Manikarnika Ghat, situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest and holiest cremation grounds in India. It holds a unique and profound place in Hindu belief and tradition as a gateway to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The Ghat is named after an important mythological event involving the ear ornament (“Manikarnika”) of Goddess Parvati (Sati)—her earring is said to have fallen there, imbuing the place with sacredness and making it a revered Shakti Peetha (a sacred site where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen).
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Historically, Manikarnika Ghat is mentioned in a Gupta-era inscription from the 5th century CE, highlighting its ancient significance. The name “Manikarnika” stems from the Sanskrit words Mani (jewel) and Karnika (earring). According to Hindu mythology, after Goddess Sati self-immolated in protest against her father Daksha Prajapati’s insult of her husband Shiva, Lord Vishnu used his divine Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 parts to relieve Shiva’s anguish and the earth was sanctified wherever those parts fell. The place where her earrings fell became Manikarnika Ghat, making it one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism.
Aside from its mythological roots, Manikarnika Ghat functions as the primary cremation site in Varanasi, where it is believed that cremation here grants the departed soul immediate moksha, freeing them from the endless cycle of reincarnation. This belief draws people worldwide who seek spiritual liberation. Even the poorest and the richest alike come to be cremated here, demonstrating the egalitarian nature of this sacred tradition. The eternal fire burning at the Ghat, said never to have extinguished, is kept alive by a community called the Doms, whose members have traditionally served as the sacred fire keepers and cremation priests.
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The cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat follow strict traditional procedures. The funeral pyres are continuously lit using wood purchased by the family of the deceased, with the fire often symbolically started by an offering from the sacred eternal flame. The entire cremation process usually takes several hours and involves chanting of mantras, with some traditions saying that Lord Shiva himself whisper the ‘Taraka Mantra’ – considered a sacred mantra guiding the soul towards salvation – into the ears of the dying or deceased as they transcend to the afterlife.
Next to the Ghat is the Manikarnika Kund, a sacred pond believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu. It has its own set of legends, such as the one where the jewel from Parvati’s earring fell into the Kund, reinforcing the sanctity of the entire site. This Kund is considered holy, and its water is primarily used in core religious rituals associated with death and purification.
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Manikarnika Ghat is surrounded by numerous ancient temples dedicated mostly to Lord Shiva, such as Tarkeshwar Mahadev and Ratneshwar Mahadev, which enrich the spiritual ambiance of the area. These temples stand as testament to the ongoing religious significance of the Ghat throughout centuries, with patronage from rulers across several Indian states from Maharashtra to Bihar, contributing to the preservation and sanctity of this site.
For pilgrims and visitors, Manikarnika Ghat offers a candid yet profound reflection on the impermanence of life. The sight of hundreds of funeral pyres blazing simultaneously, the continuous smoke rising from the banks of the Ganges, and the ritualistic chants serve as powerful reminders of mortality and the Hindu philosophy of detachment from the material world. This raw exposure to death within a sacred context often leads visitors into deep contemplation about life, death, and spiritual awakening.
Despite its grim function, Manikarnika Ghat plays an important role in the local economy, with entire communities depending on the rituals and activities related to cremation. From wood suppliers to the priests conducting rites, the ghat supports many livelihoods while maintaining its spiritual essence.
Manikarnika Ghat symbolizes the Hindu worldview where death does not signify an absolute end, but rather a transition towards moksha. It is a place where faith in divine liberation through sacred fire is embodied, and the human soul’s ultimate quest for freedom from suffering is honored. The sacredness of Manikarnika, its ancient origins, and the continuous cremation rituals make it one of the most spiritually significant places not only in India but in the entire world’s religious landscape.
In summary, Manikarnika Ghat is not just a cremation ground but a profound spiritual landmark that represents the cycle of existence, death, and rebirth in Hindu belief. Its connection to divine mythology, the eternal fire, and the ultimate promise of liberation (moksha) draws millions of devotees, spiritual seekers, and curious visitors every year making it an indispensable part of Varanasi’s religious and cultural identity.
Manikarnika Ghat Photos
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