The story of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi - the Maha Shamsana of the world.

One of the most surprising and unique aspect of the city of Varanasi is that the cremation grounds or the 'shamshan ghats' are located in the city itself and in the vicinity of some of the most sacred temples. The two major one's being the Manikarnika and the Harish chandra ghat.The reason for the presence of these ghats inside the city lies in the Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Shiva gave Lord Vishnu a boon - that whoever dies here in Kashi(old name of Varanasi) would be liberated from the endless cycle of birth and death and his soul would be set free.And so these cremation grounds were no longer looked down as being impure or unholy places.Instead, they were now considered to be the final link in the journey to being liberated.

The Manikarnika ghat in the past, was where only the royals were cremated while the Harishchandra ghat was for the commoners.There is a sacred well at the Manikarnika Ghat, called the Manikarnika Kund. Manikarnika Kund is said to be dug by Lord Vishnu at the time of creation.It is believed that Lord Shiva had dropped his ear rings in this well during his transcendental dance and hence the name 'Manikarnika' which when literally translated means 'jewelled ear ring'.

Every Hindu in Varanasi aspires to be cremated at Manikarnika after death as it is believed that cremation here is a guarantee of liberation - courtesy the boon given by Lord Shiva.Nevertheless, it's a very costly affair and not everyone can afford it.So the Harishchandra ghat is where most would end up.

Manikarnika is the 'Maha Shamsana' or The Great Cremation Ground where Lord Shiva himself is believed to guide the dead in to the other world.