Sat, May 10, 2025 | Updated 2:25AM IST

A Sanctuary of Serenity: The Story of Moksh Bhavan

Times of Bennett | Updated: Apr 03, 2023 22:23
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By : Akshara Sharma
Moksh Bhavan, also known as Mukti Bhavan, is a guesthouse in Varanasi, a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The guesthouse is primarily known for its association with death, as it is a place where people come to spend their last days with the hope of attaining moksha (liberation) from the birth and death cycle.

Moksh Bhavan was founded in 1958 by a philanthropist named Shri Bhairav Nath Shukla. The guesthouse offers free accommodation to people who have been given a terminal diagnosis and have a desire to spend their last days in Varanasi. Varanasi is considered a sacred city by Hindus, and it is believed that dying in the city and having one's ashes scattered in the River Ganges can lead to moksha.

The guesthouse has 12 rooms, and the average stay is around two weeks. The guests are provided with a simple vegetarian diet and basic medical care. The staff at Moksh Bhavan are known for their compassion and are said to provide emotional support to the guests and their families during their stay.

Moksh Bhavan has become a symbol of hope for many people who are facing death. People from all over India and even from other countries come to the guesthouse in search of peace and spiritual enlightenment. The atmosphere at Moksh Bhavan is serene, and the guests are encouraged to spend their time in prayer and contemplation.

Despite the association with death, Moksh Bhavan is not a place of mourning or sadness. Instead, it is a place of acceptance and celebration of life. The guests are encouraged to live each day to the fullest and to find joy in the small things.

Moksh Bhavan has been featured in several documentaries and books, including the award-winning documentary "Mukti Bhavan" by director Subhash Kapoor. The guesthouse has also been the subject of much discussion and debate, with some critics questioning the ethics of encouraging people to come to Varanasi in search of death.

In conclusion, Moksh Bhavan is a unique and important institution in Varanasi. It offers hope and solace to people facing death and provides a safe and supportive environment for them to spend their last days. While it may not be for everyone, it is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit to find peace and meaning even in the face of death.