Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Manikarnika Ghat

At a distance of 1 Km from Dasashwamedh Ghat and 6 Km from Varanasi Junction, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest ghats along the banks of River Ganga in the sacred city of Varanasi. Situated just beside Dasashwamedh Ghat, it is the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, and among the most famous places to visit as part of the Varanasi leisure tours. The Manikarnika Ghat is perpetually bustling with ceremonies and rituals, with pyres burning round the clock, and it is a poignant place where life and death intersect visibly. According to the religious beliefs, burning the dead bodies at this ghat is a way to attain Moksha, the salvation.

History of Manikarnika Ghat

The Manikarnika Ghat is vividly depicted in the Kashi Khanda and is commonly referred to as Mahashmashana, the grand cremation ground. Additionally, this ghat is mentioned in a Gupta inscription dating back to the 4th century. It was the first ghat constructed with stone steps by the two royal brothers in 1302-03 CE, and it underwent reconstruction and repairs in 1730 under the patronage of Bajirao Peshwa. Subsequently, in 1791, Ahilyabai Holkar undertook the complete rebuilding of the ghat. Further repairs and renovations were carried out in 1872. In 1965, the government of Uttar Pradesh also repaired and reconstructed this ghat.

Mythology of Manikarnika Ghat

The history of Manikarnika Ghat is as old as the city itself, steeped in legend. Manikarnika Ghat derives its name from the earrings of Sati that are said to have fallen there. It is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bathed in a pool nearby, and Goddess Parvati's earring (Manikarnika) fell in. Lord Shiva then dug a well known as Manikarnika Kund to find it, blessing it with divine sanctity. Another legend states that Lord Vishnu performed meditation here in standing pose for about 500,000 years to please Lord Shiva. Finally, Shiva appeared, and by virtue of Vishnu's boon, settled here, and as a testimony to that story Vishnu's footprints are visible nearby.

Things to do in Manikarnika Ghat

Situated between the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat and the historic Scindia Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the two burning Ghats in Varanasi, the other being Harishchandra Ghat. Originally honored as a tirth (pilgrimage site), it later transformed into a sacred area for cremations. The northern section of the ghat, noted for its cleanliness and paved paths, is designated for bathing rituals, while the southern area is solemnly reserved for cremations, where large stacks of wood for cremation can be found. The elevated platform adjacent to the Ghat is utilized for death anniversary rituals.

The ghat also features a sacred pond known as Chakra-Pushkarini, or Manikarnika Kund. It is believed that this pond was excavated by Lord Vishnu and existed prior to the emergence of the holy Ganges. Furthermore, the location is renowned for Charanapaduka, the footprints of Vishnu embedded in a circular marble slab. Near the bank lies the Maheshwara linga exposed to the open air. To the right, one can observe a temple gradually leaning into the Ganga.

In the vicinity of the ghat are the shrines of Manikarnikeshvara, and Siddha and Manikarna Vinayakas. At the top, accessible via a steeply ascending lane south of the Manikarnika Kund, is the temple of Manikarnikeshvara, built by Maharaja Mangal Singh of Alwar. This temple is the first of the 108 shrines along the Panchakroshi pilgrimage route. Maharaja Mangal Singh of Alwar Estate, Rajasthan, also constructed the Manokameshvara Temple in 1895, atop his residential quarters on the ghat. Visitors can also explore the Tarakeshvara temple, established by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1795.

Festivals of Manikarnika Ghat

The primary festival observed at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is Masan Holi, which is a distinctive and spiritual interpretation of the Holi festival. Generally celebrated the day following Rangbhari Ekadashi, this festival features devotees engaging in Holi with ashes from the cremation pyres, representing the cycle of life and death. Additionally, it is an important religious occasion where devotees pray to Lord Shiva and honor the idea of liberation (moksha). Moreover, Dev Deepawali, which takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika (typically in November), presents the ghat illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable spectacle.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Manikarnika Ghat

Although there is no formal dress code at Manikarnika Ghat, it is advisable to dress modestly in order to show respect for the religious activities occurring there. Men may choose to wear dhotis or long trousers along with shirts. It is best to refrain from wearing Western clothing such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Manikarnika Ghat welcomes individuals of all faiths, serving as an inviting location for tourists from diverse backgrounds to experience Hindu culture and spirituality. However, women are prohibited from entering this ghat for religious reasons, although they are permitted to observe the cremations from a distance along the river.

Manikarnika Ghat Timings

Monday: 24 Hours
Tuesday: 24 Hours
Wednesday: 24 Hours
Thursday: 24 Hours
Friday: 24 Hours
Saturday: 24 Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours

Manikarnika Ghat Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Manikarnika Ghat

The best time to visit Manikarnika Ghat, regarded as one of the most sacred ghats along the River Ganges in Varanasi, is during the cooler months from October to March. This timeframe typically features pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the ghat without the oppressive heat or heavy rainfall that can characterize the summer and monsoon seasons. Additionally, visiting Manikarnika Ghat early in the morning or late in the evening enhances the experience, allowing one to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. Although the ghat is accessible 24/7, the evening hours provide a distinctive and often more profound experience due to the fire and the overall ambiance.

How to Reach Manikarnika Ghat

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur is the nearest airport which is about 23 Km from Varanasi Junction. Also known as Varanasi Airport, it is well connected with flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Gaya. Varanasi Junction railway station is well connected by trains with Chhapra, Kanpur, Amritsar, Muzzafarpur, Jammu, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Indore, Tatanagar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Patna, Kochi, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pune and Chennai. Varanasi is well connected with buses from Agra, Delhi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow. One can reach Manikarnika Ghat by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city of Varanasi.