Value additions on Kasi

Though I have completed the blog on Kasi, I received a mail from Ramamurthy Athimber adding inputs on Kasi, which I found interesting. He has even suggested to incorporate the inputs to make the blog look more complete in all dimensions. I am reproducing his valued inputs below, with my comments in pink.

The Annapurani as depicted in the series (Kasi Yaathirai - 5) (photograph) can be seen only for three days during Deepavali period. The Golden Annapurani and the Silver Sivan are always kept under lock and key and would be available for Darshan for three days, starting from Dhan Thereas Day. During this time Laddu Ther (chariot) is arranged with lots of sweets, vegetables and fruits. All these would be distributed to the devotees on the last day. Some tourist operators organize a tour to Kasi, Gaya and Allahabad during this period.

There is a Nattukkottai Chettiyars' Choultry, in Kedar Ghat area. From this Choultry, three times a day (or may be more) a procession, with provisions, coconuts, fruits, sandal, honey etc., is taken with Nadaswaram and Melam to Vishwanth Temple. This procession is called "Sambho". Any one, who sees the procession, stops, remove his footwear and pray reverence to this procession.

Harischandra Ghat is one of the most important Ghats in Kasi. It is believed that Raja Harischandra was working as an assistant to the chief cremator of the burning/burial ground, nearer to this Ghat. The descendants of the chief are still living in Kasi in a lavish Bungalow. He is called Dom Maharaj (in Hindi, it means the cremator in burning Ghat). All the burning Ghats are under his control and daily he gets his share from all the Ghats.

There is an important Temple in Harischandra Ghat area, known as Sri Kamakoteeswarar temple. It was established by Kanchi Sankara Mutt. A Jeernoddharana Kumbhabishekam was consecrated recently. In the inner round, just behind the Sanctum Santorum there is a mural sculpture of Lord Shiva in a reclining pose similar to the one that is available at Suruttappalli near Andhra and Tami Nadu border.

In and around Kedar Ghat and Harischandra Ghat areas, many Tamilians, especially purohits are residing. There is a Sankara Mutt also here. Vaishali's Thatha and Patti (she is no more) reside at Hanuman Ghat. He was incharge of this Sankara Mutt for atleast 10 yrs. Now he is just attending only functions and has no responsibility because of his age (He is around 87 now!!). We have even attended an aradhanai (Samadhi Day) of His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal at Sankara mutt

One of the important rituals in Kala Bhairavar temple is to get a mild beating from the priest with his stick on our right shoulder. There is a saying in Hindi - Prayag Me Mundan (Tonsuring the head), Kasi Me Dhandam (Cane Beating) aur Gaya Me Pindam. Somehow this has slipped my mind, though I was told the significance.

If Kala Bhairavar is the Kothwal (Inspector of Police), Dandapani is known as Darogha (the Head Constable) appointed by the Lord for the Security of Kasi. Dandapani's temple is just behind the Kala Bhiravar temple and can be reached through the rear entrance of the temple. This I was not aware of and did not visit.

There is one more important temple in Kasi. It is non religious. It is the temple of Mother India, known as Bharath Mata Mandir. On the floor they made a raised Map of India depicting all the important places. I feel every Indian must visit this temple and pay our reverence to our Nation. I feel unfortunate to miss this one because of time.

Special Thanks to Athimber for his valued inputs and for putting lot of efforts.