It is a belief amongst Hindus that those who die in the holy city of Varanasi, attain to a high spiritual state after death. So when Swami Shivananda, the direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, fell ill in his old age, many suggested that he leave the Belur Math in Calcutta and go reside in Varanasi to spend the last years of his life.
Enclosed below is an enlightening conversation Swami Shivananda had with one such well-wisher, regarding dying in Varanasi. This conversation has been excerpted from the book: For Seekers of God.
Swami Suddhananda was going to Varanasi from Belur. In that connection, while discussing the spiritual advantages of living in the holy city, Swami Shivananda said: “So-and-so wrote me, pressing me to come to Varanasi.”
Swami Satchidananda also wrote, apprehensively: “We hear you have not been very well. You have had enough activity; so do come to Varanasi. Let the younger generation manage things now. It is for you to come and retire in Varanasi.”
“Swami Satchidananda fears my body will not last very long and wants me to spend my last days in the holy city. But with us every place is the same as Varanasi. Wherever and in whatever state we die, it is equal to dying in Varanasi.
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As long as the Master wants us here in the flesh, death cannot touch us. “If the Lord protects, who can kill?” When the summons for release comes from the Lord himself, nobody can keep us here.
We are ever ready to depart from this life. It is worldly people who in old age think of retiring to Varanasi for its spiritual advantages. We belong to a different category. Sri Ramakrishna has graciously given us everything.
Where and under what condition his devotees give up their bodies, is immaterial. Their future is insured, even as is the future of one dying in Varanasi.
Swami Trigunatita gave up his life in San Francisco. Did this affect him? He was certainly united with Sri Ramakrishna after death. The heart of a man, in which God – the Lord of the Universe is enshrined, is as good as holy Varanasi. Such a man has no reason to be afraid.”
