KAASI (Varanasi) - A SACROSANCT PLACE

Significance of Vaaranaasi (Kaasi)

Varanaasi also commonly known as KAASI or Benares is a city situated on the left (west) bank of the river Ganga (Ganges) in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism, being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all denominations. It has the holy shrine of Lord Kaasi Viswanath (manifestation of Lord Shiva) and also one of his twelve most revered Jyothirlingas.

The name Vaaranaasi has its origin possibly from the names of two rivers Varuna and Assi for it lies with the confluence of Varuna with the Ganges being to its north and that of Assi and the Ganges to its south. Vaaranaasi is the Sanskrit name and Banaras is the common name. Through the ages, Vaaranaasi was variously known as Avimukthaka, Aanandakaanana, Mahaasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarshana, Ramya, and Kaasi. Standing on the western banks of India's holiest river Ganges, Vaaranaasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India.

It is in the heart of this city that, there stands in its fullest majesty the Kaasi Viswanaath temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial. It is said that, a simple glimpse of Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience. This Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance as it is believed that, the merits earned by darshan of other Jyothirlingas scattered in various parts of India accrue to a devotee by a single visit to Kaasi Vishwanaath temple.

The word ‘Kaasi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine (to glitter or to sparkle, or luminous). Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kaasi is the ‘original ground ‘created by Shiva and Parvathi, upon which they stood at the beginning of time. It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Mention about Kaasi is made in many Hindu scriptures, including Rig-Veda, Skhaanda Purana, Raamayana and Mahabharata. According to Vaamana Purana, Varuna and Assi rivers originated from the body of Primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be ‘Vaaranaasi’, the holiest of all pilgrimages.

Origin of Kaasi Kshethra...

It is said that once Lord Shiva had told Goddess Parvathi that ‘at the time of deluge (pralaya) all the three (Shiva, Parvathi and Kaasi) got manifested simultaneously by the grace of 'Aaadi Purusha' (The Almighty God). That is to say, Kaasi is as old as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Lord Vishnu is said to have created a divine reservoir at this place with his Sudarshana chakra and filled it up with his sweat and engaged himself in an austere penance. Lord Shiva appeared along with Goddess Parvathi before him and said that this holy place will become famously known as Manikarnika because this is the very place where he had once lost his ear ring.

“Lord Vishnu made a request to Shiva ' May this place fulfill the wishes of those who seek salvation since it is blessed with your eternal presence; hence, it’s another name would be Kaasi.' Lord Shiva assured him saying that “This sacrosanct place is very dear to me and no event takes place here against my wish, even if a person living here happens to be a sinner he has nothing to fear because I protect him.” One who lives far from Kaasi but remembers it with reverence becomes absolved of all his sins.”

Kaasi in Puraanaas...

It is said that the glory of Kaasi temple and its Lord Viswanaath was narrated by Skhanda (Lord Kaarthikeya; god of war) in Skhaanda Purana one of the 18 principal Hindu Puraanaas in its most celebrated chapter called Kaasi-Khaanda.

According to this mythology; Lord Kaarthikeya said that Kaasi cannot be attained by mere performing austerities and it can be attained only when one has the blessings of Lord Shiva. The one who is fortunate enough to have reached Kaasi must not leave it till he is alive. There is no holy place as dear to Lord Shiva as Kaasi which is not abandoned by him as well as his consort Parvathi; even at the time of deluge. Lord Shiva named this holy place as Aanandavana, because it gave him immense joy.

According to Skaandha purana; sage Agasthya went on to clarify his wife Lopaamudra that there are many holy places capable of giving salvation. But none of them can match Kaasi because Kaasi is incomparable.

Kaasi was a holy place even during epic times. Lord Shiva was worshiped here with great devotion. Sumithra; third wife of Kosala king Dasaratha was from Kaasi. Raamayana fame Lakshmana and Sathrughna were her twin sons. In Mahaabhaaratha Kuru king Vichitraveerya's wives Ambika and Ambaalika were from Kasi; who were abducted by the Kuru warrior Bheeshma along with their elder sister Amba. Dhritharashtra was the son of Ambika and Paandu was son of Ambaalika.

Temples at Kaasi (Significance)

Vaaranaasi is a city of temples. It is said that there are more than 2000 temples in Kaasi. Every nook and corner in Kaasi has a temple. Though such small temples form the basis of daily local prayers and other rituals; there are many large temples too erected at different times through out the history of Varanasi.

Kaasi Vishwanaath Temple also called Golden Temple is located on the outskirts of Ganga. This temple makes Vaaranasi a place of great religious importance to Hindus as the Jyothirlinga of Lord Shiva is enshrined here. Temple opens daily at 2.30 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. This temple was once destroyed by the Muslim Emperor Aurangzeb who built a mosque over it. It was later resurrected at a location near the mosque, and is many times a cause of local strain among Hindus and Muslims.

Annapuurna Temple: Annapuurna is the Hindu Goddess of nourishment. Anna means food & grains and Puurna means full; complete and perfect. She is called the Supreme Goddess of the city of Kaasi. As Annapuurna she is the personification of food and source of all food. It is said that Goddess Parvathi took the form of Annapuurna and appeared with a golden pot full of cooked rice and a golden ladle; Lord Viswanaath himself asked Bhiksha from her. It is believed that even today, nobody sleeps with hunger in Kaasi. The temple of Annapuurna is located near the temple of Lord Viswanaath.

Visaalaakshi Temple (Goddess with wide eyes). Benares is considered to be one of the Shakti Peetas of India. It is believed that the ear rings of Goddess Sati fell at this place in Varanasi and this temple is one among the 18 Shakti Peetaas. It is one of the famous trinity of temples; Kanchi Kaamaakshi; Madura Meenaakshi; and Kaasi Visaalaakshi. This small temple is situated in one of the narrow lanes around Viswanaath temple.

Durga Temple; also nicknamed "Monkey temple" this temple got the name 'Monkey temple' because of the presence of large number of monkeys in the temple. According to legends, statue of Goddess Durga is said to be self manifested. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit this temple during Navaratri and other auspicious occasions.

Bindu Maadhava Temple: Among the ancient temples in the must-visit list of Kaasi temples is Bindu Maadhava temple near Panchaganga Ghaat. This temple is also one of trinity; Veni Maadhava at Sangam in Allahabad, Bindu Maadhava at Kaasi and Sethu Maadhava at Rameswaram.

Kaala Bhairav Temple: It is the ancient temple of Vaaranaasi near Head Post Office. Kaala-Bhairav is believed as "Kotwal of Vaaranaasi" without whose permission none can stay in Kaasi. He is Kshetrapaalaka of Kaasi. He protects Vaaranaasi. Every one should visit him in their Kaasi Yaathra. He will take all the sins of devotees living in Kaasi. 

Chozi Maatha Temple (Cowrie Maatha):Visit to Kaasi is incomplete without a visit to the Chozi Maatha Temple. This temple is known by various names such as Chozi or Cowrie Maata, and Gouri Maata temple. The name owes its origin to cowries or shells which are thrown at the goddess as offering. Goddess here is considered to be a sister of Kaasi Viswanaatha. According to a legend; she had her temple within the ancient temple complex. On one occasion Shiva banished her and sent her out of the temple for which she repented. As a mercy Shiva decreed that all those who visit Kaasi should also visit her. A trip to Kaasi would be ineffective without visiting her temple. Hence, it has become a practice to visit Chozi Maata temple after visiting all the temples in Kaasi. One can buy cowries outside the temple, throw a few at the goddess and ask her to bless them bestowing the fruits of their Kaasi Yaatra.

Sankata Mochan Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is very popular with the local citizens. Besides the Assi river stream; on the way to Durga temple and to Banaras Hindu Temple; this well known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as "Sankatamochan" the god who protects from the troubles. This temple is founded by Tulsidas.This temple is also known as "Monkey" temple, as lot of monkeys’ are there inside the temple premises.

New Viswanaath Temple called as Birla Mandir; built as a replica of the old Kaasi Viswanaath Temple. This temple is a part of the Banaras Hindu University.

Dhundi Ganapathi Temple:Traditionally the temple circuit at Kaasi begins with a visit to Dhundi Ganapathi temple. This temple is on the way to the Viswanaath temple. It is a small temple, looking like one on the roadside, but one of the important temples to be visited. One can pay respects to Lord Ganesha while standing in queue while entering Viswanaath temple. It is near this place where, security check is made. This is Ganesha with three eyes.

Tulsi Maanas Mandir: This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Raama. It is situated at the place where; Tulsidas great medieval seer lived and wrote the epic "Sri Raamcharitmaanas". Verses from Tulsidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.

SAARANAATH

Saaranath renowned for ancient remains of Buddhist stuuas; monasteries and temples is situated at a distance of 6 kms to the north of Vaaranaasi city. Saaranaath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers of India. Buddha, the great sage after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya came to Saaranaath and delivered his first sermon to five disciples. Saaranaath is also sacred to the Jains.

VYAASA KAASI

It is said that once upon a time, Sage Veda Vyaasa came to Kaasi with his disciples and went for Bhiksha (holy offering of food for sadhus) but, nobody gave them the Bhiksha. They slept with hunger in the city of Annapuurna. The same condition continued for seven days. Vyaasa got angry and was prepared to curse Kaasi. Goddess Annapurna then appeared before them and gave them Bhiksha. Lord Vishwanaath also appeared but banned Vyaasa from Kaasi, as he was prepared to curse it. On praying, Shiva told him that he can live on the opposite bank of Ganga at Kaasi (Vyaasa Kasi). It is located in the mid way between Varanasi and Mughalsarai about 6 km from Kaasi.

Kaasi Ghaats...

Story of Kaasi will be incomplete without making a reference to its Ghaats. Vaaranasi (Kaasi) is older than traditions. The divine grace of this city is a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. Ghaats of Vaaranaasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity. It is a city that liberates soul from human body to ultimate. The much quoted Sanskrit sloka proclaim; ‘Kaasyam maranam mukthi’ (death in Kaasi is Liberation). Vaaranasi has nearly 100 Ghats. Most of the Ghats are bathing Ghats; while others are used as cremation sites. Many Ghats are associated with legends or mythologies.

Dasaaswamedha Ghaat: It is located close to Viswanaath temple. It is said that Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. It is also said that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a Yagna here and performed Dasa Aswamedha Yaaga. This is the most busiest and ancient Ghaat.

Manikarnika Ghaat: Popularly called Mahaa-Smasaana; great cremation ground; the name Manikarnika derives its origin from the dropping rings of Lord Shiva during His transcendental dance here. There also exists a sacred pond Chakra Pushkarini Kunda and foot print of Lord Vishnu; Karna Paaduka. Along the sacred route on the Ghaat itself; are the symbolic footprints of Lord Vishnu (Karna Paaduka). Lord Vishnu was said to have performed penance at this spot for 7000 years.

Two legends are associated with Manikarnika Ghaat. According to one, it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu dug a pit with his Chakra and filled it with his perspiration while performing the penance. While Lord Shiva was watching; at that time His earring (Manikarnika) fell into the pit. According to the second legend, it is the place where the ear rings of Goddess Sathi fell. This Ghaat area has ancient reputation as a cremation ground and it is said that Lord Shiva (the great destroyer) destroy the world here during deluge.

Prayaaga Ghaat: This Ghat (old Prayaaga Theertha) together with shrine of Prayaagesvara replicates the existence of Prayaaga (Allahabad) in Varanasi. Prayaaga known as "Theertharaja" (king of Theerthas) lies at the confluence of Ganga; Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati rivers. It is commonly believed that doing rituals and taking sacred bath here provide exactly the same religious merits as those at Prayaaga.

Harischandra Ghaat: Named after a mythological King Harischandra; who once worked here in this cremation ground for preservance of truth and charity but, at the end; the Gods rewarded him and restored his lost throne and his dead son to him. This is one of the two cremation Ghaats; some times referred to as Aadi Manikarnika the original cremation ground; still there exists Aadi Manikarnika Theertha.

Hanumaan Ghaat: It is believed that, saint Tulsidas has established a Hanuman Temple here which is famous as Hanumaan Ghat. Ancient name of this Ghaat was Raameswaram Ghaat; which was established by Lord Raama himself. Neighborhood is dominated by South Indian residents.

Theertha Vidhi at Kaasi Kshethra

Theertha Vidhi forms part of any Theertha Yathra. That too in a place like Kaasi it is very sacred; celestial and auspicious that yields lot of phala; punyadaayaka and also mukthidaayaka. Though different walks of people in Hindu religion follow different customs and traditions while visiting a Theertha Kshetra, Dharma Sindhu has prescribed certain uniform rituals (Theertha Vidhi) to be followed. Some of them that can be followed at Kaasi are Theertha Snaana (sacred bath); Theertha Upavaasa (fasting); Theertha Mundana (tonsuring head); Theertha Sraadhha (Pinda Daana); Theertha Darshana (Darshana of the deity); Theertha Daana (charity), Theertha vratha (Puja/worshiping).

Kaasi is one of the trinity places where, performing sacred rites to forefathers is a must. Other two being; Prayaaga (Allahabad) and Gaya. For helping pilgrims in observing Theertha Vidhi; Kasi has representation of various philosophies of Hindu religion. These rituals can be performed according to ones own religious customs and faiths; as per the directions of the local purohits representing.

For performing sacred rites to forefathers as per Madhwa sampradaya, facilities are available at the following address: Madhwashram, B.4/61, Hanuman Ghat, Dr. Gopalacharya Tonpe Marge, Varanasi - Tele No: 0542-2277530. Contact Person: Sri Bhau Acharya Tonpe. River Ganges is within 100 meters from this place. From Varanasi Railway station auto charges will be approx Rs. 80 to 100. Accommodation, food and guide facilities are available at this venue.

How to reach Vaaranaasi (Kaasi)...

Vaaranasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country; well connected by road, rail and air.

AIR: Airport is 22 km. from Varanasi providing regular daily flight facility between Vaaranaasi and New Delhi. It also connects Vaaranaasi to other major cities.

RAIL: Vaaranasi is an important and major railway junction. City is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. From Mughal Sarai Station (16 Km. from Varanasi) also train facilities are available.

ROAD: Vaaranaasi is well connected by road and important national high ways, connecting Vaaranaasi are NH2 - NH7- NH29. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km; Allahabad 128 km; Bhopal 791 km; Bodhgaya 240 km; Kanpur 330 km; Lucknow 286 km; Patna 246 km; Saaranaath 10 km;

Local transport facilities like taxis, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws are also readily available. On some of the routes specially, old Vaaranaasi area of temples and markets, one way traffic is maintained. On that routes auto rickshaws or big vehicles are not permitted.

Residents of Kaasi mainly speak Kaasika Bhojpuri which is closely related to Hindi language. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of lights", "the city of learning" and the "culture capital of India". American writer Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

Culture of Vaaranaasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and its religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for several thousand years. The Temple has been visited by many great saints and several spiritual personalities. Many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or even reside in Varanasi. Aayurveda is said to have originated at Vaaranaasi.

Vaaranaasi is one of the holiest places in Buddhism too; being one of the four pilgrimage sites said to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself. Vaaranasi is also a pilgrimage site for Jains along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the birthplace of Paarsvanaath; the twenty-third Theerthankar. Islamic culture also had an influence on Vaaranaasi.

Deeply engrossed in Hindus mind Kaasi Viswanaath temple has been a living example of our timeless cultural traditions and high spiritual values. It attracts visitors not only from India but also from abroad. More than one million pilgrims visit the city each year. Vaishnavism and Saivism have always co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously.

Hindus believe that bathing in Ganga remits sins and that dying in Kaasi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its trans-migrations.  “na Gaayathraya para manthra; na Maathru para dhaivatam; na Kaasya param theertham; na Ekaadasya samam vratham”

That means there is no manthram that is superior to Gaayathri manthram, there is no dhaivam (deity) superior to Mother, there is no celestial and sacred theertha better than Kaasi, and there is no vratham that is more sacred than Ekaadasi vratham. To be in Kaasi a sacrosanct place is an experience in itself.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu