When Kabir decided to leave Banaras (Kasi) for the 'unholy' town of Magahar in order to spend his last days there, some disciples and many well-wishers tried to dissuade him from going. This poem, addressed to the Lord, is actually Kabir's reply to some of his orthodox well-wishers. The so-called holy men live in Banaras not for any spiritual ends, but only because of the reverence they receive from others and the material gains in the form of alms or gifts that they derive from their show of piety; or because of their superstition that those who daily bathe in the Ganges or who live and die in Banaras will gain salvation. Kabir, having realized the Lord and having attained the state of salvation while living, has scant regard for such beliefs.

Why should they leave Kasi, dear Lord,
Who have become thieves
Serving and worshipping you?

Yogis and anchorites,
Hermits and ascetics,
Sit in temples and monasteries
And profit from their stay in Kasi.

Why should they leave Kasi, dear Lord?

Three times a day in Ganga they bathe
But are unaware of the dirt
That lies within their body.
From temple to temple they rove
But never dwell on the Lord's Name.

Why should they leave Kasi, dear Lord?

What I have earned
At Thy lotus feet,
I'll not let Kasi
Be given its credit.
Thus, beloved Lord,
Will Kabir firmly declare;
For this, be he thrown
Into hell, he does not care.

K.G., p. 139:290
Vai kyun kāsi tajai murāri