[Kashi Krama]
Isha Sacred Walks is delighted to offer this tremendous spiritual possibility of being at Kashi’s sanctified space with Sadhguru on September the 23rd – Sadhguru’s Enlightenment day. We will have the privilege of a special satsang with Sadhguru on this glorious day and be in his presence at the Manikarnika Ghat. The fortune of soaking in the intoxicating and overwhelming energy of our Master in Shiva’s Sacred & beloved Kashi is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We hope to have you with us on this momentous occasion.
Kashi is one of the most ancient cities of learning. This was a place where hundreds of enlightened beings lived at a time. In every street, you had an enlightened being to meet.
– Sadhguru
Introduction
Isha Sacred Walks is delighted to offer this tremendous spiritual possibility of being at Kashi’s sanctified space with Sadhguru on September the 23rd – Sadhguru’s Enlightenment day. We will have the privilege of a special satsang with Sadhguru on this glorious day and be in his presence at the Manikarnika Ghat. The fortune of soaking in the intoxicating and overwhelming energy of our Master in Shiva’s Sacred & beloved Kashi is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We hope to have you with us on this momentous occasion.
Millions of pilgrims from all over the world are drawn to the city of Kashi, one of the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism. Called the spiritual capital of India, this magnificent city of learning radiates endless energy. Despite witnessing ancient civilizations rise and fall over centuries, Kashi is still alive, unabashedly colorful, vibrant, and wonderfully rich in history and legends.
Kashi Krama, a program by Isha Sacred Walks, offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a journey to this holiest of cities. Here are seven reasons you should not miss the chance to be a part of this incredible experience.
Spiritual Significance
▵ City of Light
Kashi, the holy ‘City of Light’ shines bright, both physically and metaphorically. It is believed that a single dip in the holy waters of the Ganga can wash away a lifetime of sins.
▵ Founded by Lord Shiva
According to legend, Kashi was founded by Lord Shiva and was his favorite abode. In one verse of the ancient scripture Skanda Purana, Shiva says, “The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kasi is my royal palace therein.”
▵ The Great Cremation Grounds
In Kashi, the most natural and inevitable cycle of life and death is celebrated and revered with as much gusto. Also known as ‘Maha-smashana’ or ‘The Great Cremation Grounds’, the holy city humbles you by bringing you face to face with the balance of life and death.
▵ Kashi Vishwanath – Jyotirlinga
Kashi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important places of worship in the country. Considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple holds great significance in the spiritual history of India.
▵ Close to Bodhgaya
Near Kashi is the 1500-year-old Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, the spot of the legendary Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, near Kashi, thereby giving birth to Buddhism.
▵ Original hub of art, culture, spirituality and music
Kashi was the original hub of art, culture, spirituality and music. Many prominent Indian saints, philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or once lived in Kashi. Several major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Kashi, including Kabir and Ravidas.
Every year, devotees undertake the holy trek in spite of all the challenges they face due to extreme geographical and weather conditions. This is the beauty of these sacred spaces.
▵ Boat ride and Ganga Arati
A boat ride across the sacred Ganga perfectly captures the spirit of Kashi. Countless candlelit paper boats with flowers carrying people’s prayers float their way across the waters. Waves of pilgrims arrive to take a holy dip in the waters, others meditate in solitude and the rest bow their heads in prayer along the Ghats. As the sun goes down, the evening ritual of worship, called the Ganga Arati, unfolds.
A Possibility
For all this and more, your journey with Isha Sacred Walks is an intensely spiritual experience, complete with meditation sessions, satsangs, spiritual processes and much more. Kashi Krama will take you through the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Kalabhairava Temple, Mahamrityunjaya Temple, Vishalakshi Temple, Manikarnika Ghat and boat rides on the Ganges.This Kashi Krama journey also includes a visit to Sarnath, a peaceful and sacred space where Buddha gave his first Sermon. Kashi Krama is not like any other pilgrimage – it is an opportunity to transform yourself and soak in the essence of the spiritual capital of India.
With our team of highly skilled, trained and dedicated teachers and volunteers always ready to help you with every step you take on this memorable journey, you will be enveloped in a sense of endless energy, tranquility and oneness.
The holiest of the holy sites in the east is Kashi, or Benares as it is known today. Kashi is held as the core of the universe.
– Sadhguru
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive and check in at the hotel in Kashi by 12 noon. We start the day with a visit to Sarnath, where Gautama the Buddha gave his first sermon. This momentous and historic event has been depicted in exquisite sculptures of the Buddha and other monuments at Sarnath.
DAY 2
The day starts early with Mangala Arati at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, said to have been consecrated by Shiva himself. After Arati, we will walk to Vishalakshi Temple, one of the Shakti Sthalas, as well as the Annapoorni Temple. A boat ride in the sacred Ganga followed by participation in the evening Ganga arati from the boat are some of the other highlights of the day.
DAY 3
We will have the privilege of having Sadhguru with us for a special satsang today and be in his presence at the Manikarnika Ghat – the most sacred cremation spot in Kashi, which is at the core of the spiritual process that thrives in the city.
DAY 4
We visit places of tremendous spiritual significance, including Kalabhairava Temple, the powerful guardian deity of Kashi and Mahamrityunjaya Temple where it is believed that one can win over death.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own and visit its various temples, ghats and market places. Kashi features a variety of cultural delights, including exquisite silk weaves and unique cuisines. We will be happy to suggest a number of interesting places you can visit.
The program culminates with Guru Pooja, an offering of gratitude to the great beings who have made available the powerful possibility of self-transformation. The hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
Please Note:
- The itinerary above is indicative of the places we will be visiting. However, the actual order of the itinerary may vary.
Conveniences
- The entire sojourn is conducted and managed by a dedicated Isha team.
- A qualified and well-equipped doctor will accompany the group throughout the journey.
- Accommodation at a 4 or 5 star hotels on twin sharing basis.
- Wholesome vegetarian meals and mineral water.
- Air-conditioned bus travel
- Boat ride on the River Ganges
- Entrance fee for all places on the itinerary
To make it possible for you to take this mystical journey back home, Isha offers a collection of photos after the sojourn.
Note: Please plan for costs towards personal expenses, souvenirs and other expenditures not mentioned here.
Prerequisites
- The Inner Engineering Program with Shambhavi Mahamudra and / or Shoonya Initiation is a prerequisite for participating in Isha Sacred Walks Sojourns.
- For upcoming programs near your city, visit the Inner Engineering Programs locator.
- These simple but powerful energy processes for inner transformation will greatly enhance your experience of the vibrant places that you will be visiting and will also prepare you both mentally and physically for the sojourn.
Program Guide
- Please carry your passport (or any valid government ID for Indian nationals) as it may be required while traveling and to check-in to the hotel.
- Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited for the entire duration of the sojourn.
Packing Suggestions
We recommend the following items
- Personal clothing
- Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Mosquito repellent spray/cream
- Shawl or jacket
- General footwear
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight
- Umbrella
- Rain Coat
- A Yoga mat for practices and Satsangs
- Camera (optional)
The temperature at Kashi in September can vary between 20 to 35 degrees C. Please bring appropriate clothing for climate and visiting temples.
*Please note that video cameras are not permitted.
Please carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, painkillers, muscle relaxant cream, band-aids, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion and any other medication necessary.
FAQ's
Contact Sacred Walks
ISHA SACRED WALKS
Thannerpandal, Velliangiri Foot Hills, Ishana Vihar Post,
Coimbatore – 641 114,
Tamil Nadu, India
INDIA REGISTRATION CONTACT
TAMIL NADU, KARNATAKA & KERALA
+91 9488 111 333
ANDHRA PRADESH & TELANGANA
+91 9488 123 999
REST OF INDIA
+91 9488 111 555 / +91 9488 123 555
OVERSEAS REGISTRATION CONTACT
USA & CANADA
+1 612-562-9330
UK & EUROPE
+44 7415 990433
SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA & AUSTRALIA
+65 8771 3634
MIDDLE EAST
+971 50 802 4893