Final answer:
The attainment of moksha in Hinduism is a complex process associated with the accumulation of good karma and adherence to one's dharma. Varanasi is a holy city that is believed to offer a direct path to moksha if one dies there, but this belief varies among individuals and interpretations of Hindu teachings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that one can obtain moksha if you die at the birthplace of Shiva (Varanasi or Benares) relates to beliefs within Hinduism about moksha and the significance of Varanasi. According to Hindu beliefs, moksha is the liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) and is the ultimate spiritual goal. The answer to the claim is not a simple true or false as it highly depends on one's personal beliefs and the interpretations of Hindu teachings. However, Varanasi is indeed considered a holy city where people believe it is auspicious to die, as it could grant one a direct path to moksha, due to the city's association with Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
In Hindu tradition, achieving moksha is associated with the soul's release from samsara through the accumulation of good karma over many lifetimes, adherence to one's dharma (duty), and often through spiritual practices such as yoga. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and many believe that dying there offers a special spiritual benefit, though the attainment of moksha ultimately depends on the individual's karma and spiritual progression. Pilgrimages to holy sites like Varanasi are common in Hinduism, and while they are considered important, they are not the only path to achieve moksha.