MAN'S BEST FRIEND AT VARANASI

I AM THE BOSS

Have you ever been to a place where man's best friend is indeed a best friend where they roam freely without any inhibition.  Well, then welcome to Varanasi (aka Kashi and Banares), the land where dogs are the Boss.

Yeah we know you are doing the Tarpanam (ritual for the deceased), but were you kind to the deceased when Alive?

Have any one wondered why dogs have such privilege at Varanasi? Legend has it that Lord Kala Bhairava's companion was a dog. Who is Kala Bhairav  According to the Hindu Puranas, Kala Bhairava is another representation of Lord Shiva in the most terrifying form. In the Skanda Purana, the Lord Kala Bhairava emerged out of Shiva's third eye to subdue the egoist tryst that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had in claiming who is the most superior being. The Skanda Purana concludes that Brahma's 5th head was severed by Kala Bhairava to subdue Brahma's ego, resulting in  Kala Bhairava incurring the sin of Brahmahathya, where it is stated that the Brahma's head got stuck in Kala Bhairava's hands. Kala Bhairava was advised to walk through the 3 worlds to seek a place where his sins could be washed off. Finally arriving at Varanasi or Kashi, Brahma's head dropped off from Kala Bhairava's hand and ever since then, Kashi or Varanasi has been the spot where Hindus believe, by virtue of immersing oneself in the Ganges river at Kashi,  one's sins will be washed off so that the person could reduce their cycle of birth and death and eventually attaining liberation.

My Bed of Roses 

Over My Dead Body

We Need Our Tan

Kama (lust), Krodha (Anger) Loba (Greed), Moha (Temptation), Mada (Pride) and Matsarya (Jealousy or Envy) are all the manifestation of ones ego, hence the rise of Kala Bhairava within the philosophical context of Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism) was to destroy all the six enemies that inhibit one's spiritual growth which ultimately leads to one's liberation.

The Wretched Body Has To Go

So where does the dog come in this equation?  Well the dog represents undivided love. Although the story of Kala Bhairava was narrated differently in various literature, but one thing that was consistent in all was the companionship of the dog with Kala Bhairava, which stood steadfastly with Kala Bhairava in his journey through the 3 worlds.

So what shall we do Now?

Interestingly dogs play a significant role in Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism). Dogs have senses that can detect illness in people (medical science has already proven this) hence it is stated that even Lord Yama (Lord of Death) will be careful in taking away someone's life if the beholder has a dog in his home. 

Ok Hurry it up Bro, I can't be Waiting the whole Day

Saint Manikavasagar uses the word 'dog' 72 times in his composition of Shivite hymn, Thiruvasagam, to describe the concept of devotion towards divinity.

The Vedas mention that it is compulsory that one leaves a handful of food for the dog before going to bed, otherwise it is deemed that the house dweller is living in an incomplete house.

And I am sure all of us have heard about the chivalry of dogs throughout history and its bonding with children and adults alike.

Hence it is not surprising that dogs are referred to as man's best friend.

Hey whats Happening?

Is it any surprise that the reverse of dog is "GOD"?

Is it a coincidence?  I don't know.

My first encounter with a dog friendly environment was at Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It was not surprising since Tiruvannamalai was the home to Ramana Maharshi, a Saint who had lived all his life who practiced compassion to all beings, and in particular to dogs and especially towards Karupi the dog who had been his constant companion. Even up to today his values on compassion is evident at his Ashram, where dogs, peacocks, monkeys roam around freely in the grounds. 

For us our late KRYSTAL and ABBY (Abhirami) had always been our boon for comfort and love, and when they died it was indeed traumatic for our family.  Today we are blessed with ATHENA and ARYAAN, who came into our lives about 11 months ago, and happily chewed the front door, the wooden shoe rack, the brick wall and of course the innumerable foot wear. These are our everyday haunting, but the the siblings are still adorable.

The Majestic Krystal 

The Heart Melting Abhirami....Abhirami....

The Adorable Rascals Aryaan & Athena 

Back in Varanasi, everyday seems to be a "DOGS"  day out. As the photos describe, they come in all shapes, sizes and colours. To me it was a sight to behold, never saw so many dogs roaming free without a care or concern.

Ok I have been Marked

Don't you want to be my friend, I am the new kid on the Block?

With so much cruelty towards animals which  we see around us, perhaps Varanasi is a dogs paradise. Looking at these dogs, it gives hope on humanity, ie. KINDNESS. 

So the next time if you are in Varanasi and do come across a dog, feed it, perhaps you may wash your sins away........or at least you will have the satisfaction of feeding a stray.

ravi varmman

Subang Jaya

14.32

4th February 2019