Mission man of Kashi – Sri P S Venkataramana & Smt Lalitha

March 2018 – I was about to embark upon a pilgrim tour of the holiest place on earth “Kashi” and was in the process of gathering information on history and importance of key temples in Kashi. Google took me to an excellent website (www.http://varanasitemples.in)  comprising comprehensive details of various temples at Kashi, classified as Shivlings, Vishnu Temples, Ganapati Temples, Devi Temples and Bhairav Temples. Over and above I could also see useful information for remedial procedures for Graha Dosham and also informative materials for South Indian Devotees. I found this website most comprehensive and complete for the fact that the author(s) had put in sincere efforts in producing the present age details in corroboration with the KASHI Khand which is part of the Skand Puran and Ling Puran.  The Author(s) have written books by personally exploring and researching over 350 Temples across Kashi to bring this gem of information for the devotees across various Indian languages. Their comprehensive analysis include the history of the temple, exploring the legends and rituals practices in old scriptures, the present day names, the location,  priest details, timings and rituals to be followed. Nowhere can you find such detailed information.

Sri P S Venkataramana & Smt Lalitha are residents of Kashi who have undertaken the noble cause of enlightening the devotees with the real Gems of Kashi in the form of comprehensive literature that too free of cost. Both are doing a great service to humanity and their aim is to publish their books in most Indian languages and to distribute it free of cost which is going to immensely benefit a large number of people. They have carried the legacy of their parents who too were staunch devotees and helped various devotees in conducting Kashi Yatra. Their selfless service has been appreciated and applauded by various sections of the society and most importantly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, who expressed happiness over their work and assured that the he will surely read the book which was presented to him when he called upon the couple during his visit to Varanasi.

I too had the great fortune to visit Venkat sir and Lalithamma in person who invited me to his house and guided me in performing a navagraha and Shakti peeth yatra. While at his house the couple showered great affection and love for which we will be in-debt forever.

Sharing with you some interesting insights:-

• On the lines of Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu, there are Navagraha shivlings at Kashi too which a devotee can visit in person and can appease by chanting appropriate mantra. While the Tamilnadu Navagrah temples are well known and describes, the Kashi Navagraha Shivlings are though powerful yet, not very popularly described.
• While most of us know the legends associated with key temples like Vishwanath, there are more temples having huge spiritual importance. For instance an abhisheka at Atmaveereshwar is equal to performing abhisheka of 3 crore Shivlingas !!!!!
• Some of the temples as mentioned in Kashi khand have been encroached upon by residents and there is a lot that Govt. can do to
• While most of know that we get Punya by Ganga Snana but at the same time guiding others person too will yield virtuous deeds. One Dip in Ganga ji is equal to performing Ashwa Medh Yagna!
• A devotee who chants one Gayatri Matra at Manikarnika gets the benefit of chanting Ten thousand Gayatri Mantras at other places !!

The book offers a treasure for spiritual seekers and there are few other books written by the Author which are a must read. The books are:-

1. Temples of Kashi
2. Saundarya Lahiri (Translation & Explanation)
3. Lalitha Sahasranama (Translation & Explanation)
4. Vishnu Sahasranama ((Translation & Explanation)
5. Kashi Kaandam in Tamil
6. Graha Dosam & Pariharam in Kashi & Tamil nadu
7. Simple remedy for Planetary Afflictions

I personally encourage you to visit their website and read their books and enlighten yourself with the most precious spiritual treasures of Kashi.

May Lord Vishwanth always be with Venkat Sir and Lalithamma.