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Alain Danielou – Gods of Love and Ecstasy: The traditions of Shiva and Dionysus

There are places where the visible and invisible worlds are very close to each other. In a certain way, these points on the globe correspond to the chakras, or subtle centres of the human body. Anyone who is aware of the mystery of the world can perceive the unusual nature of these places where invisible presences are felt. They are a sort of door, through which it is a little easier to pass from one world to another.

They are the ways by which it is possible for the clairvoyant to tumble suddenly into another world, and for others to feel nearer to what is called the supernatural; the mysterious world of gods and spirits. All religions recognize places where miracles are possible. Often there is nothing apparent to mark these places which are nearer heaven, but their magical character has been felt by man since time began. Their position is defined by means of a particular science, known as sacred geography. Sometimes new places are found, or forgotten ones rediscovered. Whether in Kashi (Benares), Mecca, or Lourdes, the nature and magnetism of these places are always similar. Occasionally, certain organic elements of the Earth's body can be discovered there.

Benares, the holy city of Shiva, is the place where the rivers of the three worlds cross each other on the same axis. They are the Milky Way, the Ganges, and an enormous underground river descending from the Himalayas towards the south.