Prologue Kashi: Forsake mere Chronos pilgrim if thou wouldst approach my gates. Tale proper Many, many hours after embarking on their journey, when night has fallen once again, the weary wanderers are greeted by the emissaries of Kashi. Emissaries of Kashi, adorning seekers with malas: Hail seekers, we bid you welcome. Nearing the banks of Ganga the seekers offer their votive offerings to that astonishing ma who constantly purifies. Kashi: To you we bequeath three weddings, for sex, death and birth shine intertwined in my arms. The seekers disappear into the thronging hordes, the vibrant tumult, the heaving mayhem , devotional frenzy and riotous fray! An emboldened pilgrim addresses Kashi: Kashi, Venice of the East, What starbursts of vitality,
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