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A fascinating story of a sanyasi, Vani Vilas Dikshit, who, after receiving diksha from Lord Vishwanatha himself, miraculously made Ma Kali's idol walk to the temple for its pran pratishta.
Characters in the story:
Vani Vilas Dikshit: Vani Vilas established the Kali Mutt in Kasi, which houses a magnificent idol of Dakshina Kali. He is believed to have received diksha directly from Lord Vishwanath.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Ma Kali: Ma Kali is a goddess known for her fierce form and association with destruction, time, and the power of femininity. She is often depicted with a dark complexion, multiple arms, and a necklace of skulls.
Nestled near the ancient Lakshmi Kund, the enigmatic Kali Mutt of Kasi boasts a history that spans over a thousand years. It houses a magnificent idol of Dakshina Kali and is led by a revered lineage of Dandi Sanyasins. The foundation of the Kali Mutt traces back to Vani Vilas Dikshit, a Brahmin from a small village near Kanpur. Despite his Brahmin heritage, which aligns with the Kanya Kubja sect, Vani Vilas broke tradition by consuming fish, akin to the Gauda Brahmins.
Driven by a profound urge to renounce worldly ties, he journeyed to Kasi, seeking a mentor to initiate him into Sanyasa. However, his dietary habits and sectarian background led many Dandi Sanyasins to reject his request.
Frustrated by their refusal, Vani Vilas set up camp at Dasashwamedh Ghat, challenging the local ascetics and scholars to a debate. His victory over some of the Dandi Sanyasins led to offers of initiation, which he declined, unsatisfied with their earlier rejection.
Determined, Vani Vilas vowed to receive Sanyasa Diksha directly from Lord Vishwanatha of Kasi. He undertook a fast unto death beside the Lakshmi Kund, a testament to his determination.
After 20 days of penance, Lord Vishwanatha, moved by his devotion, appeared as an aged Sanyasin and bestowed upon him the diksha. Vani Vilas realized the divine encounter only after the old Sanyasin vanished, leaving him in tears of remorse.
That night, in a dream, Lord Vishwanatha commanded him to erect a Dakshina Kali temple and dedicate himself to its disciplines.
As the temple was being constructed, the sculptor of the three Kali idols dared the local saints and Sanyasins to magically walk the idols into the temple. Despite their attempts, all failed. Vani Vilas accepted the challenge, and with a simple act of sprinkling Ganga water while invoking “Chalo Kali,” one idol miraculously walked to its intended place within the temple.
The other two idols found their sanctified spots at the Tarapith temple in Kamrup and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, marking a legendary foundation for the Kali Mutt’s spiritual journey.
Thus, the Kali Mutt of Kasi stands as a testament to unwavering faith and determination, embodying the power of divine will and the sanctity of true devotion. Its history narrates the transformative journey of Vani Vilas from a seeker to a revered Sanyasin, under the benevolent gaze of Dakshina Kali.
