| Mokshapuri Kashi |
|| Sri Mahatripurasundari Chandramoulishwarebhyo namaH || grhamedhyatra vishwesho bhavAnI tatkuTumbinI | `The divine couple residing in Kashi - Sri Vishwanatha and Sri Annapurna, grant the Bhiksha of Moksha to all residents of Kashi' - so say the scriptures. Thus, Kashi has been described as the foremost among the Mokshapuris. Kashi Khanda - which forms the fourth chapter of the Skanda Purana, describes the limitless glory of the sacred capital of Sri Vishwanatha. This post is a humble tribute to my Guru whose foremost desire was to reside in Kashi. At the end of the Kalpa, the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas dissolved into a state of equilibrium, leading to mahA praLaya, which resulted in the disappearance of the entire creation including the pancha mahAbhUtas. With the intention of creation, Sri Mahadeva appeared as Sri Narayana, immersed in Yoganidra on Ananta, sporting Sudarshana, Panchajanya, Gada and Padma in his four hands. After several Yugas, Brahma appeared seated on a lotus that originated from the navel of Sri Narayana. Due to Mahamaya of Lord Sadhashiva, Brahma was filled with Ahamkara and assumed himself to be the master of the cosmos. Sensing Brahma's ignorance, Sri Narayana appeared in front of him and asked him, "Who are you?", to awaken him from the slumber of ignorance. Brahma replied, "I am Ishwara - Lord of everything". When Narayana tried to explain the true glory of the Adi Purusha, Brahma angrily attacked Narayana. This lead to a fierce and inconclusive battle between the two, which lasted for several Yugas. Then, all of a sudden, a Linga of immense brightness appeared in front of them, extending beyond the reach of their vision, both in length and breadth. Within the Linga, a divine form having five faces appeared. Both Brahma and Narayana were filled with devotion at the sight of the Divine form and immediately prostrated before him. The divine Purusha addressed them thus: "I am pleased with your devotion. Seek a boon". Both Narayana and Brahma said, "Lord! If you are truly pleased with our devotion, please grant true and everlasting devotion in the divine Linga that has appeared before us. Also tell us why the Linga has appeared here and what its name is?" The Lord replied thus: "This Linga is called Vishweshwara Linga. In days to come, by merely seeing this Linga, people will be freed of all their sins and will earn the merit of Yajna, Dana and Tirtha Yatra. The location where this Linga has appeared is very special and the creature which gives up its body in this place will be granted Brahma Jnana and hence Mukti, by the Upadesha of Taraka Mantra from Ishwara. [If one examines Purnas and Itihasas like Linga Purana, Shiva Rahasya etc, the Taraka Mantra referred here is Pranava and not Rama Taraka. Pranava being the first and the foremost of all the Mantras, is the true tAraka mantra. Also, the scriptures explain anusandhana of Pranava as the path to Brahma Jnana. Some claim that Lord Mahadeva utters Rama mantra in the ear of a dying person in Kashi and grants him Moksha. This seems to be the belief of only some Vaishnavaite cults and has been well publicized. Though Rama mantra Japa can lead one to a state of Shuddha Chitta, required for Jnana, it is incorrect to assume that mere recitation of Rama mantra or any other mantra on deathbed can grant one Moksha.] This Linga will be present here eternally even after cycles of Maha Pralaya. Attain your desires by worshipping this Linga". Having advised thus, the great Purusha disappeared. That divine place where the Jyotirlinga appeared to Brahma and Narayana even before the creation of Pancha Bhutas is what we know today as Kashi or Varanasi. Kashi has attracted devotees and Mumukshus in all the four Yugas. Irrespective of one's Varna and Ashrama, the Lord frees a dying creature in Kashi from the cycle of birth and death by Brahmopadesha. However, those who commit sins knowingly in this sacred city will attain Rudra Pishacha Yoni and will be punished by Bhairavas till they are absolved of their sins. All Tithis and Nakshtras are auspicious for traveling to Kashi. It is unnecessary to examine Tithi, Nakshatra or Vara for Kashi Yatra. The most sacred place within Kashi is the Avimukta Kshetra, which is dearer to the Lord than even Kailasa. By entering this Kshetra, one is freed from sins and desires. Vyasa and Vamadeva have declared Avimukta Kshetra Darshana to be the greatest medicine for Mahapatakis and Upapatakis. The Shastras describe the following Kshetras as pApahAri: Prayaga, Naimisharanya, Srisaila, Himalaya, Kedara, Bhadrakarna, Gaya, Pushkara, Kurukshetra, Vamsha Tirtha, Prabhasa, Hatakeshwara and Gokarna. But even these Ksehtras cannot be compared to even one-sixteenth of the glory of Kashi-Avimukta. To the right side of Sri Vishweshwara Linga, one can see Jnana Vapi. By taking bath there, one is propelled towards Brahma Jnana and hence the name - Jnana Vapi. This well is said to have been dug by Shiva himself using his Trishula and a bath in this well frees one from Graha and Preta Badha as well. It is said that Surya worshipped Lord Mahadeva with the water from this well reciting Rudra and Pancha Suktas. To obtain Sudarshana Chakra from the Lord, Narayana performed penance in Kashi. He created a Pushkarini and filled it with water that emanated from his body. On the banks of this Pushkarini, Narayana performed a severe penance for eighty thousand years. Pleased with his penance, the Lord appeared with Bhavani and blessed him with Sudarshana Chakra. Hence, this Pushkarini came to be known as Chakra Pushkarini. Immensely pleased with Narayana's devotion, Lord shook his head in bliss and his earring fell into the Pushkarini. As the Lord's Karnamani (the earring) fell into it, the Tirtha also came to be known as Manikarnika. The Lord also blessed Narayana that those who perform Sandhya, Japa, Tapa, Pindadana, Vedapatha, Darpana Dana, Deva Puja, Go - Bhu - Kanya - Tila - Hiranya - Ashwa - Vastra Danas, sacrifices like Agnishtoma, Udyapana of Vratas, Vrishotsarga, Hari-Hara Pratima-Linga Sthapanas etc. on the banks of Manikarnika, will attain infinite merit. All sins accumulated over myriads of births are destroyed by taking a bath in Manikarnika and worshipping Hari and Hara with Abheda Buddhi (non-difference). One who thinks low of the glory of Manikarnika or sees a difference between Hari and Hara will accrue Brahmahatya Dosha [Naradiya Purana]. Kashi is the Avimukta Kshetra of Lord Mahadeva. Thirty-three crore Devatas reside in Kashi, ever worshipping Lord Mahadeva and Bhagavati Bhavani. By reciting one lakh Gayatri in Kashi, one is blessed with the merit of Chaturvedadhyayana. By merely fasting for a day in Kashi, one gets the merit of Kricchra, Chandrayana and other Vratas. The merit of performing severe penance in other places for a thousand years is obtained by performing Bhumishayana Vrata (sleeping on bare ground) for a year in Kashi. The merit of keeping total silence for one's complete lifetime is obtained by observing Mauna Vrata for a fortnight in Kashi. Lifetimes would be insufficient to describe the greatness of the holy city of Kashi. Though there are innumerable Shiva Lingas in Kashi, five are considered most sacred: Vishwanatha Omkareshwara Krttivaseshwara Kapardishwara and Madhyameshwara Sri Omkareshwara is also called Panchayataneshwara as this Linga represents the Samashti or totality of the Panchayatana - Aditya, Ambika, Ganesha, Vishnu and Sadashiva. Worshipping this Linga grants one the merit of a lifetime of Panchayatana Puja. Lord destroyed Gajasura, wore his skin as cloth and came to be known as Krttivaseshwara in Varanasi. One who worships Krttivaseshwara attains Kaivalya even while living in a physical body. One attains Ashta Siddhis by worshipping this Linga and ascends to Kailasa. The secret place in Kashi which houses this sacred Linga is known only to advanced Yogis. Kapardishwara Linga is also called Papanasheshwara as mere remembrance of this Linga destroys one's sins. By taking bath in Pishacha Mochana Kunda and worshipping Kapardishwara, even the greatest of sins like Brahma Hatya Dosha are destroyed. Kapardishwara is considered as important as Sri Vishwanatha in Kashi. Originally, the city of Kashi has been described as Panchakroshapura and the Linga situated in the centre of the city is called Madhyameshwara. Lord Shiva is ever present in this Linga along with Sridevi and Rudra Ganas. Krishna is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this place. Taking a bath in Mandakini and worshipping Sri Madhyeshwara grants one the merit of one hundred Maha Yagnas. Traditionally, the city of Kashi is said to begin with Madhyameshwara and end with the shrine of Dehali Vinayaka. Visiting Kashi is a sacred duty for all followers of Sanatana Dharma. The prime duty for a person visiting Kashi has been described in Kashi Khanda as below: yAtrAdwayaM prayatnena kartavyaM prativAsaram | Yatri should take bath in Ganga and visit Sri Vishwanatha everyday while at Kashi. According to Kashi Rahasya: chakrapuShkariNItIrthe snAtavyaM prativAsaram | Yatri should take bath in Manikarnika and worship Sri Vishwanatha everyday while at Kashi. snAtvA mumukShurmaNikarNikAyAm mR^iDANigaMgAhR^idaye tadAsye | Sri Manikarnika represents the heart of Ganga and the face of Bhavani. One who takes bath in Manikarnika and sees Lord Vishwanatha is freed from the cycle of birth and death. Hence, Kashi Yatra is also called ekAyatana yAtrA. Taking a bath in Manikarnika during the noon is considered more sacred than in the morning according to Linga Purana - prAtaH paMchanadIH snAtvA madhyAhne maNikarNikAm. According to Shiva Rahasya, one should bath in Dashashwamedha Ghat during the morning and in Manikarnika during the noon [prAtardashAshwamedhe cha madhyAhne maNikarNikAm]. Taking a bath only in Manikarnika is considered Eka Tirtha Yatra, both in Pancha Ganga and Manikarnika as Dwi Tirtha Yatra and in Pancha Ganga - Manikarnika and Dashashwamedha as Tri Tirtha Yatra. Tri Tirtha Yatra is considered uttama or best. According to Linga Purana: kAshyAM tIrthatrayI shreShThA sevyA nityaM prayatnataH | One should first take a bath in Dashashwamedha, then in Pancha Ganga and lastly in Manikarnika. By doing this, one is liberated from bondage. The procedure for Kashi Yatra is prescribed thus in Kashi Darpana: One should first take a bath in PilipilA Tirtha (the confluence of Ganga - Yamuna and Saraswati, also called Trilochan Ghat), offer Pitr Tarpana, then take a bath in Pancha Ganga and Manikarnika and finally in Jnana Vaapi before worshipping Sri Vishwanatha. This is the Prayashchitta prescribed for getting rid of the greatest of sins. Those who are capable, can bath in Pancha Tirthas - Asi Sangama, Dashashwamedha, Padodaka Tirtha near the Sannidhi of Adi Keshava, Pancha Ganga and Manikarnika. This is called Pancha Tirtha Yatra and accomplishing the same grants one the merit of worshipping the five faces of Sadashiva (Tatpurusha etc.) Along with Gauri Kunda (Kedar Ghat) and Pilipila Tirtha (Trilochan Ghat), the Yatra becomes Sapta Tirtha Yatra. We have already discussed the details of Ekayatana Yatra. According to Nandikeshwara Purana, taking a bath in Manikarnika, worshipping Manikarnikeshwara (on Manikarnika Ghat), taking a bath in Jnana Vapi and worshipping Sri Vishwanatha - this constitutes Dwirayatana Yatra. Worshipping the Lingas of Avimukteshwara, Swarlineshwara and Madhyameshwara along with Sri Vishwanatha is called Tryayatana Yatra. Worshipping Shaileshwara, Sangameshwara, Swarlineshwara and Madhyameshwara Lingas along with Sri Vishwanatha is called Chaturayatana Yatra. Worshipping Omkareshwara, Kapardishwara, Krttivaseshwara, Madhyameshwara and Vishwanatha Lingas constitutes of Panchayatana Yatra. One who completes both Panchayatana and Pancha Tirtha Yatras, attains oneness with Lord Mahadeva. The most elaborate and sacred Yatra procedure prescribed by the Puranas is the Pancha Krosha Yatra. On the day previous to undertaking the Pancha Krosha Yatra, one should take bath in Ganga, worship Sri Vishwanatha and Sri Dhundhi Vinayaka and perform a Sankalpa for the Yatra. The Yatra involves Tirtha Snana in the following Ghats and the worship of the following deities: First Day Manikarnika Ghat - Siddhi Vinayaka and Manikarnikeshwara Lalita Ghat - Lalita Devi and Ganga Keshava Mir Ghat - Jarasandheshwara Manmandir Ghat - Somanatheshwara, Dalabhyeshwara Dashashwamedha Ghat - Shulatankeshwara, Adi Varaheshwara, Dashashwamedheshwara Sri Shitala Devi Prayageshwara and Sri Bandi Devi Pandey Ghat - Sarveshwara Kedar Ghat - Kedareshwara Hanuman Ghat - Hanumadishwara Asi Sangama - Sangameshwara Lolark Ghat and Bhadaini Ghat - Arka Vinayaka Durga Kund - Durga Devi and Durga Vinayaka. One should offer Payasa Bhakshana to Brahmanas at the Durga temple. Kandava village - Kardameshwara. One should offer Tilakshatas to Kardameshwara. One should also take bath in Kardama Tirtha and see one's face in Kardama Kupa. One should then worship Virupaksha and Nilakantheshwara.
Second Day
Amara Village - Naganatha Chamunda Devi Moksheshwara and Karuneshwara Delhana Village - Virabhadreshwara and Vikata Durga Devura Village - Unmatta Bhairava Nila Gananatha Kalakuta Gananatha Vimala Durga Mahadeva Nandikeshwara Bhrngiriti Ganapriya Gananatha Gaura Village - Virupaksha Yaksheshwara Prayagapura - Vimaleshwara Moksheshwara Jnanadeshwara Asavari Village - Amrteshwara Bhimachandi Village - Bhimachanda Vinayaka Ravi raktaksha Gandharva Narakarnavataraka Shiva Sri Bhima Chandi Devi One should conclude the Yatra for the day by offering Naivedya to Bhima Chandika.
Third Day
Kachnar Village - Ekapada Ganapati Harpur Village - Mahabhima Gananatha Harsos Village - Bhairavanatha and Bhairavi Dindaspur village - Bhutanatheshwara Somanatheshwara Sindhorodhasa Tirtha Jansa Village - Kalanatha and Kapardishwara Chaukhandi Village - Kameshwara Ganeshwara Virabhadra Chaturmukha Ganapati Bhatauli Village - Gananatheshwara Dehali Vinayaka Sixteen Ganeshas (Shodasha GanapatayaH) Bhuyli village - Uddanda Vinayaka Hirarampur - Rameshwara Utkaleshwara and Rudrani Devi Varuna Nadi Rameshwara - Offer Tarpanas here Someshwara Bharateshwara Lakshmaneshwara Shatrughneshwara DyavAbhUmishwara Nahusheshwara One should conclude the day's Yatra by offering Shweta Tilakshata and bilva to Rameshwara.
Fourth Day
Varuna River - Innumerable Tirtha Lingas Karoma Village - Devasandheshwara Draupadi Kunda Dharmeshwara Bhimeshwara Arjuneshwara Nakuleshwara Sahadeveshwara Sadar Bazar - Pashapani Ganapati Kahjuri Village - Prthvishwara and Saranga Sarovara Dinadayalupur - Yupa Sarovara Kapiladhara Village - Kapiladhara Tirtha and Vrshabhadhwajeshwara Kapiladhara Tirtha is called Shivagaya and is considered more sacred than Gaya. ShrAddha, Tarpana and Brahmana Bhojana performed here grant Akshaya Shivalokavasa to one's ancestors.
Fifth Day
Katova Village - Jwala Nrsimha Varuna Sangama - only Marjana here and not Snana Adi Keshava Sangameshwara Kharva Vinayaka Prahlad Ghat - Prahladeshwara Trilochan Ghat - Trilochana Mahadeva Pancha Ganga Ghat - Pancha Ganga Tirtha Bindu Madhava Gabhastishwara Mangala Gowri Sankata Ghat - Vasistheshwara and Vamadeveshwara Manikarnika Ghat - Maheshwara and Siddhi Vinayaka Saptavarana Vinayaka One should conclude the Pancha Krosha Yatra by taking a bath in Manikarnika, worshipping Sri Vishwanatha, Annapurna, Mahavishnu, Dandapani, Dhundhiraja and Kalabhairava. One who thus completes Pancha Krosha Kashi Yatra is liberated even while living and attains Shiva Sayujya. By thus doing a Pradakshina of Kashi, one gets the merit of going round all the Tirtha Kshetras on earth. kAshI pradakShiNA yena kR^itA trailokyapAvan | Antargriha Yatra is yet another significant Yatra prescribed by scriptures like Kashi Rahasya and Kashi Darpana. On the decided day, one should keep the vow of silence, worship Pancha Vinayakas and perform the Samkalpa for Antargriha Yatra. The Yatra should begin with a bath in Manikarnika and worship of Manikarnikeshwara and Siddhi Vinayaka. The Devetas to be worshipped during this Yatra are: Sankata Ghat - Vasukishwara, Parvateshwara Lalita Ghat - Sri Lalita Devi and Ganga Keshava Mir Ghat - Jarasandheshwara Manmandir Ghat - Adi Varaheshwara, Somanatha, Dalabhyeshwara Balmukund Chauraha - Brahmeshwara Agastya Kund - Agastyeshwara Jangamvadi - Kashyapeshwara, Harikeshaveshwara Kodayi Chauki - Vaidyanatheshwara, Dhruveshwara, Gokarneshwara Hatakeshwara - this is considered to be a very secretive spot not revealed to all. Hastikshepa Tataka - this was lost during floods in Ganga. Raj Darwaza - Kikaneshwara Govindpur - Bharabhuteshwara, Chitragupteshwara Chanduki Gali - Chitraghanta Devi Pashupatishwara Pitamaheshwara - Shitla Gali Brahmapur - Kalasheshwara Siddheshwari mandir - Chandreshwara Vira Tirtha - Vireshwara Nimvali Brahmapuri - Vidyeshwara Agnishwar Ghat - Agnishwara Bhonsle Ghat - Nageshwara Sankata Ghat - Harishchandreshwara, Chintamani Vinayaka, Sena Vinayaka, Vasistheshwara, Vamadeveshwara, Sima Vinayaka Lahari Tola - Karuneshwara, Trisandhyeshwara, Sri Vishalakshi Dharma Kupa - Dharmeshwara Vishwabhuja Devi Mir Ghat - Asha Vinayaka, Vrddhaditya Sakarkandaki Gali - Chaturvaktreshwara, Brahmishwara ManaHprakameshwara Sakshi Vinayaka Kotwalpur - Ishaneshwara Kalika Gali - Chandika Devi, Chandishwara, Bhavani Shankara, Shukra Kupa Sri Annapurna Sri Dhundhiraja Gajanana Rajarajeshwara Khova Bazar - Langulishwara Nakulishwara Paranneshwara - Jnana Vapi Dandapani, Paradravyeshwara, Pratigraheshwara, Nishkalankeshwara, Markandeyeshwara, Apsareshwara, Gangeshwara, Nandikeshwara Tarakeshwara Mahakaleshwara Moksheshwara and Virabhadreshwara Avimukteshwara - Sri Vishwanatha Saptarshi Yatra confers the grace of the seven sages on the Yatri and removes Pitr Dosha and other defects due to a weak Guru in the horoscope. The deities to be worshipped during this Yatra are: Jangamvadi - Kashyapeshwara Atrishwara Marichishwara - Nagkund Gautameshwara or Kratvishwara - near the new Vishweshwara temple Pulaheshwara - near the Manikarnika Swargadwara Pulastyeshwara - near the Manikarnika Swargadwara Vasistheshwara and Arundhatishwara - Sankata Ghat According to Kashi Khanda, Saptarshi Yatra is a pre-requisite for other Yatras like Pancha Krosha etc. By completing Ashtayatana Yatra, one is freed from all Graha Doshas and sins. The deities to be worshipped during this Yatra are: Daksheshwara - Vrddhakalakupa Parvatishwara - Trilochan Ghat Pashupatishwara Gangeshwara - Jnana Vapi Narmadeshwara - Trilochan Ghat Gabhastishwara - Mangala Gauri Satishwara Tarakeshwara - Jnanavapi - this Linga is again at a secret location. By undertaking Ashta Bhairava Yatra, one is relieved from all troubles and earns the grace of Sri Kalabhairava. This is a must for Bhairava Upasakas. Even upasakas of Devi i.e. Shaktas undertake this Yatra as Bhairava's grace is essential in Tantric Upasana. Ruru Bhairava - Hanuman Ghat Chanda Bhairava - Durga Kund Asitanga Bhairava - Amrit Kund Kapala Bhairava or Lat Bhairav Krodha Bhairava - Kamaccha Unmatta Bhairava - Bhimchandi Sadak Samhara Bhairava - Trilochanganj Bhishana Bhairava or Bhut Bhairav One should then worship Kala Bhairava and feed dogs. One should also try to worship: Ananda Bhairava - Ramghat Mohana Bhairava - Chauk Dwara Bhairava - Vishwanatha temple Navagauri and Navadurga Yatras are undertaken by Upasakas of Sridevi. They confer Saubhagya and Saumangalya. These Yatras also grant Mantra Siddhi and accomplishment of all desires. The deities to be worshipped in Nava Gauri Yatra are: Mukhanirmalika Gauri - Hanuman Ghat Jyeshtha Gauri - Karnaghanta Mahal Saubhagya Gauri or Parvati - Vishwanatha Temple Shringara Gauri or Annapurna- Vishwanatha Temple Vishalakshi Gauri Lalita Gauri - Lalita Ghat Bhavani Gauri - Kalika Gali Mangala Gauri Mahalakshmi Gauri The deities to be worshipped in Nava Durga Yatra are: Shailaputri Durga - Shaileshwara Temple Brahmacharini Durga - Durga Ghat Chandraghanta Durga - Chandu Gali Kushmanda Durga - Durga Kund Skandamata or Vagishwari Durga - Jotpur Katyayani Durga - Vireshwara Temple Kalaratri Durga or Kali - Kali Gali Mahagauri - Annapurna Siddhidatri Durga - Bullanala Mahal By performing Ekadasha Rudra Yatra, one pleases Sri Mahadeva and gets the befit of Shatarudriya. The deities to be worshipped in this Yatra are: Jagrteshwara - Isarganj Urvashishwara - Gola Ganj Nakuleshwara - Ashaya Vata Ashadhishwara - Kashipur Bharabhiteshwara - Govindpur Langalishwara - Khova Bazar Tripurantakeshwara - Sigra ManaHprakameshwara - near Sakshi Vinayaka Pritikeshwara - Kali Gali Madalaseshwara - Kali Gali Tilaparneshwara - Durga Kund Apart from these important Yantras, specific details for Dwadashaditya Yatra, Vaara Yatra, Tithi Yatra, Nakshatra Yatra, Ritu Yatra, Masa Yatra, Parva Yatra, Avarana Yatra, Rudragana Yatra etc. are described in the scriptures. || shrIvishwanAthaM sharaNaM prapadye || |