therein. [15] Another reference to Varanasi is found in a hymn by Sri Veda Vyasa : Ganga-taranga-ramaneeya-jataakalaapam, Gauri-nirantara-vibhushita-vaamabhaagam. Narayanapriyam-Ananga-madaapahaaram, Varanasi-pura-patim bhaja Vishwanatham. History According to legend , the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva , around 5,000 years ago, [3] thus making it one of the most important