Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares or Banaras, is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and is the holiest place on earth for Hindus. Sarnath, near Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Varanasi has nearly 100 ghats, or flights of steps, leading down into the river. Most are bathing ghats, but others are used for cremation. At dawn each day, thousands of pilgrims dash into the Ganges to worship Surya, the sun, regarded as the visible manifestation of God. Varanasi is a noted center for silk-weaving, brassware and carpets. Its exquisite gold-embroidered saris are famous throughout India.