Matsya Purana 180.47

180.47

devadeva uvāca.
idaṃ guhyatamaṃ kṣetraṃ sadā vārāṇasī mama.
sarveṣāmeva bhūtānāṃ heturmokṣasya sarvadā .. 180.47 ..

Mahâdeva said—“*This sacred city of Kâśî is My best place* It is always the giver of emancipation to all It is the most mysterious place of all Deva! this place is full of My devotees There are many Siddhas, who have taken up vows and there are various orders of saints and Sâdhus, with various Lingas or signs, practising highest yogas and wanting My regions.—47 48