About the Book Kashi khanda details the procedures by which the deities in Kashi must be visited. The chapter Kashi Khanda is like the nectar in the ocean known as Skanda purana. When this supreme Kashi Khanda is read, written, heard, distributed or if it is reverentially kept on the altar and worshipped with offering of sandal paste, flowers and colored rice, Vishveshwara, the Lord of Kashi, showers the person with Mother Lakshmi (prosperity). He blesses the person with longevity and power. The ever-compassionate Mother Vishalakshi fulfills the desires of the devotees.

Foreword 'Kashi'- The mere mention of this word causes the body to horripilate in joy. Mind completely gets filled with Shiva. All our thoughts focus on Shiva alone. Such is the power in the name Kashi! Such is the greatness of the city called Kashi!

Due to His love for Kashi, for the second time and that too in the city of Kashi itself and during this sacred occasion of Ati Rudra Yaga, our beloved Sad guru Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is extolling the greatness of Kashi through the narration of this divine Kashi Khanda! It is not but our fortune and nothing but the merit that we have brought from the many past births that is blessing us with this opportunity to listen to this directly from Him! It is said that the Lord incarnates so as to easily uplift the devotee. Likewise, although He has already narrated this Kashi Khanda earlier, purely with intent to make it easy for us to grasp, our Sad guru deva, has simplified the matter and made it available to us in an easy-to understand fashion. Along with it, He is also making available few of the Shivaratri speeches given by Him during the various years. Read them all. Through the understanding of the essence of Shiva a, try to uplift yourselves.

When Pujya Sri Swamiji narrated Kashi Khanda for the first time, Sri Vamshikrishna Ghanapathi, Sri Rani Subbayya Deekshitulu and Sri Ramji had worked hard to compile the matter. I pray for Sri Swamiji's blessings upon them. This text, which details the glory of Kashi, furthers in us a desire to learn more about the sacred place. It helps us connect more with Shiva. It increases dedication and devotion in His worship. Due to them, it ensures that His blessings are .showered abundantly upon us. May the grace of Lord Vishveshwara and our Sad guru flow to one and all!

Book's Contents and Sample Pages