Beyond Varanasi: Exploring the 'Kashis' of South India or Dakshin Kashi

Kashi, whenever we hear this name, a quick image of Ganga ghats lined with boats in the ancient city Varanasi come to our mind. Varanasi, in northern India, is among the most revered spiritual cities in India with a timeless charm of Hinduism. But what if we told you there’s a Kashi in South India too? Yes, you read that right. Steeped in the same religious and spiritual history, echoing the same value, and equally revered by devotees, Dakshina Kashi or the Southern Kashi is a term used to refer to several sacred towns dotted across the South Indian region of the country.
These temples and places are rich in mythology, and have been venerated for centuries as southern counterparts to Kashi. Let’s find out more:
Gokarna, Karnataka: Gokarna is among the most prominent places in Dakshina Kashi. This lesser-explored small coastal town is known for the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple. It is where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested in the form of the Atmalinga. The temple draws pilgrims from across India who believe that a visit here offers the same spiritual value as visiting Varanasi.


Sringeri, Karnataka: Sringeri is another revered “Kashi of the South” in the Western Ghats. The place was founded by Adi Shankaracharya and is the site of the first of the four mathas (spiritual centers) established by him. Sringeri is famous for the Sharada Peetham and the Vidyashankara Temple, making it a center not only of worship but also of knowledge and Vedic learning—much like Varanasi.
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai is often referred to as the Southern Kashi. The place is home to the grand Arunachaleswarar Temple, it is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (temples dedicated to the five elements), representing the element of fire. Every year, thousands of devotees walk barefoot around the sacred Arunachala hill in a ritual called Girivalam, seeking purification of the soul.
Mayiladuthurai (Mayavaram), Tamil Nadu: The temple town of Mayiladuthurai, once called Mayavaram, is also one of the Dakshina Kashis on the banks of the River Cauvery. It is noted for its ancient temples and spiritual ambiance. Pilgrims believe that a holy dip here, especially during the Mahamagham festival, grants blessings equivalent to a dip in the Ganga at Kashi.
The reason behind so many Kashis

So Kashi is not just a place, it’s more of a feeling, an essence which lies in liberation, in revered waters and presence of the Shiva. These Dakshina Kashis offer the same spiritual promise as Varanasi in the north. In essence, they embody the belief that divinity is not bound by direction or location.
So the next time you plan a trip to South India, explore it from the perspective of Kashi and seek the blessings of the divine.