From the oldest living city in the world, Kashi is one of them. The city Varanasi in ancient times was known as Kashi; therefore, the name of the temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Mark Twain, English literature and author, has also depicted Kashi. It is believed that the Ganga has the power to wash away the sins of the sinners. It was the home of lords Shiva and Parvati, although the origin of Kashi is unknown till today. Along with the jyotirlinga of Shiva, there is the jyotirlinga of Vishwanath or Vishveshvara. Inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath temple, many different temples across India were built in its style. 

King kasha expanded the city of Kashi. He was the grandson of kshatravriddhas and the great-grandson of Ayu. So on the name of king ‘Kasha,’ the town of Varanasi was known as Kashi. The kingdom of Kashi was a historical Indian province situated in the area near the capital city Varanasi. The river Varuna was bounded to the north, and Asi to the south, and the east part has Son river. At the beginning of the 6th century BCE, in northern India, there were 16 ‘mahajanapadas’ from which Kashi was one of them. The Son river was the western part of the state ‘Magadh.’

Technically, the province of Kashi today would be overlooked by the Bhojpuri people. As stated in the Puranas, Kashi mahajanapada might still be greater than covered in Panch Kosh Kashi. Despite the superiority of Magadh, in the era of Chanakya, Kashi was still the centre for Secular and Vedic education. As per the report by the Chinese travellers, when Varanasi appeared under the significance of Buddhism, Shahabad was the sovereignty of Hindu Shaivite culture. Varanasi was one of the prosperous cities of India, known for its wealth and extravagance as per the Jataka Tales.

The king of Kashi Brihadrath dominated Kosala, but during the time of the Buddha, king Kansa combined Kashi into Kosala. The preaching of Buddhism was primarily begun by Siddharth Gautam in Kashi.

What is the story behind the Banaras?
 
Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
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