment, and the Death, which comes before it, is the primary business of Varanasi.
The city illumines truth and reveals reality. It does not bring new wonders into the scope of vision, but enables one to see what is already there. Where this eternal light intersects the earth, it is known as Kashi.
“Diana L. Eck, Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University”
“Varanasi, Benaras or Kashi is the oldest living city in the world. It's prominence for Hindu's is virtually unrevealed.”
Mark Twain
“I found Varanasi absolutely staggering. I have never seen anything like it before. The city just spills into the river Ganges. It's a holy place where people go to die. It's really, really extraordinary!”
Brad Pitt, Actor