Kashi – The City of Light and Liberation

Ganga Aarti

“When I arrived in Kashi, I felt completely high.

Kashi is the most connected, most beautiful, open, mystical, and magical land.

It had everything, with the backdrop of this ancient city.

It filled me with a sense of connection and beauty.

~ Gerard Butler 

In 2020, when famous Hollywood actor Gerard Butler visited Kashi, he remembers quietly sitting in a boat, watching the Ganga aarti, and thinking - ‘this is the best day I have ever had in my life!’

Such is the spiritual magnetism of Kashi that even a person not connected to its religious atmosphere can feel its divine essence deep within his soul!

Just like Butler, attracted by Kashi’s spiritual magnetism, hordes of devotees and tourists from various parts of the world visit this divine city.

Why? Because it fills them with a sense of joy and wonder. It forces them to slow down and think about the beauty of life. It helps them feel connected to everything and everyone around them, bringing about a sense of peace and harmony, hard to find in today’s chaotic world.

“Some places you plan to visit,

 others you are called to. Kashi is one of those places!

There’s something about this ancient city that tugs at your soul

in a way that’s hard to explain.” 

~ Rohan Sawant

So, what is this place anyway? Who created it? Why does it attract millions of people from around the world? Let’s find out…

Why is Kashi known as the city of light and liberation?

It is a well-known fact that Kashi has long been considered a city that can grant ‘light and liberation’ to all those who seek it.

But what does it mean? Well, ‘light’ means spiritual awakening, and ‘liberation’ means ‘moksha’ or freedom from the cycle of birth and death in this mortal world.

Clues to Kashi’s ancient status as the giver of light and liberation can be found in two places:

1.   The Sanskrit word ‘Kash’ means ‘to shine’ or ‘illuminate’. So, the name ‘Kashi’ literally translates to ‘a place that shines or illuminates.’

2.   One of the most revered Sanskrit texts, the Atharva Veda, describes Kashi as the land that illuminates the entire universe and grants liberation, which is considered the ultimate goal of life in Hinduism.

So, why is Kashi known as the city of light and liberation? The answer lies in its history.  

The History of Kashi

Also known as Varanasi or Banaras, Kashi is deeply rooted in mythology, spirituality, religion, and culture. Its history is believed to date back thousands of years, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Though Kashi’s origins are lost in time, legend suggests it was founded by Lord Shiva around 5,000 years ago along the banks of the sacred River Ganga. It is in Kashi that Shiva manifested as the first Jyotirlinga or the divine ‘beam of light’, and made the city his permanent abode, where he resides to date with his divine consort, Goddess Parvati.

This self-manifested Jyotirlinga is now worshipped as Kashi Vishwanath, along with Goddess Parvati in the form of Maa Annapurna, the one who nourishes and sustains all living beings.

Kashi in the Modern World

A busy street in modern-day Kashi

Modern Kashi is a beautiful blend of ancient culture, tradition, spirituality, and a fast-paced life. Though bustling with day-to-day activities, every nook and corner of Kashi still pulsates with ancient wisdom, knowledge, and an electrifying spiritual energy.

Kashi welcomes all those who wish to experience its warmth and divine essence. Once you enter the city, it will embrace you gently and guide you through the antiquity hidden in its narrow, winding alleyways, maze-like streets, bustling markets, magnificent temples, and the spiritual wisdom it offers in abundance.

“It’s true what they say - the divine beings have unique ways of getting you to

the right place, at the right time, doing the right things… with the right people. 

During this trip, my main destination was the Maha Kumbh Mela;

Kashi, being close by, was just a convenient addition… or so I thought!...

But now, when I look back, I get this innate feeling that Kashi was my main calling…!”

~ Hamsa Kallianpur

Kashi’s Lifeline – The River Ganga and Its Ghats

The Ganga Aarti

For the people of Kashi, Ganga is not just a river, it is a lifeline that flows alongside the city, providing quiet strength, motivation, livelihood for many, and ultimately – liberation – to those who seek it. 

The Ganga has numerous ghats; the most famous of which are:
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for its vibrant evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies.

2. Assi Ghat, mainly associated with Durga worship.

3. Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat that liberates the ones cremated there.

“(Manikarnika Ghat) … the Ghat where souls find liberation.

What struck me most was the serenity of the place. It wasn’t grim or sorrowful.

There was a sense of calm. I stared at the fire in front of me,

the smoke rising into the sky… and all I could do was gaze.”

~ Bhavya Gupta

“After attending the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat,

I walked towards the Assi Ghat…. Walking from one ghat to another was an inimitable experience… one I will never forget. 
My advice - if possible, walk along the ghats…

keep walking from one ghat to another and immerse yourself in the unique energy of each ghat.” 

~ Hemal Tolia

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Pic Credits: https://kashi.gov.in/

The recently constructed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has further enhanced the city’s beauty. Earlier, pilgrims had to navigate congested streets to reach the temple. The construction of this corridor has now ensured easy movement of pilgrims and tourists between the ghats and the temple.

“If you wish to visit Kashi, don’t visit just for a couple of days…. There is much to see, do, and explore in and around Kashi.

I would recommend planning at least a week there so you can experience the city in its entirety. ”

~ Hemal Tolia

“This was my second visit to Kashi, but I know it won’t be my last.

I feel Kashi has a way of pulling one back, not with force, but with love.”

~ Rohan Sawant

Final Thoughts

Yes, Kashi is intriguing, mystical, mythical, mysterious, and immensely alluring. Yet, if you can surrender yourself fully, you will find it to be surprisingly simple; Simple to navigate. Simple to embrace. Simple to comprehend.

The beauty of Kashi is that it doesn’t differentiate; it doesn’t discriminate. Irrespective of one’s religion, caste, nationality, status, or class, the city welcomes everyone with open arms. That’s probably why, just like Gerard Butler, millions of people from around the world throng Kashi every year.

If you ever visit Kashi, our only advice would be to go with no expectations or preconceived notions. Go with an open mind and a loving heart. You may help you discover a part of yourself that you never knew existed!

We hope you enjoyed this blog. Please leave a comment if you did!

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