VARANASI: Murali Mohan Sastry is waiting restfully for death on the banks of the Ganges River in India’s northern city of Varanasi, revered by millions of Hindus.
Over a decade ago, the 82-year-old former college teacher and his wife left behind comfortable lives in the southern city of Hyderabad. He hopes that dying in Varanasi will break the tenuous cycle of death and rebirth, the article of faith for many Hindus, to attain salvation, Reuters said.
“We invite death,” Mohan said soon after chanting his dawn prayers while dipping fully clothed into the river’s waters three times. “And he’s our guest. So we’re proud that we’re going to die here.”
The couple, who live in one of the spartan community houses across the sacred city meant for those seeking to live out their twilight years there, was inspired by the example of his mother, who had lived in the same place.
Although Western-style retirement houses are growing popular, Sastry is interested in something other than worldly comforts, preferring to spend his last days immersed in study and prayer.
“Our Indian philosophy is those who seek international comforts can never go to God, can never reach God,” said the white-haired Sastry, his shoulders draped in the yellow shawl with scriptural phrases picked out in saffron.
“As far as possible, shun these things. Could you not go for them? Go only for God.” More than a million citizens live in the ancient city famed for its temples and bathing spots beside Hinduism’s holiest river, to which the devout flock from all over India for rituals marking events from birth to death.
“Now I do not feel like living in this world anymore,” said Ram Pyari, another home resident, as she prepared a meal for her husband, who is mainly confined to bed in what he is sure are his final days.
“One has to face much suffering that one gets fed up. You feel that if you attain salvation, you won’t have to suffer anymore,” added Ram Pyari, who is in her 80s.
The home manager, Mumukshu Bhavan, which dates from the 1920s, says it has reached total capacity, with more than 80 residents, although demand for places remains high.
“More and more old citizens want to come and stay in Varanasi,” said the official, Manish Kumar Pandey. “But we can accommodate the limited number.”
Still, the devout unable to breathe their final in the holy city can take solace from the Hindu belief that they will come closer to salvation if their remains are cremated there.
