Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh that dates back to the 11th century BC and is considered the spiritual capital of India, attracting Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets there are around 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the "golden temple", dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This holy city has a spiritual heritage that goes back more than 3000 years. Varanasi has remained an important center of pilgrimage in India and for those visiting the country from abroad, it reflects the original India. Today, Varanasi is a busy centre, where all winding roads look the same, always crowded and the smell of incense and burning wood melts in the air. Varanasi is also a reflection of different architecture, from the kings of Bengal to the Maharaja of Rajasthan; All contributed to making Varanasi an example of the rich Indian culture, with its magnificent buildings and temples with exceptional architecture.