Banaras: the holy city

Presents various facets of life in the ageless city of Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Benares. The origin of the city is not known. It has been a Hindu sacred city, the home of Shiva, Lord of the Universe, for centuries. Includes prayers and chants, ceremonies and acts of devotions in temples and on the holy river bank; traditional Hindu schools; the 200 year-old observatory, centre of astrology; Sanskrit education at the University of Banaras; traditions and cottage industries; the nearby shrine where Buddha preached his first sermon; Buddhist devotions around it.