Doorway to Heaven: Manikarnika Ghat (Varanasi)

One of the most revered locations for Hindus to bury their dead is Manikarnika Ghat, which is located in Varanasi (also known as Benares or Kashi) in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It has a fascinating history.

Hindu mythology holds that the deity Vishnu established Manikarnika Ghat here by using his trident to dig a well. According to legend, the well was built in order to grant the god Shiva and his wife Parvati's wish. According to legend, Parvati wished to bathe in the pool of the nectar of immortality that was situated nearby. Vishnu dug a well here and placed the nectar of immortality in it to grant her wish.

The earring of Vishnu, known as the "manikarnika," is claimed to have fallen into the well as it was being dug, giving the ghat its name, "Manikarnika," which translates to "earring of Vishnu."

The goddess Parvati is also connected to the Manikarnika Ghat because it is thought that she used to bathe here. According to legend, the goddess gave the well her name after dropping her earring (manikarnika) in it while having a bath.

Additionally, it is thought that the god Shiva was present at this location and gave the ghat to the Varanasi people as a gift. Additionally, it is said that this is where the first Jyotirlinga, a manifestation of Shiva, appeared.

In conclusion, Manikarnika Ghat is highly revered by Hindus due to its connections to the deities Vishnu, Parvati, and Shiva. Hindus also consider this location to be the source of purification and renewal. It is also regarded as one of the Shakti Peethas, or the residence of the goddess of power, Shakti, and as one of the five holiest dhams (places of pilgrimage) in Hinduism.

The act of dying and being cremated at the Manikarnika Ghat is claimed to have special significance in Hinduism since it is thought that doing so ensures freedom from the cycle of rebirth and the achievement of moksha, or complete spiritual deliverance. Additionally, it is thought that the Ganges, which is revered as a sacred river, carries the burnt person's ashes down while performing a ritual cleaning.

It is also regarded as one of Hinduism's five sacred dhams, or pilgrimage sites. As the home of the goddess of power, Shakti, it is also regarded as one of the Shakti Peethas.

As a result of its connection to liberation, spiritual release, and cleansing, Manikarnika Ghat is of enormous significance to Hindus. For Hindus, it is one of the most revered locations for funeral ceremonies.

#manikarnika #manikarnikaghat #varanasi #banaras #doorwaytoheaven #cremation #moksha #shiva #kaashi

Writer - Hiteshi Chauhan