Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

About Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is counted among the oldest Ghats of Varanasi, mainly this Ghat is considered most auspicious for funeral rites. Here you can see piles of all kinds of firewood. There is a pond in the premises of this Ghat which is known as Manikarnika Kuan. Paduka of Lord Vishnu set in marble is situated between the well and the ghat.

The walls of the kund are painted with bright colors as a folk art form, depicting the presiding goddess Manikarnika Devi, who inspires the pilgrims to bathe and worship here. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Interesting facts about Manikarnika Ghat

1. It is believed that if the dead body of a person is cremated here, then the soul of the dead person gets salvation/moksha.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat and Scindia Ghat are situated on the border of Manikarnika Ghat.
3. On the Saptami day of Navratri, for hundreds of years, at Manikarnika Ghat, in front of the burning pyres, the city brides perform dance in front of Mashan Nath Baba for the whole night.
4. This ghat was named Manikarnika after the ear flower of Goddess Parvati.
5. On one hand you can see the priest preaching to the crowd, and on the other side you can see the people engaged in the rites related to the cremation.
6. A variety of sights, sounds and smells welcome you at the ghat.

How to reach Manikarnika Ghat