Khan Academy: Varanasi: Sacred City

This is a short documentary [3:20] about one of India's most sacred cities, Varanasi. One of the holiest sites in India is Varanasi located along the banks of the river Ganges. Each year millions of pilgrims come to visit the sacred city also known as Banaras or Kashi, the City of Light. The principal deity here is Shiva. He and other gods and goddesses are worshiped at thousands of temples throughout the city stone steps called carts, lead pilgrims down to the river every morning devotees can be found immersing themselves in the holy water, chanting to the Rising Sun. The waters are taught to clean and purify. Along the carts are platforms where Brahmin priests and other holy men dispense prayers, debate texts, and conduct various rituals.