5thVelvi(1995)-How does pilgrimage to Kasi and Rāmeshvaram, Tirupathi guide the soul’s upward path toward moksha? காசி, ராமேஸ்வரம், திருப்பதி யாத்திரைகள், ஆன்மா தனது உயர்வுப் பாதையில் மோக்ஷத்தை அடைய எவ்வாறு துணைபுரிகின்றன?

Where do we come from? We say we come from above. Truly, all beings originate from the higher realms. When asked, “Where has grandfather gone?” we instinctively point upwards. But in reality, the journey is from below to upwards — this ascent is called ūrththuvam (spiritual rising).Thus, when elders pass away, it is said they go north — to Kāśi. What is Kāśi? It is the northern abode, the place where one renounces everything, completing the stage of vānaprastha and entering sannyāsa. One declares, “I have no worldly troubles; I go there to attain the Divine.”When one goes to Kāśi, it is said they must leave behind something — lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, or envy. Each visit is an opportunity to shed at least one of these qualities. That is why householders, after visiting Kāśi, must also go to Rāmeśvaram. Without this, the pilgrimage is incomplete. For family life, conceiving a child, Rāmeśvaram in the south is essential. Symbolically, the north and south represent the upward journey of energy — the latent force at the base of the spine must rise through each chakra until it reaches the crown.Therefore, worship of Lord Venkatachalapati of the Seven Hills grants liberation (mokṣa). Devotees even celebrate His divine marriage, symbolically uniting the feminine power below (Alamelu Manga) with the masculine above (Śrīnivāsa). Within us too, three knots must be untied. We are born with three knots — Brahma granthi, Vishnu granthi and Rudra granthi. These granthis must be loosened so that the downward-pulling energies may ascend.That is why saints like Avvaiyār sang of controlling the breath and awakening the fire in the mūlādhāra. Even before her, Chola king sought heaven through such practices. And whom did Avvaiyār worship? Lord Vinayaka. It is said that after she completed her Vinayakar Agaval hymn, Vinayaka lifted her with His trunk and sent her directly to heaven, to Kailāsa.Send us Fan MailLet Wisdom Flourish!Let Peace Prevail! Let us protect Mother earth!Let us protect the Universe! Santhosamhttps://universalpeacefoundation.org