Manikarnika Ghat, nestled along the holy Ganges in Varanasi, isn’t just a ghat; it’s a poignant window into life’s final journey. As one of Varanasi’s busiest and most significant ghats, it houses an eternal fire, believed to have blazed since ancient times, serving as an open crematorium steeped in sacred Hindu rituals.
I am Vishwanatha, the Lord.
Kashi is the Light of Liberation.
The waves of the River of Heaven are the wine of immortality.
What can these three not provide?
The above lines are from Kashi Khanda, one of the parts of the ancient Skanda Purana which praises the Sangam of the three elements particularly, Ganga, Varanasi, and therefore the Vishwanatha Temple. This ancient text established the part of the essential belief that gives uniqueness to all three elements to such an amount that they stand large and religious among the beliefs of Hindus in India.
The city of Varanasi is understood the world over as the “sacred city” of India and it is recognized as the “most ancient continuously inhabited city of the world”.

Like any other component present in the city of light, the ghats too are very religious and considered a platform for liberation and the end of human misery. There are around 84 ghats. If the blessings of life start at Dashashwamedh Ghat then they end at Manikarnika Ghat; a unique combination of life and death in the desire for salvation attracts the pilgrims. Paradoxically, it is the only city on earth that is famous for death and salvation.
“Even after a thousand cycles of life and death, one is not sure if he gets salvation or not.” It is attainable in a single birth in Kashi (Varanasi). This is a great saying for Kashi.
History of Manikarnika Ghat
Mani of Shiva
The name ‘Manikarnika’, as the scriptures suggest, came when the ‘Mani’ of Shiva and ‘Karnika’ of Parvati, while bathing in that Kund, slipped off and fell in it. The decision of Shiva to retain the task of granting salvation is seen in the broader perspective here in Manikarnika.
It is said that here in this ghat, Lord Shiva, himself directs the soul of the dead to crossover the world towards the path of salvation by speaking the ‘Taraka Mantra’ in the ears of the dead. This belief is the lifeline of the ghat, which makes it a special place for cremation.
Story of Sati
Another narrative claims that Mata Sati sacrificed herself by positioning her body on fire after one of the sons of Lord Brahma, Raja Daksh Prajapati, tried to dishonor Lord Shiva in a Yagnya (a ritual within which offerings are made into a dedicated fire).
Later, Lord Shiva carried Mata Sati’s body toward the Himalayas. During this journey, her body started to fall onto the earth. Shakti Peeth (a place of worship to the divinity Sati/Shakti) was then established in each place her body parts had fallen.

In this story, Mata Sati’s earring fell at Manikarnika Ghat and the name is derived from it.
The Manikarnika Ghat, popularly known as the “Maha Smashaan” or ”great cremation ground” is one of the main ghats present on the long stretch of the holy river of Ganga flowing past the city of Varanasi.
The ghat is the site of the most important of the two cremation grounds of Varanasi, and of the sacred tank beside which Lord Vishnu performed his cosmogonic austerities. The ghat is located at a point roughly midway along the Ganga between the confluence of the Assi and Ganga, which marks the southern boundary of the sacred city, and the confluence of the Varuna and Ganga which marks its northern boundary.

“While in India, the cremation ground is generally on the periphery or outside the area of human settlement, in Kashi, it is at the very hub. Just as India is said to be the navel of the world and Kashi is the navel of India, so Manikarnika is the navel of Kashi.”
On entering the ghat from the southern end one finds huge stacks of wood (of different trees and quality) used in cremation. Moving further one comes across the platform of cremation with Dom workers and Purohits working in the area.
Crossing the area one can reach Manikarnika Kund (water tank), the original identity of this ghat. This Kund is believed to have been made by Lord Vishnu himself in the age when life on the planet was in its preparatory stage. Today, Manikarnika Ghat is serving as many as 400 cremations per day.

Importance of Manikarnika Ghat
- Religious Significance: Manikarnika Ghat is considered the holiest cremation ground among Hindus. It is believed that Hindus who get cremated here are liberated from the cycle of life.
- Shakti Peeth: Manikarnika Ghat is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, revered pilgrimage sites where body parts of Sati are believed to have fallen. This connection further elevates its religious significance.
- Ancient History: The ghat’s origins are ancient, dating back to the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE). Its historical significance makes it a site of cultural and archaeological importance.
- Social Significance: The ghat serves as a microcosm of Indian society, with individuals from all walks of life coming together for cremations. It reflects the ritualistic and social aspects of death in Hindu culture.
- Livelihood: The ghat provides livelihood for hundreds of families involved in various activities related to cremations, including wood collection, flower-selling, and officiating rituals.
- Tourism: Manikarnika Ghat is a major tourist attraction, offering insights into Hindu culture and death rituals. It generates revenue for the local economy and attracts visitors from around the world.
- Cultural Heritage: The ghat is a repository of cultural heritage, with traditional practices and rituals being observed for centuries. It helps preserve and transmit this cultural heritage to future generations.
- Spiritual Center: Manikarnika Ghat serves as a spiritual center for many, offering solace and helping one understand the true meaning of life.
- Symbol of Mortality: The ghat serves as a powerful symbol of mortality, reminding us of the impermanence of life. It encourages introspection and contemplation on the meaning of life and death.
How to Reach Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is located in Lahori Tola. It is well connected to all the Railway stations, Airport and the bus stand via road. The best way to reach Manikarnika Ghat is on foot via Ghats as it’s very near to Dashashwamedh Ghat. One can also take a boat from any ghat to the Manikarnika Ghat.
What to See
- Cremation Ground
- Manikarnika Kund
- Kachori Gali
Nearby Temples
- Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
- Tarakeshwar temple
- Baba Mashan Nath Temple
- Vishnu Paduka Temple
- Kashi Karvat Temple
Nearby Ghats
- Scindia Ghat
- Panchganga Ghat
- Lalita Ghat
Superb description about the place it was like visiting the place just by reading it. Great work !!!