Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred riverfronts in Varanasi, holds a deep significance in Hindu beliefs. It is not just a place of worship but also a site where life and death merge seamlessly. Situated on the banks of the Ganges, this ghat is known primarily as a cremation ground, where funeral pyres burn continuously, symbolizing the cycle of birth, death, and liberation. Unlike other cremation grounds, where the fire is extinguished after each ritual, Manikarnika Ghat is believed to have an eternal flame that has been burning for centuries.
The name “Manikarnika” has mythical origins. According to Hindu legend, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came to Varanasi, Shiva dug a well here, which later became the Manikarnika Kund. It is said that while bathing in it, Parvati’s earring (Manikarnika) fell into the well, giving the ghat its name. Another legend associates the place with Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have performed penance here for Shiva, carving out the well with his discus. These stories add to the spiritual aura of the ghat, making it a place of reverence for millions.
Unlike the other ghats of Varanasi, which are bustling with devotees performing rituals, Manikarnika Ghat has a unique atmosphere. Here, the air is thick with the scent of burning wood, the chants of priests performing last rites, and the quiet murmurs of grieving families. The belief that dying in Varanasi and being cremated at Manikarnika Ghat grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) draws countless Hindus to this place in their final days. Many elderly people from different parts of India come here, waiting for their time to depart, hoping to attain salvation.
The ghat operates around the clock, with pyres burning day and night, unaffected by weather or time. The cremation process follows traditional Hindu customs, where the eldest son of the deceased lights the pyre after performing rituals. The wood used for the pyres varies based on affordability, with sandalwood being the most expensive. For those who cannot afford a full wood cremation, electric crematoriums are also available nearby. Despite the somber nature of the place, there is an acceptance of death here, viewed not as an end but as a transition to another realm.
Manikarnika Ghat is also home to the revered Manikarnika Kund and a temple dedicated to Shiva, known as Manikarnika Mahashamshan Nath. The temple, though overshadowed by the cremation rituals, remains an important site of worship. The Dom community, who traditionally manage the cremations, play a significant role in the rituals, passing down their duties through generations.
The ghat is not just a place of death; it is also a reminder of life’s impermanence. Despite the constant cremations, life continues to thrive in the surrounding areas. Narrow lanes leading to the ghat are filled with shops selling garlands, religious items, and tea stalls where locals and visitors discuss spirituality, philosophy, and life itself.
Manikarnika Ghat embodies the essence of Varanasi—where the past meets the present, where death meets eternity, and where faith meets finality. It stands as a powerful testament to the city’s deep spiritual roots, making it one of the most compelling and thought-provoking places in the world.
