Ganga And Kashi

By Smita Bharadwaj

It seems that from beginning till the end of creation, Kashi is the ultimate place for salvation. Waiting ground for souls wanting emancipation, Yet paradoxically, seeking afterlife with anticipation. The magnificent ghats captivate and mesmerize, In Benaras, the Ganges seems very old and wise. Nonchalantly, she carries good and bad, without disguise, Smiling and certain that the game of karma is so precise. Varanasi is undoubtedly a fascinating panorama, Art, textiles, tantra, occult, akharas and musical gharana, A vibrant melting pot of karma, dharma and Nirvana, The oldest living city is like a multifaceted prima donna. Shiva, the simpleton is his rustic avatar of Bholenath, Suddenly seems worldly wise as Kashi Vishwanath. He makes every human to pause and analyze his path, The mighty egos tremble, thinking of the aftermath. The young and boisterous Bhagirathi or Alaknanda, Jahnavi, Mandakini, Hooghly or everlasting Ananta, Purifying sins with her sacred water is the Punya Salila, She descended from heaven, our beloved Ganga Maiyya.

By Smita Bharadwaj