Kumbh Mela Diary 7, Kaashi

We stayed in Kaashi on Jan 31, at the start of the journey to Kumbh. Yes, we were in Scindia Ghat with Babaji. Their day starts at night and i took a short nap in the modest Kutiya as my co-traveller was trying to unravel Aghori sadhana from Babaji.

It was now time for Babaji to go to Manikarnika Ghat for his daily Sadhana. He needs to do his shringar and i was given the task to put a big red round bindi and apply the kajal i had with me.

He had to have his prasad in his Patra, the skull. Since i am on Sattvik path i had to as always say No to the fermented drink and he just put one drop on my tongue along with a small piece from the inner layer of the skull. It was too overwhelming for me: not sure whether to devour it or take it out. He said i can do either.

I decided to take it in and chewed on it and a bit of someone's remains on this earth got into my system.

Then we headed to the Shamshan each one of us taking one of Shiva s guarding tools. I took a small Trishul. Spent a whole length of night sitting on a piece of cloth that covered the last body that went on flames. Sitting beside Babaji, a crowd watching and two of aides guarding, living the Truth, you realise there is nothing to lose and nothing to gain.

My mind was empty, not even thinking of Mahadev, totally numb. The sadhana was over and at the exact moment the Electricity went off and the whole of Manikarnika Ghat was plunged in darkness. It was probably a reminder that Mahadev was watching over.

Babaji thanked the Shamshan Karmis, gave them Dakshina and we returned back. Went to the Ashram nearby where were to stay. The room was occupied by a few young men and by the time i got ready and came in my co traveller occupied the other remaining mattress and i was left with just one blanket in the severe cold.

Mahadeva!!

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