On the banks of the serenely & majestically flowing river Yamuna is probably the most picturesque
The Ghat is beautifully built with stone inlaid palace like structures where you will find the holy name of Sri Radha inscribed in every nook and corner. Alongside the gracefully flowing holy river of Yamuna , who selflessly extends herself indiscriminately, you will also be able to view the grand Sri Sri Madan Mohan temple as the backdrop of Kesi Ghat. This is the very place where Krsna came to take a bath after killing the demon Kesi.
It so happened that in dvapar Yuga, when Kamsa was frantically trying to get rid of Krsna , who as per the prophecy of the divine was already born somewhere, Kamsa was sending demons after demons in the pursuit of killing Krsna but it was all in vain as krsna would very easily kill all of them.
Then Kamsa decided to send the most powerful of all demons – Kesi. Kesi obeying the orders of his master Kamsa assumed the form of a gigantic Horse started galloping towards vrndavan with the intent of pulverizing Krsna’s body which is soft like the mallika flowers , with his Legs. His robust structure , shrill whinning and his tail which was reaching the sky was causing the clouds to rumble – everyone started running helter skelter looking at this horrid site.
But how would Krsna – the lord of the Vrndavan let anyone disturb the peace and sanctity of Vrndavan and the vrajvasis? Krsna reached the site and confronted Kesi demon. Kesi huffed heavily and started running towards Krsna and lifted his front legs in order to trample Krsna. Krsna immediately caught hold of his hind legs & swirled him around and threw him off. Kesi demon flew high in the sky and landed 100 yards away , flat on the ground and almost passed out. Somehow Kesi managed to get back on his legs and again he started charging towards Krsna. Krsna started teasing Kesi by showing him his left thumb , Kesi opened his mouth to eat Krsna. Krsna immediately thrust His left hand in Kesi’s mouth. Suddenly Kesi started perspiring and felt choked, his eyes started rolling and they bulged out in agony as Krsna inflated His left hand inside Kesi’s mouth which was like a hot iron rod. Unable to bear the trauma screeched in agony and while passing stool & urine he died. Bolo Krsna Kanhaiya lal ki jay!!! After killing Kesi, Krsna came upto this very ghat to wash off his left hand and take a bath in Yamuna river, hence it is known as the Kesi Ghat.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur , mentions that Kesi demon represents the anartha of superiority complex and false pride in devotional life. This tendency will eventually lead to offence towards Guru, Krsna & vaishnavas causing our spiritual down fall. Hence to safe guard our spiritual life one should try to be humble and respectful to everyone understanding well that our progress is only dependent on the mercy of guru & devotees.
It is mentioned in Adi Varaha Purana – the place where the demon Kesi fell after being killed is one hundred times more auspicious than the Ganges. By offering oblations there, one derives the fruit of offering oblations at gaya.
Srila Rupa Goswami in Nectar of Devotion has warned those who are visiting Kesi Ghat, “my dear friends, if you have even a slightest of desire to enjoy this material world and the company of friends & family then please do not go to Kesi Ghat even by mistake. For, there you will find the most mesmerizing three folded bending form of Govinda, His head adorned with a peacock feather and forest flowers, his captivating smile – playing upon His flute which will enthrall your heart. Anyone who sees Him will never return home and will be freed from all material attachments.