Maha Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj ended on 26th February. The very next day, I boarded the late night train from Prayagraj Cheoki station for Varanasi. I reached Varanasi in the wee hours of 28th February. The crowds were beginning to reduce and I was elated to be in this Kaal Bhairava kshetra after 10 years!

Has Kashi Changed? Or Did I?

We hear a lot about the developments of Kashi – the golden corridor and ghat walks and ferry services and what not. However, in my case, it was more a revelation to me how much I had changed in this decade that passed by since my previous visit.

My earlier trip was extremely overwhelming and freaky (thanks to Kaal Bhairava, my ishta deva). It was a wonder to me how much I enjoyed this second visit, how much more capable and comfortable I was navigating through the people, processes and ambiance. I felt protected and guided by the devi devtas.

To know more about my long story with Kaal Bhairava starting from denial to devotion, watch this video:

Finding Self-Transformation (is this a bit cheezy?)

What a stark contrast this trip 10 years later was!

I am now fine with the tiny lanes, because my crowd skipping skills are much better. I can find quiet lanes to skip the chaos. And inevitably there are powerful, less known, ancient temples on these quiet lanes. Thus, all the better. Sometimes, deity energies might also guide me through the lanes of Kashi.

I allow things “to happen” now. Feeling protected and cared for by my deities, I can happily “allow” things to happen. Go with the “flow”. Very ‘hippie’ sounding terms – but this approach is core to a good pilgrimage!

I am way more adept at finding accommodation, food places and general exploration. More importantly, I have a sense of what I would like and so I am glad to say that a lot of times, I can skip the attractive, blingy stuff and opt for a ‘right’ situations for me.

Talking about food, read my blog post on Thatheri Bazaar, Kashi’s food lane: https://maproute.in/food-tripping-at-thatheri-bazaar-kashi/

I have gotten much more intense with my explorations and Kashi is a treasure trove for explorators! So, “go intense”!

All in all, within a couple of days – the Maha Kumbh influx of devotees reduced – and VIP darshans started. So, I must say, I had a gala time! I opted for VIP darshan at Kashi Vishwanath. So, not only did I skip the lines completely – I also was able to get a small Rudrabhishekam process done at the temple (though not on the main linga). I was able to meditate in the temple and basically relaxfully have my darshan.

I also visited the Kashi Kaal Bhairava temple twice, without much standing in the queue. The second time I chatted with a lot of the pujaris sitting there and I was meditated within the temple itself. It was absolutely fulfilling! Jai Kaal Bhairava!

I visited a LOT of LESS KNOWN temples of Kashi!

Daily I was visiting atleast 5 temples in Kashi, most were ancient with interesting stories. Many were very significant for specific reasons. I will be putting out this content in some form. Maybe not as public blog posts – because I want to keep these less known (to avoid instagram reel makers from flocking there).

Plus, it is now a matter of time that any freely available content I put out will gets taken over by AI tools. So, sign up for my emails – and you will get a part of my Kashi exclusive content. The rest will be available for a small price.

All in all, I can say,

Kashi and I have both changed. This was a fantastic trip.

How to Get a Powerful Kashi Experience?

Find out in this video. The truck is to personalize the trip for yourself ; with meaningful connections with your sadhana.