As all of us know - Kasi, also known as Varanasi, holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. It is regarded as the place of salvation, ruled by Lord Shiva himself. According to Hindu belief, anyone who dies in Kasi is blessed by Shiva and attains moksha (salvation).

A number of unique beliefs surround this sacred city, including the notion that flowers lose their scent, corpses do not emit foul odors, cows never knock people over, eagles do not fly overhead, and lizards make no sound within Kasi's boundaries.

A notable story from the Ramayana connects Kasi to Lord Rama's journey. After the battle in Lanka, Rama sought to rid himself of Brahmahathi Dosha, a sin associated with killing Ravana, a Brahmin by birth. Before returning to Ayodhya, Rama planned to perform a Shiva pooja in Rameswaram and instructed Hanuman to bring a lingam from Kasi, as it was regarded as the holiest place where Shiva himself presided.

Hanuman set out on his mission but struggled to find a lingam suitable for Rama’s pooja. As he continued his search, he noticed an eagle (garuda) circling in the sky above a particular spot, and upon investigating, Hanuman discovered a lingam. Unsure if it was appropriate for the pooja, he hesitated until a lizard confirmed it by making a sound. With this assurance, Hanuman took the lingam and prepared to fly back to Rameswaram.

However, as Kasi is protected by Kala Bhairava, the fierce deity stopped Hanuman for not seeking permission to take the lingam. This led to a fierce battle between the two, which could not be resolved until the other gods intervened, requesting Kala Bhairava to allow Hanuman to continue his journey for Rama’s pooja.

Bhairava eventually consented but was angered by the actions of the eagle and the lizard. In his rage, he cursed that no eagle would ever fly over Kasi and that lizards would not make any sound within the city limits. These legends have been passed down through the ages and are said to explain the continued silence of these creatures in Kasi to this day.

Source / Image Credit : Maalaimalar, Vacations & Travel