Quick Read: Shiva found Kashi to satisfy his in-laws who were not happy with his austere tent at Kailasha.

Note: Kashi ( The Luminous Place) is where the Shiva first appeared on earth as Jyotirlinga (pillar of light). It was the place first created by Shiva & Shakti. From Kashi they created the rest of the universe.

In a lesser known story, Devi Parvati’s parents, Mena & Himalaya were not happy with the tent of Shiva at Kailasha. They desired a proper place for her daughter. So Shiva scanned the whole earth and then came to Kashi. He vowed never to leave it.

Vishwanath temple represents the Jyotirlinga but the whole of Kashi is the abode of Shiva – “Kashi ka kankar Shiva Shankar” (the very stones of Kashi are Shiva).

Source: Rana B Singh , Dolls of India

Picture Credit: Ganga at Kashi, Ramanujam S. R

The Braj region (around Mathura-Vrindavan) is the venue for Lathmaar Holi. Krishna, who was from Nandgoan, planned to spoil Radha’s rosy complexion by smearing Gulal ( colours) on her face. He traveled to Barsana to achieve this mischievous feat, but this act makes the Gopis furious. They chased him and his accomplices back to Nandgaon with lathis.

Holi is celebrated most intensely in the Braj region and it usually lasts for eight days. The Krishna-Radha episode is recreated at both Nandgaon and Barsana by the local dwellers. First, the women of Barsana pretend to beat up the men of Nandgaon with lathis. The next day it is the turn of the women of Nandgaon follow-up the ritual with Barsana men. Both Holi celebrations are held at the temple complexes amidst a riot of colours and cheerful festive music.

Source: Outlook Traveller, Lasya Nadimpally

Picture Credit: Avishek Das, Flickr