Manikarnika Ghat, in Varanasi, India, is a ghat with a lot of history and reputation. It is one of two ghats in Varanasi where Lord Vishnu is reported to have left a footprint, making it not only ancient but also very significant. It is believed by Hindus that those who are put to death at Manikarnika Ghat will achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of life and death. This is why the ghat is also called the Great Cremation Ground, or Mahasmasana for short.
Because of a nearby sacred pond, the ghat is known as Manikarnika Kund. According to myth, the great Manikarnika meditated at the Kund, which was supposedly created by Lord Vishnu. As a popular gathering spot, Manikarnika Ghat is always buzzing with activity. People from all over the world travel here to take a holy dip in the Ganges River, worship, and honour their forefathers. Daily and nightly, it is also the site of funeral processions and cremations.
Manikarnika Ghat is a sacred site for many people, and those who visit should be aware of the fact that those who live here practise a wide variety of religious rituals. Note that taking photographs at the ghat is forbidden out of respect for the dead and their families.
History of Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat has a rich history that mirrors that of Varanasi. According to legend, Lord Vishnu built the ghat and left a mark there. Lord Shiva declared that whoever burned at Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi would be freed from birth and death. Manikarnika Ghat has been used as a place to worship and think for a long time. Many ancient scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Skanda Purana’s Kashi Khanda, make reference to the ghat.
Traders came from all across India and beyond to the ghat during the Mughal dynasty to buy and sell goods. The ghat was important centre for the production of perfumes and fragrances because it was home to many skilled perfumers. Manikarnika Ghat was a big place where Indians who didn’t like the British rule in India got together. Protesters and demonstrators against British rule were among those arrested and jailed at the ghat.
As a holy place, Manikarnika Ghat is still important to the people who live nearby. The ghat is a popular destination for thousands of tourists and believers every day. The ghat represents India’s spiritual and cultural traditions that have survived throughout the country’s rapid modernization.
How to reach Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, in the historic city of Varanasi. You may get to Manikarnika Ghat in several different ways.
1. By Air: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is roughly 25 kilometres from the centre of Varanasi. To get to Manikarnika Ghat from the airport, you can either rent a cab or take a pre-paid taxi.
2. By train: The Varanasi Junction Railway Station, which is the main train station in Varanasi, connects often to other important cities in India. A cab, autorickshaw, or cycle rickshaw can take you from the train station to Manikarnika Ghat.
3. By Road: The roads in and out of Varanasi connect it to all the major cities in India. In order to go to Varanasi, you can use a bus, a taxi, or a private car. Manikarnika Ghat is easily accessible from anywhere in Varanasi via taxi, autorickshaw, or cycle rickshaw.
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What to see in Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is an interesting place to visit since it provides a unique glimpse into India’s spiritual and cultural history. Manikarnika Ghat features the following attractions:
1. Pay attention to the rites of cremation: There are two ghats in Varanasi, and one of them is Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations take place at all hours of the day and night. People can watch the ceremonies from a distance, but they should be aware of the people who are there who are sad.
2. Trip on the Ganges River: Manikarnika Ghat is just one of the many ghats that may be seen from a boat ride along the Ganges. Several boatmen offer tours of the ghats and share fascinating stories about the area’s past and present.
3. Manikarnika Kund is a must-see: Located at the ghat is the holy pond of Manikarnika Kund, where it is said that Lord Vishnu left his imprint. Guests to the Kund are welcome to pray or bathe in the sacred waters.
4. Navigate the small streets and alleys: Explore the many stores, booths, and restaurants in the many alleys and roadways surrounding Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi. It’s a great place to meet warm and welcoming folks, try some regional specialties, and pick up some unique gifts.
5. Go to the Ganga Aarti: Manikarnika Ghat is just one location where the beautiful evening prayer ceremony known as the Ganga Aarti is held. Visitors can watch the aarti and marvel at the exquisite ritual.
