Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi, Varanasi

Talking about religion, India is a place where different beliefs and traditions exist. The belief in God in the pilgrimage and religious places here is so deep that it surprises any atheist. Come, let us begin our journey in this sacred land of Varanasi and know about the silence of death at Manikarnika Ghat.

The other side of Varanasi

But visiting Murdaghat is no less than a strange and horrifying experience. Not a single day passes at Manikarnika Ghat when 200-300 dead bodies are not cremated here.

Even tourists come to see this act of burning pyre in the open as it is unique and attractive. The process of cremation begins when the dead body wrapped in white cloth is brought on the bier saying 'Ram Naam Satya Hai'. After this, the price of the wood used in the cremation is decided on the basis of its weight and type. Sandalwood is the most expensive of all the types of wood found at this ghat. While preparing the pyre with wood, the dead body is bathed in the river Ganga. Although photography or videography is not allowed on this ghat, but most of the tourists, especially foreign tourists, take photographs of the ghat while taking a boat ride.

The place where salvation is attained

Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Manikarnika Ghat with eternal peace. People also believe that Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva here for thousands of years and prayed that Kashi (formerly known as Varanasi) should not be destroyed even during the destruction of the universe. Pleased with the prayer of Shri Vishnu, Lord Shiva came to Kashi with his wife Parvati and fulfilled the wish of Lord Vishnu. Since then it is believed that by performing last rites in Varanasi one attains salvation (i.e. a person gets rid of the cycle of life and death). So there is no doubt that among Hindus this place is considered most sacred for cremation.

How did this place get its name Manikarnika Ghat?

There are many stories related to how this place got its name as Maha Shamshan. Some people say that Lord Vishnu had dug a well here for the bath of Lord Shiva and Parvati, which is now also known as Manikarnika Kund. When Shiva was taking bath in this kund, one of his earrings fell into the well, since then the place came to be known as Manikarnika (mani meaning earring and karnam meaning ear) Ghat.

Most Important 5 Fact about Manikarnika Ghat

1. One of India's most sacred ghats is known as Manikarnika Ghat.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Scindia Ghat are situated on either side of the Manikarnika Ghat.
3. It is one of the city's earliest ghats, according to historical records. In reality, a Gupta inscription from the fifth century mentions the Manikarnika Ghat. It is revered in Hinduism as well.
4. A well called Manikarnika Kund is located at Manikarnika Ghat. Deity Vishnu constructed it.
5. Another myth surrounding the ghat states that Manikarnika Ghat was formed when Lord Shiva's ear jewel fell to the ground while he was dancing wildly.

What to consider before you travel Manikarnika Ghats

• Bodies are encased in white cloth shrouds and taken through the streets by bearers before being cremated. Step to the side if you hear someone chanting "Ram naam satya hai" as you move because a body is on its way to Manikarnika Ghat.
• Even though it is unethical to photograph someone else's funeral or cremation, do so with reverence if you are taking pictures near Manikarnika Ghat.
• It is not advisable to bathe in or consume the water from Varanasi's River Ganges, despite the fact that you will see some people doing so. Cremation waste, including ashes, is dumped directly into the waterway in this area.

List Famous Ghat to Visit around Manikarnika Ghats

Conclusion

Worthful Place to visit. Manikarnika Ghat has a great experience for life , that attracts your hearts, this place Shiva, the universe's creator and ruler, is worshipped in Varanasi. Hindus travel to Varanasi to die for this purpose. Reincarnation is stopped when the spirit departs the body through cremation, is purified, and joins Shiva, the Creator of the Universe.