HOLY CITY _ VARANASI

Sri Ramakrishna was a connoisseur of things spiritual and could correctly assess the spiritual status of a holy place. The idea that Varanasi is unique was so deeply ingrained in his psyche, that it was found later in his conversations the mention of Varanasi and its different facets. Varanasi according to Mark Twain was ‘older than history, older than tradition, and even legend’ -was to Sri Ramakrishna the holiest of the holy. Master used to say, “Anyone who dies in Benaras, whether a Brahmin or prostitute, will become Shiva.” Master’s love for Benaras was next to that of Daksineshwar Kali Temple. He said “Once when Hriday was tormented me, I thought of leaving this place and going to Benaras.”

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