Kasi Yaathirai - 6

We hired an auto to start the day’s proceedings to see some more temples. First on the agenda was to see the Sozhi Amman temple.

Sozhi Amman Temple: A visit to is Kasi is considered to be incomplete without paying visit to this temple. This temple is known by various names such as Cowrie (Sozhi) and Gowri Mata Temple. The Amman is considered to be the sister of Lord Shiva. According to history, She had Her temple within old Kasi Viswanathar Temple. She was jealous of Lord Shiva for the fact that thousands of people throng Lord Shiva to offer their prayers, and none turned up to Her. She wanted to stop this practice. Lord Shiva became angry and He offered His curse by banishing Her from His temple. When she realized Her mistake, She pleaded for mercy which Lord Shiva acceded. Though, He could not take curse back and He changed His curse, by saying that those who visit to Kasi, should visit Her too. The holy trip to Kasi, would be ineffective without visiting this temple.

Another interesting aspect about this temple is that we are to buy Sozhi outside the temple to offer the Goddess for seeking blessing. It is also believed that She keeps records of our visit by our Sozhi offering. One must remember to bring back some Sozhi as our Prasadam. (Our copy of document!!)

Vana Durga Temple: Next we visited was Vana Durga Temple, dedicated Goddess Durga. The temple is built in North Indian architecture and the Idol resembles Kolkata Kali. Non Hindus, Foreigners though allowed to visit this temple, are not allowed at inner sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that She protects the Holy city.

Tulsi Manas Mandir: Tulasi Manas Mandir is one of the famous temples of Varansai. This Temple is located near to Durga Temple. It is built in White marble in 1964. The temple has been surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Main Temple is dedicated Lord Shri Ram. Vishnu & Satnarayana can also be seen in this temple. This temple is believed to be constructed at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous epic “Ram Charitha Manas” (Hindi version of Ramayana). One can see the complete verses from this epic are engraved on the walls of this temple. Another interesting aspect of this temple that it houses (in the first floor) electrically operated idols of Ram, Shiva, Ganesh, scenes from Ramayana & Mahabharat, depiction of Dandia Celebrations. We have also seen a electrically operated puppet show.

New Viswanath Temple: This temple is situated in the campus of Banaras Hindu University. It is also known as Birla Mandir as it built by them. Temple is built in white marbles and was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya who is also the founder of BHU. A beautiful Shiva Lingam, bigger in size is there in this temple. One can see lot of Hindu scriptures is inscribed on the walls of this temple. This temple is open to all people irrespective of caste and religion. By paying a visit to this temple one can enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of sprawling campus of BHU. We could see lot of handmade greeting cards for New Year, made by students of BHU.

Banaras Hindu University: Since we were passing through this university, a mention about this University is inescapable. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement.

To be continued……