𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐚-𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most significant and sacred ghats (steps leading to a river) along the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense religious and cultural importance in Hinduism. 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.

The Manikarnika Ghat is particularly renowned as the primary cremation ground in Varanasi. According to Hindu beliefs, being cremated at this ghat is considered auspicious as it is believed to release the soul from the cycle of reincarnation. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself established the ghat. 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.

The name "Manikarnika" is derived from two words: "Mani," which means jewel, and "Karnika," which means earring. Legend has it that it was at this spot that Lord Shiva dropped his earring (Manikarnika) while performing the cosmic dance, known as the Tandava. 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢. The ghat is also associated with the mythological story of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva. 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.It is said that her ear ornament fell at this spot during the great sacrificial ceremony organized by her father, Daksha, which led to the establishment of the Manikarnika Ghat.𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.

The ghat is a bustling and spiritually charged place, 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢. where cremations take place continuously. It is believed that dying and being cremated at Manikarnika Ghat ensures moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢. Pilgrims also visit the ghat to perform religious rituals, offer prayers, and take part in various ceremonies.𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.

Manikarnika Ghat is a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and it remains an integral part of the spiritual and cultural fabric of Varanasi. Visitors to Varanasi often witness the profound rituals and traditions associated with this ghat, 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢. which plays a central role in the religious and cultural heritage of the city.𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐢.