Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ghat in Varanasi and one of the oldest
ghats in the city. It is considered the most auspicious place for Hindus to be cremated, as it
is believed that dying in Varanasi and being cremated at Manikarnika guarantees moksha (liberation
from the cycle of rebirth).

The cremation fires at this ghat are said to have been burning continuously for thousands of years.
The ghat is managed by the Dom Raja, a title given to the family that has hereditary rights over
the cremation grounds.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva's earring (Manikarnika) fell at this
spot when he was carrying his wife Sati's body. Another legend says that Lord Vishnu dug a pit
with his Sudarshan Chakra and filled it with his perspiration while performing austerities.
Shiva and Parvati came to bathe there, and Shiva's earring fell into the pit.

It is believed that those cremated here are whispered the Taraka Mantra by Lord Shiva himself,
granting them immediate liberation.