Kardameshvara

About

First Night Halt- Kardameshwar- Arriving at Kandawa, the pilgrims first visit to the main temple of Kardameshvara. This lingam is said to be installed by sage Kardam, in the inner sanctum are images of Ganesha, Parvati and Hanuman. According to the worship of Kardameshvara is to be performed by offering five grains, i.e. barley, paddy rice, wheat, and urd (black lentils) as well as white sesame, bilva leaves and holy basil (tulasi). However, the majority of pilgrims offer the paddy rice, Belva leaves, hemp flower (datura datura indica) and holy water of Ganga. Before this ceremony one has to take bath in the Kardama Kund/Tirtha and vision to Kardama Kupa. The Kardameshvara temple presents an example of successive layers of growth, beginning from 6th-7th century to 13th century. in the southern part of platform there are the fragments of the ancient shrine which consisted of the images of divine dancers, musicians, snakes, and mythical beasts; these figures date back to 6th-7th century. On the platform in the west, close to the water pool, is a stone slab containing two human figures. Sitting in the right is the Guru or a Yogi performing meditation in appropriately manner using rosary in one of his hands and the holy book in the other hand. Next to him, in the left, is the disciple engaged in preparation of bhang, the cannabis intoxicant. These two figures show the dual views of life, called yoga (spiritual pleasure) and bhoga (worldly enjoyment). Lannoy describes this statue as symbol of lifeworld in Banaras, what is referred as masti; he said Masti is not cynical, it doesn’t send up the serious side of sanctity, but in a way that is inimitably Hindu, it makes sure there is always room in religious matters for a sense of humor. Masti is genial and tolerant in its commitment to a carefree way of life.