Kashi: The Gateway to Spiritual Journey
🌿 Introduction: Amaravati Kashi
Kashi (Varanasi) is not just a city – it is an eternity of spirituality, death and salvation . Every step here is filled with the touch of God. This holy land, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is said by the Puranas to have stood on the trident of Shiva . This Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is The heart of Kashi is the Ganga River, which flows here as the northern channel . It has the power to wash away sins .
Major temples
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it is the most sacred for devotees of Lord Shiva. This temple, always bustling with devotees, reflects the glory of Lord Shiva.
- Annapurna Devi Temple: The temple of the goddess Annapurna, who is known as the mother who provides food to devotees. Nearby is the Vishwanath Temple.
- Kalabhairava Swamy Temple: This temple houses Kalabhairava, the ruler of Kashi, and is considered the “protective shield of Kashi”. It is believed that no one can enter Kashi without his permission.
- Visalakshi Ammavari Temple:This temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. Legend has it that Sati Devi’s Karna Poorna (ear) fell here. The mother, who appeared as Vishalakshi next to Vishwanath, gives complete spirituality to Kashi. This temple, which reflects the unity of Shiva and Shakti, showcases the feminine power.
- Sankatamochana Hanuman Temple: It is believed that visiting Lord Hanuman, who is a combination of power and devotion, will remove fears and difficulties.
Ganga Aarti – The moment my mind was filled with devotion
The Ganga Aarti held every evening at Dashashwamedha Ghat is truly an indescribable experience. The Aarti offered to Goddess Ganga with lamps, conch shells, and chanting of mantras transforms the mind into a peaceful one. Here, the river is seen not as a river but as a deity.
The specialty of Manikarnika Ghat
This is no ordinary ghat – it is known as the Akhand Chiti . Cremations take place here all day long, all year round. It is considered a place of liberation. This place, which gives a feeling of transcendence of birth and death, inspires peace rather than fear.
The Story of Kalabhairava – Shiva who controlled time
Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued about the superiority of worshipping Lord Shiva, who was incarnated as a linga. Then Lord Shiva transformed into the form of Bhairava and cut off one of Lord Brahma’s heads. As a result of that sin, he was guilty of killing Brahma and did penance by wandering around. Finally, he was reborn in Kashi as the form of Kala Bhairava. Since then, he is worshipped as the ruler of Kashi.
My personal feelings
- The first feeling I had upon entering Kashi was that this was no ordinary city… that there was a divine force in every corner.
- There was a mythical solemnity in the air. Even amidst the sounds of the bazaars and the hustle and bustle of the rickshaws, a calmness came over me.
- At Manikarnika Ghat, I truly understood the true meaning of life – “The end is not the end, it is also the beginning.”
- While watching the Ganga Aarti, I was completely immersed in the experience. I forgot about the world around me.
- The moment I stepped into the Kalabhairava temple, a kind of solemnity, a spiritual strength, was clearly felt within me. It was a divinity that I saw with devotion and humility, not with fear.
- I returned with a mind full of peace and a desire to visit this place again and again.
📍 Why should you visit Kashi?
- To see signs of spiritual power
- To experience the atmosphere of the Ganges banks that softens our hearts
- To question our life’s journey in the presence of Shiva
- To realize that indescribable power that brings a calmness, a stillness within
📿 Conclusion:
Kashi is not just a town – it is an experience, a life change . Death here is not scary, but a spiritual transformation .
Go to Kashi at least once – your life will change!
🔱 Har Har Mahadev! 🔱