Varanasi, the abode of Lord Shiva has also embraced other sects including Vaisnavism. If Shiva is Nataraja or Natesha, Krishna is known as Natavara dancing with gopis. There are traditions which reveal that Kashi was once a Vaishnava stronghold. In the medieval period many Vaishnava saints from different quarters thronged to Varanasi to preach and popularise their faith. The book projects the Vaishnava contribution to Varanasi in literature, sculptural and other artistic renderings, visual and performing arts, temples, festivals and ceremonies.