Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi: Eternal Fire Mystery & 108 Daily Cremations | Ghost Stories & Spiritual Secrets
Introduction:-
Have you ever heard of a place where fire has been burning continuously for thousands of years without ever being extinguished? Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi - where at least 108 bodies are cremated daily, where funeral pyres burn even at night, and where many people have reported ghost sightings. This is the sacred place where souls attain salvation after death, but it also hides many terrifying secrets. Discover the complete story of this mysterious ghat that will leave you amazed and intrigued.
Manikarnika Ghat is a historical and spiritual place. Manikarnika Ghat (Burning Ghat) is in Mokshanagari Varanasi. There are many Ghats in Varanasi, but Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest Ghats in the world. Manikarnika is also known as Mahasmshan Ghat. The fire of Manikarnika Ghat never dies down. This is the most sacred place for cremation. This Ghat has a different cultural and spiritual significance. Every day, at least 108 cremations take place here. Sometimes, this number increases significantly, but it is never less than 108. 108 has a special significance in Hinduism because it is considered a symbol of completeness. Even the Japa Mala has 108 beads. Even in yoga, there are 108 energy centers (mentioned as nerves). Multiply 108 by any number, and the sum comes to nine. The sum of 108 is also nine. The pyres keep burning 24 hours a day at Manikarnika Ghat. In Hinduism, there is no provision for cremation after sunset. But this is not the case at Manikarnika Ghat. The pyres keep burning at night at this ghat. Which makes this place special. Performing the last rites at Manikarnika Ghat leads to salvation. Man becomes free from the cycle of life and death. Therefore, this place holds a special place spiritually in Hinduism. That is why people come from far away to Manikarnika Ghat to perform the last rites of their relatives so that they can get salvation. That is why many pyres burn here simultaneously. And their close relatives are also there. Despite so many people at this place, there is peace and silence. That's all. The sound of the fire of the pyres is heard. It seems as if some invisible power controls it? There is one more special thing about this place. Here, the river flows towards the north, which is the opposite direction of the flow. According to some beliefs, Manikarnika Ghat is also considered a Shakti Peeth because the earring of Mata Sati fell here. Due to the falling of the earring, a holy well was formed here. Due to which it was named Manikarnika Ghat. Some mythological stories are popular about the Manikarnika Ghat.
Story of Vishnu and Shiva. According to a story, Lord Vishnu had done penance for Lord Shiva and dug a pond with his Sudarshan Chakra. During the penance, the Manikarnika of his ear fell into the pond, after which this ghat was named Manikarnika.
Second story. Which is of Mata Parvati and Shiva. Mata Parvati had hidden her Manikarnika (earring) here to stop Lord Shiva and asked Shiva to find it. Shiva has not been able to find it to date, and at the time of the last rites, he asks the liberated soul if he has seen it.
Another legend says that Manikarnika Ghat is also associated with Satyawadi Raja Harishchandra (an ancestor of Lord Rama). He had to suffer a lot for his truthfulness. But he did not leave the path of truth. It is said that Raja Harishchandra was brought by a Chandala from here and was given the job of collecting tax from people who were cremated at this ghat.
Manikarnika Ghat also has a different aspect that reflects the horror story. Locals believe that the souls of some people who are not cremated properly reside on this ghat. According to the Times of India, some people believe that the Ganges River flows north at this place, as opposed to its normal southward flow, which is the result of a curse. Some people are affected by the more sombre atmosphere here, which makes people restless. Some online and local people have reported disturbing experiences at the ghat, including encounters with ghosts. There are many stories and legends about it. Manikarnika Ghat is also a place of immense religious importance, and people are urged to respect the seriousness of the rituals. Manikarnika Ghat is the gateway to salvation, which frees a man from the cycle of birth and death. This article is based on information from various sources.
FAQs:-
Q1: How many cremations take place daily at Manikarnika Ghat?
A1: At least 108 cremations take place here daily, never fewer than this number. This figure holds special significance in Hinduism as a symbol of completeness.
Q2: Why do cremations happen at night at Manikarnika Ghat?
A2: While Hindu tradition prohibits cremations after sunset, Manikarnika Ghat is an exception where funeral pyres burn 24 hours a day.
Q3: Are ghost sightings really reported at Manikarnika Ghat?
A3: Local people and some visitors believe that the souls of those not properly cremated wander around this ghat, with several reported supernatural encounters.
Q4: Why does the Ganges River flow northward here?
A4: According to some beliefs, this is the result of a curse, while scientific explanation points to geographical positioning.
Q5: How did Manikarnika Ghat get its name?
A5: The ghat is named after Mata Sati's earring (Manikarnika) that fell here, creating a sacred well at this spot.
Q6: What is the spiritual significance of 108 cremations?
A6: The number 108 is sacred in Hinduism - prayer beads have 108 beads, yoga mentions 108 energy centers, and when multiplied by any number, the sum equals nine.
Q7: Is Manikarnika Ghat really a Shakti Peeth?
A7: Yes, it's considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeths because Mata Sati's earring fell here during Lord Shiva's cosmic dance.
Q8: What's the connection with King Harishchandra?
A8: Legend says the truthful King Harishchandra worked here collecting taxes from people who cremated their relatives at this ghat.