What Is the Deeper Meaning of Pilgrimage to Kashi and Rameshwaram?காசி முதல் ராமேஸ்வரம் வரை — அந்த யாத்திரை உணர்த்துவது என்ன?

In 1999, 9th Velvi, what Gurumahan asks us to leave behind in Kashi: Not food or possessions, but the weight of the mind!

Even if one travels across the world for these 21 days (Holy Penance), the state we experience by sitting here in meditation and merging with this magnificent universe is extremely rare. Such a state is rarely found anywhere else. The core principle of Sanatana Dharma is 'what exists in the macrocosm also exists within the microcosm'. The same principles that govern our inner being are reflected outwardly. If you observe any other land in the world, its structure is not complete in this sense. But Bharat is uniquely designed according to the structure of the human body. Kanyakumari is formed like a triangle where three oceans meet. In the human body, in Muladhara chakra, Ida, Pingala & Sushumna, three main nadis converge. In the same way, these energies meet at Kanyakumari. That is why the deity worshipped at that place is Kanni Moola Ganapati. Externally, the presiding deity there is Kanyakumari. From this southern point begins the spiritual path of Sanatana Dharma. In the final phase of one's life, a Hindu is expected to reach Kashi, to seek oneness with Divine. This practice is called Vadakiruthal which means handing over all worldly responsibilities to one’s lineage and dedicating oneself fully to penance in order to realize God.
Thus, going to Kashi means journeying to unite with God. Kashi is the place where three rivers meet: the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. The Ganga and Yamuna are visible, but the Saraswati is not seen. She flows underground and is therefore called Antarvahini. When a person immerses themselves at the confluence of these three rivers, they symbolically release their worldly duties. After this, one goes to Haridwar. Hari refers to Vishnu, who resides in Vaikuntha. Haridwar is considered the gateway to Vaikuntha. Many people visit Haridwar today as tourists, without understanding its deeper meaning. Sadly, many Holy places have now become tourist destinations and are no longer protected in their true sanctity. In our unique geography, Rameswaram represents the south and Kashi the north. In ancient times, people who went to Kashi did not immediately return to worldly life. After completing their journey to Kashi, they would go to Rameswaram. This was a tradition.
Why Rameswaram? Because the energy of the Muladhara, the Kundalini power, is rooted in the south. Everyone has this inner energy. When it is awakened and used correctly, it benefits not only the individual but the world at large just as knowledge, when discovered, becomes useful to all. After returning from Kashi, one must go to Rameswaram. This is an age-old belief. What is the true benefit of going to Kashi? It is not about gaining something external. It is about giving up inner impurities desire, anger, greed, attachment, and jealousy and entering a divine state. In earlier times, only those who were ready to renounce everything could truly go to Kashi. Even today, one can go to Kashi. But after returning, one must ask: what did I leave behind? Not food or possessions, but attachments. If one has anger, let go of anger. If desire dominates, release desire. If jealousy exists, let go of jealousy.
When a person returns after removing inner enemies of the mind, true benefit arises. Each visit should help dissolve one inner blockage. As these inner impurities fall away, divine qualities naturally emerge. For a true devotee, returning from Kashi should reduce worldly involvement. That is why, after Kashi, one is guided toward Rameswaram.

Let Wisdom Flourish!
Let Peace Prevail!
Let us protect Mother earth!
Let us protect the Universe!

Santhosam

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