Richly-carved temple gateway at Varanasi from the Kitchener of Khartoum Collection: 'Views of Benares. Presented by the Maharaja of Benares', photographed by Madho Prasad, c. 1905. Varanasi situated on the west bank of the Ganges river is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. The river was said to have descended from heaven to earth, it is regarded by Hindus as amrita, the elixir of life; those who touch the water are said to be absolved of sin. Varanasi, founded in the sixth century BC is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus and is known as a tirtha, or 'crossing place' which allows the devotee access to the divine and where gods and goddesses can come down to earth. Varanasi has several hundred beautiful temples.
