Kashi and Cosmos: Spatial manifestation and the five pilgrimage journeys of Banaras

Abstract

and Aesthetic experience: This refers to the initial unfolding of altered consciousness which the individual experiences directly through the senses, looking at objects like the area, route, geometrical design, architectural pattern. This is the most common experience that pilgrims have. Psychodynamic experience: This denotes characteristics related to pain and stress, and the inconveniences faced during the journey. The experience is based on individual personality, nature of belief, and level of tolerance and motive. Peri-natal experience: This is the feeling of calm and cosmic unity when the pilgrim enters a state of undisturbed intrauterine life. For most pilgrims this is the supreme experience. This type of intimate experience is difficult but not impossible to feel and express, ‘they may be personal and deeply felt, but they are not necessarily solipsistic or eccentric’ (Tuan, 1977: 147). Transpersonal experience: This experience involves the enhancement of ordinary senses and an expansion of consciousness to an extra-planetary consciousness, and is generally not realised by lay people. A stage of this experience was realised by the great thinker of the 6th century, Shankara, on Table 4 Kashi: Pilgrimage, Sacred Sites & Shrines vs. Cosmogonic Integrity Sacred segment/ route of Pilgrimage 1. Macro-cosmos: Planet 2. Meso-cosmos: Direction 3. Micro-cosmos: 3 mythic realms / 2 parts of a day Shrines on the route = 1x 2x 3 1. Chaurashikroshi 9 8 2 144 2. Panchakroshi 9 4 3 108 3. Nagar Pradakshina 9 4 2 72 4. Avimukta 9 4 2 72 5. Antargriha 9 4 2 72 TOTAL 9 4 13 (months) 468 Source: Singh and Rana 2002: 50