Manikarnika Ghat (Varanasi)

 bathing ghat, shamshan ghat / burning ghat

Two ancient sacred waterfront sites make this ghat, viz Sidha Vinayaka and Swargadvaresvara. Also called as " the great cremation ground" (Mahasmasana). A myth mentions that Lord Siva gives Taraka mantra ( "Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead, therefore the form of Siva as Tarakesvara, (the temple is at the ghat), is propitiated whenever a Hindu dies. The name Manikarnika derives its origin from the dropping rings of Siva during His transcendental dance here.

Ghat is divided in to two parts. The first section is used for cremation and the second section for the sacred baths. This Ghat symbolizes creation and destruction, where the majority of dead bodies are cremated in Varanasi. Hindus believe it will liberate them from the cycle of death and rebirth. Indeed, you'll openly come face to face with death at Manikarnika Ghat. Piles of firewood line the shore and the fires continually burn with the stream of dead bodies, each wrapped in cloth and carried through the lanes on makeshift stretchers by the doms (a caste of untouchables that handles the corpses and supervises the burning ghat). If you're curious and feeling bold, it is possible to watch the cremations take place for a fee. There are plenty of priests or guides around who will lead you to one of the upper floors of a nearby building. Make sure you negotiate and don't give in to demands for outrageously high sums of money.

NOTE: Visitors are welcome to watch the cremations, since at Manikarnika death is simply business as usual, but don't take photos and keep your camera well hidden.