Varanasi (Kashi / Benaras) is the oldest continuously inhabited city on Earth and the spiritual capital of Hindu civilization. Every ritual, prayer, and pilgrimage at the 84 ghats and the Kashi Vishwanath temple is timed to Kashi's actual sunrise — this is where the Vedic Panchang system was developed and standardized. Avoiding Rahu Kaal before auspicious activities is not optional in Kashi — it is sacred duty.
Varanasi (83.0°E) is closest to the IST standard meridian (82.5°E) among major Indian cities — only 0.5 degrees east. Ancient Panchang publishers used Varanasi as the reference longitude.
25 प्रमुख भारतीय शहरांसाठी राहू काळ.