Tales from the Island of Serendip 4 4

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It is said that over a million pilgrims visit Benares every year.

 

 

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Benares is famous for its ghats.

 

 

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Ghats are embankments of steep stone steps along the river bank where pilgrims come to bathe.

 

 

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It is a religious act.

 

 

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There are nearly 100 ghats, and all are considered to be spiritual locations on "the divine cosmic road".

 

 

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While the ghats themselves are broad and open to the sun, the alleyways leading to them from the old city are narrow and dark.

 

 

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One bursts out of the labyrinth and the open vista of the glittering river is presented all at once.

 

 

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The river front has countless shrines and temples.

 

 

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One shivaite temple has famously sunk into the river.

 

 

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The Manikarnika Ghat is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city.

 

 

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Hindus believe that dying in Benares will release them from the eternal cycle of rebirth and suffering.

 

 

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It is said that Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead.

 

Om Sri Rama Jaya

Rama Jaya Jaya Rama

 

 

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Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om Triyambakam Yajaamahe

Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam

Urva-rukamiva Bhandhanan

Mytor-muksheeya Maa mritat

 

"We worship Lord Shiva, the three-eyed one

Who is fragrant and nourishes all beings

May he liberate us from death, for the sake of immortality

even as a cucumber is severed from its bondage to the creeper."

 

 

 

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You may just recognize this mantra from the opening credits of Battlestar Galactica!

 

Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhoor Bhuvassuvah

Tat Saviturvarenyam

Bargo Devasya Dheemahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat

 

"May there be peace on mortal and divine planes

I meditate upon the most brilliant splendor

May the Sun God inspire our minds

to take the right action at the right time."

 

 

 

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Om Namah Shivaya

 

"May the greatest that can be in this world be created in me, in others and in this world."