13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Holier than thou
Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. One of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites and also a Shakti Pitha site, it is the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Myths and hymns speak of the waters of the Ganges River as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. The particular river-side location of Benaras is considered especially potent.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 12.2013 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2015 |
Photo Location: | Varanasi, India, India |
Camera: | Canon EOS-1D Mark IV |
Copyright: | © ARCHNA SINGH |