Varanasi(1) is the fifth largest city in Uttar Pradesh(2), India(3), with 1.5 million people in the metropolis (1.1 million in the city proper, 2007). It is located on the Ganga (Ganges) River's north (left) bank,not far from the state's southeast border. Its Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or Golden Temple, houses a jyotirlinga of the god, Shiva; its Vishalakshi Temple is located where the goddess, Sati, also called Dakshuyani, is said to have dropped an earring. Not far away is the site of Sarnath, the Deer Park where Buddha is said to have given his first sermon.
(1) Also called Benares.
(2) Translates as Northern State.
(3) Its other official name, in transliteration, is Bharat.