Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world.

Varanasi, the abode of Lord Shiva is situated on the crescent shaped left (western) bank of River Ganges. The city has been known by many different names since ancient times. Avimukta, Anandvana, Mahashamshana, Kashi (city of spiritual light), Varanasi, Banaras or Benaras are some of them. The city lies to the south of Varuna River & north of Assi River, hence the name Varanasi. According to one mythological belief these rivers originated from the left and right legs of lord Vishnu and Varanasi is supposed to have occupied the area between these two rivers, which is considered to be the holiest land.

The city is full of historical temples which are the major tourist attractions. Varanasi is also the pilgrimage site for both Buddhists & Jains. It has the honour of being the birthplace of four Thirthankars, viz., Suparshav, Chandraprabhu, Shreas & Parshva. Many Jain temples and dharmshalas are situated in different parts of the city and attract Jain devotees from all over the world.

The city has many noted institutions such as BHU, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Kashi Vidyapeeth etc. It has also been an important centre of Sanskrit studies and a great cultural centre of music & craft of silk weaving.

Vindhyachal, one of the constituent town of the Mirzapur district. Situated in the middle of the two holy cities- Allahabad and Varanasi on the bank of River Ganges .The city is dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini and is one of the renowned Shaktipeethas of the country and an important religious and pilgrim centre. There are many other temples and mineral springs (locally known as Kunds) in the vicinity of the town. Vindhyavasini, Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh are three main Shakti temples here, located on the three corners of Vindhya Parvat. The divine trinity is worshipped here as Ma Laxmi, Ma Kali and Ma Saraswati. People come here to seek blessings from goddess of power.