Mini Tamil Nadu thrives in Kashi
Varanasi (UP) : Kashi, a city immersed in spiritual significance, attracts a large number of tourists from South India. Among its many localities, places like Hanuman Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat bear the deep influence of South Indian culture and history. One of the most notable figures associated with these areas is the legendary Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, who lived and studied here for many years. Bharati was the pioneer in establishing a connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, laying the foundation for a strong cultural bond that continues to thrive today.
In his book, he wrote, “We will achieve something that will allow us to hear the debates of Varanasi while sitting in Kanchi. With the pure gold offerings from Karnataka, we will honour the heroes of Rajasthan. With the name of India on our lips, let us cast aside fear and poverty.”
Inspired by this vision, the Tamil Sangamam was initiated in Kashi. Following the efforts of Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 has also begun today, aiming to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
Pandit Venkat Raman Ghanapathi of Kashi stated that South Indians hold Kashi, Prayag and Gaya in special reverence. While reciting a shloka, he said, “Prayage Mundam, Kashi Dandam, Gaya Pindam…” Driven by this belief, there has been a continuous flow of Shaivite Tamils arriving in Kashi since ancient times, in search of Shiva’s ‘unattained bliss.’
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The Tamil community, who journeyed for months or even years with the wish to repay their debts to the gods in the city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi, established a miniature Tamil Nadu in the heart of Kashi, between Hanuman Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Pandit Venkat Raman Ghanpathi, Vedic scholar, pilgrim priest of the Tamil community and a member of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, says that making a religious pilgrimage to Kashi at least once in a lifetime is considered the most important spiritual goal for every Tamil.
Ancient Tamil texts describe the significance of the three major pilgrimage cities of North India, Prayagraj, Kashi and Gaya, stating that in Prayagraj, one is freed from self-debt, in Kashi from the debt to the gods and in Gaya from the debt to ancestors. It is believed that after death, the soul attains residence in Vaikuntha Lok or achieves salvation.
This religious practice is known as Mundan and Venidaan. After completing this, individuals reach Kashi and remain there. The religious journey in Kashi typically lasts for at least five days. During this period, devotees visit and worship Baba Vishwanath and Mata Vishalakshi.
From Bharatanatyam to Therukkoothu and Karagam, performers lit up the stage with mesmerizing acts in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister @gssjodhpur at #KashiTamilSangamam 3.0 pic.twitter.com/bSqtRxvdsX
— Kashi Tamil Sangamam (@KTSangamam) February 17, 2025
Following this, devotees spend two days boating on the Ganga, offering prayers and bathing at five prominent Ghats, Assi, Dashashwamedh, Panchganga, Manikarnika and Varuna. They perform tarpan to seek peace and salvation for the souls of their ancestors. Afterward, they visit Mata Annapurna to donate food grains, money and other offerings. Upon reaching Gaya, they perform pinddaan and pray for the salvation of their ancestors’ souls. Among all these rituals, the pilgrimage to Kashi holds the highest significance for freeing oneself from the debt to the gods.
