Panchkoshi Parikrama

Panchkoshi Parikrama – The Sacred Pilgrimage Circuit of Varanasi

Panchkoshi Parikrama is one of the most revered spiritual pilgrimages in Varanasi, spanning approximately 88 kilometers. This ancient ritual involves circumambulating the sacred boundary of Kashi by foot, covering five designated halts (Padavs), each representing a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Undertaken by thousands of devotees annually – especially during the holy month of Shravan – this five-day journey is seen as an act of devotion, penance, and spiritual purification.

Spiritual Significance of Panchkoshi Parikrama

This divine Parikrama is more than just a physical journey – it’s a pathway to spiritual cleansing and enlightenment. It is believed that walking the Panchkoshi path absolves devotees of sins and helps them attain moksha (liberation). The journey is imbued with chants, offerings, and introspective silence, allowing pilgrims to immerse themselves in the sanctity of the sacred geography of Kashi.

Mythological and Historical Importance

According to legend, Lord Rama undertook the Panchkoshi Yatra during the Treta Yuga to atone for the curse placed upon his father Dashrath by Shravan Kumar’s parents. He was accompanied by Sita and his brothers. The Shivalingas enshrined at the Rameshwar temple are said to have been installed by Lord Rama himself.

Another tale links the Pandavas and Draupadi to the yatra during their exile in the Dwapar Yuga. A tank near the Rameshwar temple is known as Draupadi Kund, believed to have connections to their pilgrimage. These mythological links make the Panchkoshi Parikrama not just a physical but a cosmic pilgrimage tied to Hindu epics and divine penance.

How Panchkoshi Parikrama is Performed

The Parikrama begins and ends at the Manikarnika Ghat. Pilgrims first take a holy dip in the Ganges at the Manikarnika Kund, perform a Sankalp (vow), and then proceed to Assi Ghat via boat to begin the journey. The entire route is walked barefoot, and devotees refrain from consuming food until the day’s halt is reached. At each of the five Padavs, pilgrims offer:

• Five betel leaves (paan)
• Five betel nuts (supari)
• Akshat (raw rice)

These offerings are symbolic of purity and devotion. Devotees wear fresh clothes, chant Vedic hymns, and read holy scriptures throughout the journey. The pilgrimage is both communal and deeply personal – each step bringing one closer to the essence of Kashi.

Route and Distance – Panchkoshi Marg of Varanasi

The complete Parikrama route includes a total of 25 Kos (88.5 km) and covers 108 shrines. Here’s the traditional progression of the Padavs:

• Manikarnika Ghat to Kardameshwar – 3 Kos (covers 27 shrines)
• Kardameshwar to Bhimchandi – 5 Kos (covers 25 shrines)
• Bhimchandi to Rameshwar – 7 Kos (covers 28 shrines)
• Rameshwar to Shivpur – 4 Kos (covers 3 shrines)
• Shivpur to Kapildhara – 3 Kos (covers 5 shrines)
• Kapildhara to Manikarnika – 3 Kos (covers 10 shrines)

1 Kos is traditionally equivalent to 3.2 km. Hence, the entire journey spans around 88.5 km (55.2 miles).

Five Sacred Halts of Panchkoshi Parikrama

Kardameshwar

Kardameshwar Mahadev is the first halt, located in the Kandwa region. It is associated with sage Kardama Muni and is known for its ancient Shiva temple. Devotees believe that worshipping here helps in the attainment of wisdom and strength for the Parikrama ahead.

Bhimchandi

Bhimchandi Devi is a fierce form of Goddess Shakti. The temple here symbolizes divine feminine energy and protection. It is believed that Bhim, one of the Pandavas, installed the deity. Pilgrims seek strength and courage here to carry forward their spiritual journey.

Rameshwar

This stop is marked by a temple built by Lord Rama himself, where he installed a Shiva Linga to absolve the sin of killing Ravana. The site is thus significant as a karmic cleansing station during the Parikrama.

Shivpur

Shivpur houses the Pancha Pandava Mandir, with idols representing each of the five Pandavas. Located about 16 km from Rameshwar, it is a slightly more urbanized stop but holds deep symbolic value for strength, endurance, and dharma.

Kapildhara

The final Padav is Kapildhara, where devotees worship Lord Kapileshwara. It is named after Sage Kapila, son of Kardama Muni. Worship here is said to culminate the spiritual transformation that the Parikrama brings.

Conclusion – Embracing the Divine Circuit of Kashi

Completing the Panchkoshi Parikrama is considered a spiritual rebirth. It’s not just a journey across temples and paths but through one's own devotion and endurance. For visitors and devotees alike, it represents the timeless connection of Varanasi with the divine, where the sacred geography guides one toward liberation and enlightenment. Explore the spiritual essence of Kashi with VBK – VaranasiBanarasKashi.com and discover rituals that go beyond tradition, into transformation.