Welcome to the Manikarnika Ghat, where even death has a charm of its own!
Located in the holy city of Varanasi, this ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in India. But don’t let that scare you away – it’s not every day you get the chance to attain moksha, or salvation, just by being cremated here! So, if you’re feeling adventurous, and maybe a little bit morbid, come along with me as we explore the fascinating history of Manikarnika Ghat.
Legend has it that this ghat was established as a Shakti Peeth, or a place of worship for the Shaktism sect of Hinduism, because the earrings of Adi Shakti, also known as Goddess Sati, fell here. And trust me, the story behind it is a real doozy! Apparently, when Goddess Sati immolated herself after Raja Daksh Prajapati tried to humiliate Lord Shiva in a yagya, Lord Shiva was so heartbroken that Lord Vishnu had to step in and send his Divine Chakra to cut her body into 51 pieces. Each piece fell to earth and became a Shakti Peeth, with Manikarnika Ghat being one of them.
The Manikarnika Ghat is situated alongside the majestic River Ganges, and is flanked by the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Scindia Ghat. It’s a peaceful and serene spot, and even the genealogy registers of Varanasi are kept here. Plus, the shrine of Vishalakshi and Manikarni, the Shakti of Manikarnika, is an important place of worship for many devotees.
And let’s not forget the best part – the Manikarnika Ghat is a prime spot for elderly people looking to spend their last days before they shuffle off this mortal coil. After all, what better way to face the inevitable than by soaking up the charisma of this holy place? It’s like a vacation, but one you can’t come back from!
So, whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment or just a good story to tell your friends, the Manikarnika Ghat is definitely worth a visit.