Varanasi

Manikarnika Ghat

Open Time : Open 24 hours

Entry : free

Address : Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat, near Lalita Ghat, Ghats of Varanasi, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Why to visit Manikarnika Ghat

One of Varanasi's oldest ghats, Manikarnika Ghat has been given the top ranking above all other ghats by Hinduism's sacred texts. It is thought that if someone is cremated here, they instantly achieve moksha (salvation).

Highlights of the Manikarnika Ghat:

  • The Maharaja of Awadh built a Shiva Durga Temple on the site of the ghat in 1850.
  • This holy place is also adorned by a sacred pond known as Cakra-Pushkarini.
  • The footsteps of Vishnu embedded in a circular marble slab known as Charanapaduka are the site's most well-known attraction.
  • The Manikarnika Temple is particularly popular with pilgrims. Additionally, this ghat houses a tiny shrine of Lord Vishnu.

Interesting Facts: 

  • Manikarnika Ghat is bordered by Dashashwamedh Ghat and Scindia Ghat.
  • In honour of the goddess Parvati's ear flower, this ghat was given the name Manikarnika.
  • For hundreds of years, on the Saptami day of Navratri, the city brides have danced in front of Mashan Nath Baba for the entire night at Manikarnika Ghat, in front of the burning pyres.

History: 

One of the river's oldest ghats is this one. This ghat was first mentioned in writing in the fifth century AD. Regarding who constructed the ghat and when, there is no hard evidence. This ghat is said to be connected to the folklore surrounding Sati's passing (Parvati).

How to reach:

  • Nearby Railway Station: Varanasi Cantt Railway station (6.9 km)
  • Nearby Airport: Varanasi airport (24.9 km)

Nearby Attractions: 

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (950 m)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (400 m)
  • Sarnath (8 km)
  • Nepali Temple (0.1 km)

Nearby Restaurants:

  • Dosa Cafe (0.5 km)
  • Niayti Cafe (0.5 km)
  • Blue Lassi (0.3 km)
  • Vishnu Tea Emporium (0.6 km)

Ideal duration: 30 minutes 

Distance from Varanasi Junction: 6 kms

FAQ on Manikarnika Ghat

How to reach Manikarnika Ghat?

You can hire auto rickshaws, cabs, or cycle rickshaws to get to Godolia Chowk from the airport, train station, and bus stop. You should stroll in the direction of Manikarnika Ghat from the Chowk. Beyond Godolia Chowk, no vehicles are permitted.

What are the nearby attractions close to Manikarnika Ghat?

The nearby attractions include: Nepali Temple (0.1 km), Sarnath (8 km), and Kashi Vishwanath Temple (400 m).

What are the nearby restaurants close to Manikarnika Ghat?

The nearby restaurants include: Blue Lassi (0.3 km), Niyati Cafe (0.5 km), and Dosa Cafe (0.5 km).

What is the best time to visit Manikarnika Ghat?

The best time to attend if you want to see cremations is between 8 am and 7 pm. More than 300 bodies are burnt in this ghat every day. This makes it simple for you to witness a cremation. However, due to high demand, it might be challenging to find boats in the morning and after dusk.

Special Tip

Tourists can observe the entire cremation process on the riverbank while being guided by locals, or they can take in the scene from Ganges River cruises. Since taking photos is considered disrespectful to the surviving family members of the deceased and offensive in Hinduism, it is not permitted at any time.

By Rebecca Lal

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