Avimuktaka, Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana, Ramya, and Kasi. [ edit ] History Main article: Kasi Kingdom Painting of Benares in 1890. According to legend , the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Shiva , around 5,000 years ago, [3] .thus making it one of the most important pilgrimage