Kashi is more than a city; it is a living, breathing embodiment of spirituality – a realm where time appears to stand still and the mortal seamlessly merges with the divine. It is a sacred place where life and death coexist harmoniously, and every street and corner echoes pious, sacred, and divine experiences.
Known as Varanasi, Kashi is the spiritual epicentre that has captivated saints, scholars, and seekers for millennia. Revered as the divine abode of The Supreme Bhagavān Shiva, the cosmic destroyer and the ultimate giver of liberation, this city transcends time. It resonates with the timeless rhythm of devotion, purity, and liberation – a home for the soul.
This sacred city offers the dissolution of karmic bonds – something not readily found in the heavenly realms.
Every corner of Kashi bears Bhagavān Shiva’s infinite grace. Its ghats (stairways) whisper stories of liberation, its temples stand as enduring monuments of devotion, and its air vibrates with the echoes of ancient chants. Among these sacred sites, Manikarnika Ghat reigns as the holiest, embodying the essence of moksha. Scriptures proclaim that a single dip in the waters here merits visiting all pilgrimages combined. The sacred Ganga river purifies the soul, erases karmic debts, and leads to eternal peace.
The Ganga is not just a river in Kashi; it is a divine energy, blessed by Bhagavān Shiva himself. The Skanda Purana declares, “If Vaikuntha were to be weighed against Kashi, the scales would tilt in favour of Kashi.” Such is the magnitude of its spiritual significance. Here, even the simplest acts – offering prayers, taking a holy dip, or donating with pure intent – resonate with profound meaning and spiritual depth.
Kashi has been a sanctuary for sages, seekers, and the spiritually inclined for ages. Those who pass away in Kashi are said to be freed from the cycle of life and death and are a refuge of knowledge, faith, and liberation. Bhagavān Shiva is believed to whisper the sacred Taraka Mantra into their ears, ensuring their ultimate salvation.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or someone exploring from afar, I invite you to step into the ghats of Kashi, witness its sacred rituals, and immerse yourself in the divine energy that permeates this timeless place.
As an editor, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in the stories, photographs, and voices of those who have experienced Kashi’s magic firsthand.
Within these pages, you will meet sadhus who have renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of truth and artisans who breathe life into their creations, inspired by the timeless heritage of Kashi.
Kashi: A call of the soul is not just a collection of stories but a deeply experienced tribute to the enduring allure of this eternal city.
Let us embark on this journey together and co-share Kashi, where the spiritual and the mundane converge together, and every moment is an opportunity for transformation. That’s why the name is Banaras.
