Kashi

The Goddess said: “O Maheśvara, whatever tīrthas exist in whatever places—tell me, O Lord, how those very tīrthas are present here in my Kāśī, in each corresponding spot.”

Whatever is done in this sacred Field (Kāśī)—whether auspicious or even inauspicious—its consequence does not come to an end even at the time of cosmic dissolution. Therefore, one should earnestly practice what is truly beneficial and…

In Avimukta, the deathless sacred field, those who worship Ādi-keśava indeed attain immortality, free from every sorrow.

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “You have told (me) the greatness of Vārāṇasī in brief. O sage, please describe it in detail—then my mind will be fully satisfied.”

In Vārāṇasī, and at Prabhāsa, as well as at the hermitage of Badarī; at Gaṅgādvāra, at Prayāga, and at the confluence where the Gaṅgā meets the ocean—

Now I shall explain further the merit they gained—by which those three attained the delightful city of Kāśī, the sacred Vaiśveśvarī, O king.

'When shall I attain Kashi? I am consumed by the fire of separation. I shall surely die,' lamented Maheshvara.

Sacred places like Kashi and others are situated to the West. The best of sages like Vasishtha are situated there to the North.

Listen to the most beautiful story related to the Lord of Kashi, by which you, becoming pure, will also become a Brahmana.

Now, O best of brāhmaṇas, please tell the supreme greatness of Kāśī. Formerly, O revered Brahman, I heard only a little of it from the mouth of Saṃdhyāvalī.

Vasu said: “Now, O auspicious one, I shall explain the supreme glory of the Gaṅgā—situated at Vārāṇasī—which bestows the fruits of both worldly enjoyment and liberation.”

O twice-born one, whoever remembers Avimukta at the time of life’s departure—he too, freed from sins, attains the supreme state of Śiva.