According to Hindu traditions when a soul leaves a body, it needs to attain salvation. But have you ever heard of a place where you can stay to attain salvation?
India is a country of some unbelievable and unusual rituals and beliefs. With a large number of people belonging to different cultures and backgrounds living together. Some of the exciting practices remain unknown. One such practice is of attaining salvation in Varanasi.
Moksha: Getting free from the materialistic pleasures of life
Moksha, Vimoksha, or Vimukti are different Hindi terms for Salvation. In simple terms, it means getting free from the cycle of birth and death. After an individual dies, it is believed that it takes birth in another form. But if the soul attains moksha (salvation) then it is free and it does not take birth again. This concept is famous among Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These three religions truly and wholeheartedly believe in this concept. That is why it is important to perform the last rites correctly.
Varanasi: The Spiritual capital of India
Varanasi is a city located in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is also known as Kashi or Banaras. According to Hindu mythology, when Brahma and Shiva, two of the three principal deities had a conflict. Shiva tore off one head of Brahma. As part of a custom Shiva hanged that head and kept it with him all the time. One day, when Shiva reached Varanasi, Brahma’s head dropped on the ground and disappeared. From that day, the city of Kashi is considered as a holy city. It is surrounded by rivers and temples. People usually come here to witness Ganga Aarti on the Ghats in Banaras. Last rites are also performed at the Ghats. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Durga Kund Mandir, and Maa Annapurna Mandir are some of the famous temples of Varanasi.
Places in Varanasi to attain salvation
The holy city of Varanasi has two hotels where people check-in to die. Yes, you heard it right. These places are known for attaining salvation. People who are unable to perform their routine activities come and live in these places.
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Mumukshu Bhawan (Moksha Bhawan)
Mumukshu Bhawan commonly known as Moksha Bhawan is located in Uttarkashi near Assi Ghat. This home of salvation was established in 1920. It is at a distance of 400 meters from Uttarkashi bus stand. It was spread in an area of five acres when it was built. It has 55 rooms in total. It has two, three, and four-bedded rooms.
A nominal cost is charged from the people coming to live here. Built for attaining moksha. Now, this place has built more rooms for wedding functions and for the pilgrims to raise funds for the smooth functioning of the Bhawan.
People from India and abroad are allowed to come and live here. But people living in Varanasi are not allowed here.
Some places to visit nearby are:
- Vishwanath Mandir
- Shakti Mandir
- Kuteti Devi Mandir
- Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
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Kashi Labh- Mukti Bhawan
Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan was constructed in 1908. This building was owned by Hari Ram Goenka. Later in 1958, it was bought by Jai Dayal Dalmia of Dalmia Charitable Trust. It is a double-storeyed 12 room ashram. Like the Mumukshu Bhawan, this place is also known for attaining salvation. Initially, many people used to visit here to get moksha. But now most of the rooms remain empty. All the facilities are made available free of cost to the people living here. It costs only twenty rupees for electricity.
A room is provided to a person only for two weeks. If the person does not die during this period then he has to vacate the room. But according to the manager of kasha Labh Mukti Bhawan, this period can increase in some special cases. He has seen around 15000 people attaining salvation in front of his eyes. The Bhawan also has the records of all the people who have died here. It also has a priest and temple inside it. Every morning, their day starts with a three-hour-long pooja. Ramayana and Mahabharata are constantly read here. The day comes to an end with Satyanarayan arti in the evening.
Current Status of these Home of Salvation
Although people who truly believe in the concept of Moksha still visit here. But nowadays an increase in the number of people coming to die than witness the beauty of Varanasi is affecting the reputation of the city. It is said that today’s fast track generation will never understand this concept. But people who still believe in it love to take their last breath in this holy city.
Filming Documentary at Salvation Guest House in Varanasi
If you are planning to use the story of salvation house of Varanasi in your script for TV Program or Documentary showcasing the world, you may contact us in advance before 10-15 days for all the permissions and necessary approvals from the authority. Without permission, entry is strictly restricted for any kind of photography and videography of mansion, family members or salvation seekers.
Author: Anjali Datt
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