KASI
The Royal place of Lord Siva

THE ORIGIN OF KASI

Skanda purana embodies the origin of this holy place and narrate several glories connected with the sports of Lord Maheswar' played in this thirtha kshetra. It is Maheswar's capital, and he abides in it eternally. Bhaktavasankar-the Omni-benevolent God is the' supreme brilliance and shrines in all his resplendent splendor to' light up the way for his children's Nirvana-kas to shine, he releases the worshippers from the shackles of Punarjanma. To live, or die in Kasi is considered meritorious and several millions of devout Hindus prefer living here in the last stage of their life. Some go to the extent of taking the vow of kshetrasanyasa - living in the presence of deity, and under no circumstances going beyond five knows of Lord Mahadev; for, dying in Kasi ensures liberation from the wheel of transmigration. Ardent theists living far away reconcile themselves soliciting their nearers and dearers to immerse their ashes here at least. Hence the craze for astinimarjana here. There is a belief current that the water at the Lord's feet in so efficacious that it cures incurable diseases, besides removing the worst worries and anxieties, gnawing at vitals. Some ardent sanathasists, who, visit this holy kshetra-observe the panchakrosi ritual -going round Kasi in a circle of 50 miles starting from Manikamika, which ensures heavenly bliss. Some bigots commit religious suicide at Kasi Karvata - a place near the mosque behind the temple. In general, it is believed by all that the darsan of Kasi Visweswar is the goal of life, and strive their best to visit it at least once in their life time. During the Treta, Dwapara and Kali yugas, say until the beginning of this century, when adequete transport facilities were not available, devout thists were going with great fervour and in large groups to Kasi bidding as it were, adieu to kith and kin, since returning was doubtful. Kasi, in fact, is so woven into the texture of Hindu living that no other kshetra evokes so much veneration as Kasi.

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