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Uniqueness
Kasi
is the first place that flashes across your mind, whenever you think
of a pilgrimage; the first indispensable visit-worthy
thirtha kshetra dedicated to Lord Maheswar abiding in the
Jyotirlinga; the first in the list of All India yatra-cum-tourist
centres proudly advertised by the Tourist Organisers, marked with a
big dot in their map; the first place of first preference for both
vanaprasthasram -- the last stage in life, and kshetrasanyasa --
binding the pledger's presence in this city till death; the first
place of pious Hindu's last wish to breathe his last there and
immersion of ashes in Ganga; the first seat of ancient
Viswavidyalaya, specialized in Sanskrit studies and traditional
lore; the first holy city having the much-revered bathing ghats
numbering 64; the first holy city boasting of modern Hindu
University, imparting education in 42 different branches of
knowledge, and Hindu culture in all its aspects; the first of the
most ancient living cities, displaying the vestiges of Vedic
culture; the first that witnessed the performing of ten horse
sacrifices one after another; and the first of many such firsts;
for, it is the first dear most seat of Lord Maheswar, who Himself on
selecting for permanent settlement pronounced, "The three
worlds form one city of mine, and Kasi is my Royal Palace
therein". So the galore firsts can be stretched as far as
patience permits, since it is the endless and extant pilgrim centre
since time immemorial.
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