We almost lived a Kasi-ian life during out Yatra. We had aloo every day, the way Kasi lives, at times aloo is available for Rs.2/- per kg, we were told. We bathed in Ganges frequently, had our clothes washed in Ganges water. Roamed around Kasi and were used to gallis and cows in those gallis...!It was like walking talking and sleeping Kasi. There was bit of Kasi inside all of us...!
On return from Gaya, we woke up for our coffee next day and were tempted to go for Ganga Snanam again. Sekar Sastrigal had planned for Pancha Theertha Srartham for that day. This demanded the ritual to start with Ganga Snanam, so our expectation and the ritual matched. The only difference was we had to go in full attire, unlike earlier snanams, where we had bath and then got ready. It was an excellent experience anytime, to have bath in Ganga...! We took bath and got into boat with full 'madi' and the possibility of 'madi' being spoilt was nil, since were wet when we got in the boat...!
In the boat we have 'kumuti and charcoal, which Viji used to prepare cook the rice brought by Sekar Sastrigal.The boat started moving and the cooked rice was used to prepare Pindams. We visited five ghats where we offered Pindams separately. We were asked to take bath in three places after getting into the boat.
Each place the cooking is separate and pindam has to be prepared and offered into Ganges. As told earlier this is a very 'madi' offering, where there nil chances to do anything un-hygenic, as may happen in other places. Some info on this is here:-
Pancha Theertha Sraddham Sradham and Pinda Dhanam is performed at the following ghats:-
- 1. Asi Ghat- Here the river Asi joins the river Ganga
- 2. Dashwamedha Ghat –The Rudra Sarovar mixes with Ganga in this ghat.
- 3. Varuna Ghat- The waters which washes God Vishnu’s feet is suppose to merge in Ganga in this Ghat.
- 4. Pancha Ganga Ghat- Here the waters of the five rivers of Dharmanadha, Dhoodhapapa, Kirana, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi is suppose to merge.It is believed that the bath here is holiest.
- 5. Mani Karnika Ghat
This was a very heart warming exercise, where we feel that we offered Pindams to Pithrus in the most purest and respectful form. I told my Mom with lots of happiness and satisfaction the same, who also sounded very happy.
Second half of the day we went for shopping. My wife Viji went with Sekar Sastrigal's wife and I went with Sekar Sastrigal. I bought three Kurtas and gave it for stitching there itself. Sekar Sastriga promised to despatch this through some Chennai Bhaktas who would be coming to Kasi, which I was perfectly fine and told him that there is no hurry.
Next day was the last day for us at Kasi and readied for a hectic schedule. Morning was Ko Dhanam, where there was good red cow brought in. I ensured my Mom was there to witness this. It was her effort of bringing me up without father from my 13th year and bless me to become whatever I'm today. My Father's and other forefathers Blessings were evident and I wanted my Mom to be present this precious moment.
It was a beautiful Kamadhenu, as told, red in color and a small white patch on the forehead.It had a small calf born just 36 days ago, which was also there. We did Ko Pooja and it showed us a very comfortable position for us to conduct the pooja.My Mom was elated. After the pooja we went to on do the Dampathi Pooja at Sekar Sastrigal's residence. Smt & Sri Sekar Sastrigal were like our Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi.
Later we gave Thamboolam to Sumagalis whom Sekar Sastrigal had invited. Later we went to Annapooreswari temple, where my wife had the 'bhagyam' of doing abisekham on her own.This is like the chance we got to do abisekham to Ganga Matha, something we never expected but She decided to give us. Later we went to Kasi Viswanathar temple again, this time had the chance of doing abisekham with Viji for Kasi Viswanathar.
All this was possible because of our Pithrus Blessings, The Divine Blessings and effort of Sekar Sastrigal. He was not only influential in Kasi, but also was very caring. He ensured whatever should be provided for Elders was done promptly and whatever to be done for the kids also promptly. Never did he let us down anywhere.
The last leg was to visit Kala Bhairavar, post lunch. By now were actually very tired...!
(To be continued...!)
Pranams
Ram
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