Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation Ghat of Varanasi. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred Ghats in Benaras. According to the Hindu mythology, being burned here provides an instant doorway to freedom from the cycle of births and rebirths. It is believed Lord Vishnu meditated here for many years and left his footprints in a circular marble slab.

According to mythology Lord Vishnu went through several thousand years of prayers and meditation to appease Lord Shiva. He wanted to convince him not to destroy the holy city of Kashi. Lord Shiva came with Parvathi to grant him the wish. Lord Vishnu dug a well (kund) on the bank of the Ganges for the couple to bathe in. When Lord Shiva was bathing, a Mani from his earring fell into the well hence the name Manikarnika. Mani means beads, Karnam means ear and Angad means ornaments. The other myth is that the ear jewel from Lord Shiva fell down to earth while he was dancing angrily. The temple of Lord Shiva and Mata Durga was built around 1850 by the Maharaja of Awadh. The pond dug by Lord Vishnu is a holy pond called Cakra-Pushkarini. History has it, this kund existed earlier than the origin of the Ganges.

Lying at the centre of the five tirthas, Manikarnika Ghat symbolizes both conception and devastation. Mortal remains are consumed by fire with prayers so that the soul rests in eternal peace. The hot ashes of the burnt bodies makes you ponder over the inevitable destruction of everything in the world. Bodies are brought to the ghat on a bamboo stretcher covered in the red cloth which handled by the Doms. The Ghat is always crowded with funeral parties. Shops nearby sell everything from Ghee, wood, offerings to clothes. Doms who are considered the guardian of death perform the burning ceremonies. Manikarnika Devi who is worshipped by millions every year inhabits the place. The Tarakeshvara Lingam also draws people throughout the year. The busy cremation ground is called Jalasi Ghat. You cannot miss this because of a dark, smoke-stained temple that stands there.

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the sacred ghats in Varanasi which will help you to soak in divinity. The ghat has a lot of religious and historic significance attached to it and hence it is mandatory to explore the same, during your Varanasi trip. Even though the entrance to the ghat is free and there are no Manikarnika Ghat tickets in general, still there are Manikarnika Ghat tours which will give you some enlightenment about the holy place. Buy the Manikarnika Ghat tour tickets and know the historical significance of the same

• It is worthy to note that photography is strictly considered a taboo.
• This is seen as a provocation and act of hostility and might lead to unwanted troubles.
• Cycle of birth and rebirth does comes to a standstill here.
• You may see an Aghori sadhu who uses ashes of human remains to show he is not afraid of death.
• Nearby there are old folks home, which you can visit and donate some money.
• Take a guide if you want clear explanations of the rituals.
• There will be cows and goats in the crowd so be careful.

• Blue Lassi: Indian
• Our Friend Lassi: Indian, Asian, Dessert
• Lotus Lounge: Continental
• The place Ngo Outlet cafe: Cafe, Indian, Contemporary

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