There are many Ghats in India among which Manikarnika Ghat is the oldest one. It is one of the main cremations and most holy Ghat in Varanasi. It is a ghat of Maha sham shan. There are many platforms near this ghat for the death anniversary ceremony. The Manikarnika Ghat is situated on the Ghasitola road of Varanasi. It is situated in the middle of Scindia and Dashashwamedh Ghat
There is a big history behind this place. When the father of goddess Shakti tries to put down lord shiva then she sacrificed herself in the fire. Her burning body is taken by Lord Shiva and fell it on the earth by cutting it into 51 pieces. It is said that Chest jewel of Lord Shiva and earring or karnika of goddess Parvati fell in this pool so, the place is named as Manikarnika.
It is also said that this pond was dug for Lord Shiva and Shakti for the bath by the Lord Vishnu. There is also a footprint of Lord Vishnu.
There is also one another story behind this ghat in the King Harish Chandra story. Yama took the one person who never lies and gives him work in this ghat. When his son died, then his wife brought his son at this ghat for cremation. He refused to cremate and ask for the taxes first. He follows his duty first. The king of Awadh rebuilt this ghat in the 19th century. This ghat was renovated many times.
There is also a temple of Taraka near this ghat. It is also said that the mantra of Taraka or the prayer of crossing is whispered by Lord Shiva in the ear of the person who is near to die. It is also said that the person gets a safe place in the heaven. The ghat is located on the bank of the river. There is also a boating activity along the ghat.
There are many dead bodies burnt in the ghat every day. These bodies are dipped in the pond before being burnt. The tourists can take photographs without disturbing anyone. The tourists can reach Chowk first taking car and auto rickshaw. There are many narrow lanes so you have to walk for 5 to 10 minutes from chowk to Manikarnika Ghat.
