Death At A Varanasi Chowk Essay

Waiting for death at a Varanasi Chowk.
-Avesh Tiwari

Name: Padma Lakshmi, Age: 72 years, Occupation: Waiting for death! Sitting on the staircase of Mumukshu Bhawan at Lohia Chowk in Varanasi's Assi area, Padma Lakshmi faces the sun with closed eyes for a long time. Maybe, she is sending her prayers to heavens.

Padma Lakshmi is among 60-odd people living here—some of them aged couples – silently waiting for their last breath. The practice is known as 'Kashivas' in local parlance.

Mumukhshu Bhawan is Padma Lakshmi's second home for the last four years. Her sister is residing here for ten years. The expectation of death lingers on most faces visible at Lohia Chowk. Although, the melancholy often associated with death is missing.

For Prabhavati

My husband has never bothered to meet me. My daughter occasionally comes to see me.”

When asked whether she still misses her home, Maya responds with tears in her eyes, “Everyday, I see the river in my dreams that flows near to my house.”

The case of Murli Shastri
Murli Shastri (74) was a professor at New Science College in Hyderabad. He is living in Varanasi for the last 10 years with his wife. According to him, it was her wife's decision to do 'Kashivas.' He came to the city for the first time to look after his ailing mother, who was also waiting for her death here. His everyday routine is now restricted to taking a dip in the Ganges, performing religious rituals and reading books.

Both of Shastri's sons are working for MNCs. He still spends three months of the year in Hyderabad when the weather is chilly in Varanasi.

“After pursuing Dharma (duty), Artha (money), Kaama (desires) all my life, only the path of moksha was left,” Shastri says, when asked why he chose the life of penance over his family.

“I have become fearless during my stay here. Kashi not only gives salvation, it also frees from fear,” he