"Kashi is an exalted place, bestower of all desires and boons, it is spread over pancha krosha … go there without any further delays, it will help you fulfil all your wishes and desires, do not have any doubts in your mind; the four purushārthas can be attained there. The God there is so kind; strange are the games he plays. It is named Anandakānana; Kashi is the rāshi or treasure of all dharma, for all living creatures the site of salvation. Even if you merely see the inhabitants of Kashi, then all your sins will run away from you. What can I say about the greatness of this place? It is the place of the Tāraka Mantra, which will be whispered to you as upadesh by its swami [Shiva]. It is a waste of human life if one does not go there, or better still live there."
Varanasi

January 1, 1970