Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is more than just a place; it’s a profound link to Hindu traditions, where life and death weave a timeless story.
Manikarnika Ghat stands as a living testament to the rich tapestry of Hindu culture, where life and death coexist in a continuous cycle.
As one navigates through the labyrinthine lanes of Varanasi and arrives at the ghat, the sacredness of the place leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Manikarnika Ghat is more than a cremation ghat. It is a symbol of the eternal dance of life and death on the banks of the holy Ganges.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of Varanasi’s oldest ghats, and according to Hinduism’s holy scriptures, it has the highest status among all ghats.
It is said that if a person is cremated here, he will achieve moksha right away (salvation).
Manikarnika Ghat Timing
| Creamation Time | Open 24 Hrs |
|---|
You can always locate a few bodies that have been set ablaze. Every day, it is estimated that around 300 bodies are burned.
The optimum time to visit is between 7 AM and 9 PM.
How to Reach Manikarnika Ghat ?
You have various transportation options such as auto-rickshaws, cabs, or cycle rickshaws to reach Godowlia Chowk from the airport, railway station, or bus stop.
From Godowlia Chowk, a leisurely walk will lead you to Manikarnika Ghat.
Alternatively, you can opt for a boat ride along the Ganges, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat, to reach Manikarnika Ghat.
By Air:
- Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
- Taxi or ride-share to Manikarnika Ghat (45 mins).
By Train:
- Arrive at Varanasi Junction.
- Take an auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw to Manikarnika Ghat (20 mins).
By Road:
- One can take Taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle rickshaw to Manikarnika Ghat from any part of Varanasi.
Distance Between Manikarnika Ghat & Popular Tourist Destinations :
- Distance Between Assi Ghat & Varanasi Airport: 20 KM (60 minutes)
- Distance Between Assi Ghat & Varanasi Junction (Railway Station): 4 KM (30 Minutes)
- Distance Between Assi Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 500M (10 minutes )
- Distance Between Assi Ghat & Sarnath: 11 KM (30 minutes)
- Distance Between Manikarnika Ghat & Dashashwamedh Ghat: 1 KM (10 minutes)
- Distance Between Manikarnika Ghat & Durgakund: 4 KM (30 Minutes)
- Distance Between Manikarnika Ghat & Banaras Hindu University (BHU): 5 KM (30 Minutes)
Please note that beyond Godowlia Chowk, private cars are not allowed.
History of Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is thought to have been called before the Manikarnika Kund, which is located at this Ghat.
According to Kashi Khand, this kund was once known as Chakrapushkarani Kund, and it was created by Lord Vishnu’s Chakra while he was performing Tapasya for Lord Shiva.
Another legend claims that while Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati were looking over Chakrapushkund, a valuable stone from Maa Parvati’s earing fell into the Kund, giving it the name Manikarnika.
According to the Matsya Puran, this is one of Kashi’s top five Ghats. Lord Shiva is reported to repeat the Taarak Mantra in the ears of everybody who dies here. Indreshwar, Avimukteshwar, Chakrapushkarani, Uma, Taarak, Pitamah, Skandh, and Vishnu Pilgrimage are located in front of Manikarnika’s Ghat.
After taking a bath at this Ghat, the well-known Panchkroshi Yatra begins here and ends here after Snan-Daan. The majority of the temples on Ghat are devoted to Lord Shiva, including Tarkeshwar Shiv, Manikarnika Shiv, Rani Bhavani ShivRatneshwar Shiv, Amethi Shiv (Shiv and Mahishmardini), Manokameshwar Shiv, and Manikarnika Vinayak (Ganesh), Rudreshwar Shiv, Siddhivinayak Shiv (Ganesh).
Different Emperors of Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar built these temples at different times.
Sadashiv Naik, with the support of Maharashtra’s Peshwa Bajirao, paved the Ghat in 1730.
