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It
is here the untouchability was totally eradicated in the dim past
itself. Narayanbhatt's reference establishes this fact beyond doubt.
He says -- "In the Kali age all demerit that may arise from
touching the untouchable objects is removed by Lord Siva Himself,
who in His boundless mercy takes daily bath in Manikarnika in the
early hours of the day for the benefit of humanity. Buddha gave his
fist sermon and set in motion the wheel of law here in Sipatan now
goes by the name of Saranath.
This
universally famous; eternally young; perpetually diminishing;
religiously emancipating; spiritually ever-growing; and morally
undiminishing city has many more august names that published its
glorious past and beckons a visit sooner than hearing it. It was
called Varanasi; for, it is an island surrounded by the holy waters
of Varuna and Asi -- the tributaries of Mother Ganga; Kasi, for it
is the place of supreme brilliance -- tremendous shining, lighting
up the way to Nirvan; Avimuktaka -- for it is free from sin on
account of Lord's eternal presence; Ananda Kanana; for it affords
the highest delight to Lord of Mahasmasana; for, it is here lie the
five elements in great cemetery, as dead bodies reach after
destruction. And lastly Banaras, a corrupt form of Varanasi in use
till 1956 and was changed to Varanasi by Government. Skanda purana
grows eloquent and pours down in torrents evidence to testify to the
glory of this holiest of holies in as many as 15000 verses. A great
honour ! A covetable place !! None can claim any comparison !!!
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