Kashi Holds Liberation because Shambhu and Bhavani Dwell There
Kishkindha Kanda, Doha 1क
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The poet turns toward Kashi, land of liberation, mine of knowledge, and destroyer of sin. Shambhu and Bhavani dwell there together, making the city not merely a place upon the earth but a sanctuary held within their presence.
When the terrible poison burned all the companies of gods, Shiva drank it. The suffering that none could bear entered his throat, and creation found relief through the compassion that accepted danger into itself.
The poet asks why such a Kashi should not be served and why such a Shankara should not be worshiped. O dull mind, who else possesses compassion like his? The question stands at the opening of the Kanda like a temple bell, calling remembrance toward the Lord who swallowed the world's poison.
The gods escape the poison, and Kashi remembers the compassion held forever in Shiva's throat.
Read the passage from the Manas
मुक्ति जन्म महि जानि ग्यान खानि अघ हानि कर जहँ बस संभु भवानि सो कासी सेइअ कस न।। जरत सकल सुर बृंद बिषम गरल जेहिं पान किय। तेहि न भजसि मन मंद को कृपाल संकर सरिस।।
Know Kashi as the land of liberation, the mine of wisdom, the destroyer of sin, for Shambhu and Bhavani dwell there. Why would one not serve such a place? When all the gods were burning from the terrible poison, Shankara drank it without hesitation. O dull mind, who is as compassionate as Shankara? Why do you not worship him?