It is the sacred city of the Hindus and is situated at the banks of river Ganga. The antiquity of the city dates back to the palmy days of Shaivism; for it is a city sacred to Shiva who is believed to have made it his permanent abode.
When Shaivism reached zenith of its glory, the city became the leading centre of Hindu culture and learning. The number of temples in Varanasi is computed to be over 2000 and idols half a million.
Most of the temples are dedicated to Shiva and the members of his family. The chief of the existing temples in Varanasi is the Vishwanath temple dedicated to Shiva.
A place most sacred to the Shiva is the Jnana-Vapi, the well of knowledge in which Shiva is believed to have taken refuge when the temples were destroyed. A bath in the waters of Manikarnika well of the temple is supposed to clean the body and the soul.
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The city typically represents Hinduism in all its phases. Alongside centres of culture, in which abstract forms of thought are almost scientifically analysed, there exists gross superstition and faiths.