Kasi (Kashi) was an ancient kingdom with Varanasi as its capital on the banks of Ganges River. It was a holy place even during epic times. Lord Siva was worshiped here with great devotion. Sumitra the third wife of Kosala king Dasaratha was from Kasi. Lakshmana and Sathrughna were her twin sons. Lakshmana built the city of Lakshmanapura (Lucknow) not far from Kasi. Kuru king Vichitravirya’s wives Ambika and Ambalika were from Kasi, who were abducted by the Kuru warrior Bhishma along with their elder sister Amba. Kuru king Dhritarashtra was son of Ambika and Pandu the son of Ambalika.
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