What is the connection between Vishuddha Chakra and Lord Shiva at Varanasi?

Varanasi (Kashi) is traditionally considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva in His form as Neelakantha — the Blue-Throated One — which is directly connected to the Vishuddha Chakra. The name Neelakantha refers to Shiva act of drinking the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan and holding it in His throat to protect creation — the supreme mythological expression of the Vishuddha function of containing and transforming what is toxic or difficult. Pilgrimage to Varanasi and the Ganga Aarti are collective practices for awakening the Vishuddha Chakra.