Manikarnika Ghat Is One Of The Holiest Among The Sacred Riverfronts, Alongside The River Ganga

Picture Credits: Dennis Jarvis

Varanasi is an epicentre for Hindus and locals associate deep spiritual values with the Manikarnika Ghat located here with various folk tales and beliefs regarding the same. 

Most of them believe that Lord Shiva blessed this place and whoever is cremated here gets moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth). Manikarnika Ghat is also famous for a holy pond called Manikarnika Kund and it's speculated that Lord Shiva dug the entire pond himself in order to find his companion, Parvati’s earring!

Before the final cremation, an elaborate process is followed. All the dead bodies are doused in the river ganga and then heaps of wood according to one’s “budget” are used to incinerate the corpses. We would suggest watching the process from a safe distance to stay away from people asking for all kinds of donation.

Photography is strictly prohibited and children should avoid attending the ceremony. Manikarnika Ghat is not your typical tourist spot but it gives you a chance to ponder over life and death up close and personal! 

Location | Gharwasi Tola