I almost forgot to share something, and I must admit, it’s a little embarrassing: I was born and brought up here in Kashi. I’ve wandered these familiar streets countless times, taking paths that lead to Kashi Kalbhairav and Kashi Vishwanath, yet somehow, I never found a moment to truly visit. Then, in 2024, something extraordinary happened.
After 35 long years, fate finally allowed me to meet Kashi Kalbhairav, to seek his blessing and permission. And in a twist of fate, where I had never visited in 35 years, by the end of 2024, I had the rare privilege of visiting 3 times. It felt so surreal. One early morning at 3 AM, I woke with a burning desire to embrace the cool air and wash away the lingering chill with a quick, crisp shower. I made sure to make a little noise as I washed, trying to warm myself up and shake off the cold. All I could think about was reaching Kashi Kalbhairav’s temple.
The moment I entered, an indescribable energy greeted me. It was more than peace, it was a powerful, enveloping force seeping into every fiber of my being. In that moment, it hit me: here lay true power, true divinity, and pure sacred light. In that instant, I felt Kashi Kalbhairav wasn’t just a deity; he was the very guardian of this city, and I understood deeply that before stepping into the presence of Kashi Vishwanath, one must first seek his permission.
After leaving Kashi Kalbhairav’s lane I was fortunate enough to meet a tuk-tuk driver who guided me to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gate Number 4. As I passed through the security check and entered the temple grounds, I watched the early morning sky transition from deep navy to gentle hues of light as the city slowly woke up. In the distance, I heard the divine echoes of Rudrashtakam—the chant “Namami Shamisham Nirvan Roopam”.
As the sound filled the air, a wave of energy washed over me. Goosebumps danced over my skin, and for a moment, I felt like I was suspended in time. It was like stepping into a divine trance. My heart raced, not out of fear but out of pure, overwhelming excitement. The rhythmic beat of my heart—lub-dub, lub-dub, seemed to echo in the universe as if the beginning of everything was unfolding right before my eyes. It was the beginning of the universe, the start of this world, and the end of all suffering.
In that moment, I understood that the journey ahead was not just about discovering the outer world, but also the inner world, the end of ego, grief, confusion, sorrow, and pain.
This life changing experience marked the start of a journey I hadn’t fully grasped until that moment. The soul of Kashi, its timeless energy, its spiritual truth, it’s something that still calls to me, something I can’t yet fully comprehend, yet I know I’m on the right path. And this journey is far from over. There are still so many layers to uncover, and I can’t wait to share more with you in my next post.
Stay tuned for the continuation of this story as I dive deeper into my experiences, spiritual discoveries, and lessons learned in the sacred city of Kashi.
In that moment, I understood that the journey ahead was not just about discovering the outer world, but also the inner world, the end of ego, grief, confusion, sorrow, and pain.
-The ink waves
The Ink Waves 