We all believe in the vicious circle of life, the one where the concept of birth and death play its very own game. Even if you say no that you don’t, somewhere even for a per cent you accept that our birth in the form of human is related to our deeds, the karma we have done in past life.
This belief of past and present life; and our action is something that has been inculcated in us since birth. To understand life, we need to first understand from where all these beliefs cross our path and the magical secret lies in the one small corner of the oldest city of human civilization, Manikarnika Ghat.
If the Varanasi is the soul of existence, then Manikarnika is the one truth that you might have heard various times but never experienced. Even if you did, it’s always new and different each time. There is a different vibe, a different energy that evokes and calls you towards itself. Manikarnika Ghat is a place where you realize how each moment is so precious and how important it is to be grateful for it.
Nestled on the ghats of the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is no ordinary riverside location. It is a place where myths, rituals, and spiritual significance converge, creating an atmosphere both mysterious and profound. Known as the Mahashmashan (The Great Cremation Ground), this ghat has an eternal connection with the cycle of life and death.
Let’s explore why Manikarnika is revered as one of the most extraordinary places in the world and uncover the enigma of its never-ending flames.
Manikarnika: A Mythical Backstory
Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati rested here during their cosmic journey. While bathing in the Ganges, an earring (manikarnika) fell from Parvati’s ear, marking the ghat as sacred. This act imbued the location with divine energy, believed to release souls from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth.
Another legend speaks of Lord Vishnu digging a pond here, now known as the Manikarnika Kund, with his discus while Shiva watched. A drop of Shiva’s sweat fell into the pond, making it immortal. Today, pilgrims come from far and wide to experience this sacred connection.
The Flames That Never Die
What sets Manikarnika apart is the continuous burning of its pyres. The flames of the chita (funeral pyres) have been burning here for centuries—day and night, without a single moment’s rest.
The source of these eternal flames is considered divine. According to local belief, the fire originated from a spark given by Lord Shiva himself, making it an unbroken chain of cremations across generations. The fire is meticulously maintained by the Dom community, who are the custodians of this sacred duty.
It’s said that this ceaseless burning symbolizes the eternal journey of the soul, offering liberation (moksha) to the departed.
Rituals and Their Spiritual Significance
The cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. Here’s how the process unfolds:
- Final Journey: The body is brought to the ghat on a bamboo stretcher, covered in white cloth and adorned with marigold flowers.
- Purification: The body is dipped in the Ganges, a gesture to purify the soul before it departs.
- Sacred Flames: A family member, usually the eldest son, lights the pyre using the sacred fire kept at the ghat.
- Ashes to the Ganges: After cremation, the ashes are immersed in the river, symbolizing the soul’s journey back to the divine.
The Role of the Dom Community
The Dom community holds a special place in the functioning of Manikarnika Ghat. For centuries, they have been the caretakers of the sacred fires and cremation process. While their work is often challenging, it is deeply respected for its spiritual significance.
A Place of Contrasts
Manikarnika isn’t just a site of death; it’s also teeming with life. As the pyres burn, nearby vendors sell chai, boatmen offer rides, and pilgrims take holy dips in the Ganges. It’s a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of existence—where every end is a beginning.
Things to Know Before You Visit
- Respect the Sacred Space: This is not a tourist attraction but a deeply spiritual site. Observing the rituals in silence is essential.
- Photography Prohibited: Out of respect for the families and the sanctity of the ceremonies, clicking pictures of cremations is forbidden.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings are ideal for experiencing the ghat’s spiritual ambiance.
Visiting Varanasi once in life is a must, but exploring the realm of Manikarnika Ghat is a necessity! Come experience life beyond stress, aims and ultimate goal here, because here you live through the true meaning of what goes around comes around!
Tell me your thoughts about Manikarnika in the comments and why would you like to visit it.
Till then Har Har Gange!
Travellogs 
I enjoyed reading this article and learning about the Manikarnika ghat’s significance! Thanks for sharing!
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