Manikarnika Ghat, Varansi Uttar Pradesh India
Varanasi is an ancient Hindu city. Its mythical name is Kashi and is also known as Forest of bliss.
Everyday there is a flow of tourists and pilgrims from the dawn to the dusk. Countless mysteries are hidden in this mysterious city. One such place is a cremation ground, known as Manikarnika Ghat where every Hindu wishes that the funeral after his or her death be done at the hands of Dom, the keeper of this crematorium at this ghat and the keeper of sacred flame.
The cycle of life and death of man, the belief of rebirth in Hinduism, the change after death and the attainment of salvation associated with this crematorium, how can truly life can be felt among the burning dead bodies, such scenes are real.
This ghat was built by Lord Shiva according to Hindu belief and many legends. And this sacred flame, which has been burning in Dom Raja’s fireplace for almost four thousand years and this sacred flame is controlled by Dom Raja, with this fire the pyre is lit by Dom then only one may attain the Salvation. I stayed at this place amidst many such burning pyre. The grieving family were constantly coming here with corpses wrapped in white shroud on a bamboo palanquin and the body of Suhagan mean woman died before husband was wrapped in red shroud. Rich people prepare sandalwood pyre for their bodies and common people make pyre of common firewood. Cremation cannot be performed here without paying fee to Dom Raja. As they are known Raja means King since Raja Harishchandra served to a dom as helper. But this community is untouchable and considered the inferior most. Prime Minister Modi was nominated by Dom King who had died.
The cremation ceremony was being performed with Hindu rituals. The pyre is set on fire and fire is taken from the sacred fireplace in the form of Angara by the eldest son or by the main sorrower, after completion of five rounds in the reverse direction of the clock, which are dedicated to the five elements. A cloud of smoke and a strange odor spread in the atmosphere when the human body burns. After about an hour, the skull is broken by the bamboo by the main sorrower mostly eldest son, by this process soul gets freeed from the body. After this process, main sorrowers shave their heads and take a dip in the holy Ganges. The ashes are flown into the holy Ganges after complete burn.
This is one of the Shaktipeeth and many popular legends support the spirituality of this place. Such as Goddess Sati’s earring was fallen here, is quite popular one. Regarding this cremation ground in 4th century’s text of Gupta period validation is available.
It’s true that every creature has to die, and human beings are giving a sorrowful departure through the funeral process. As I could come to know that this place is assumed to be the nucleus of the Universe and is closely related with life and death.
This visit was very exciting and how to live among the dead I could understand by the doms who are always busy with the dead and are the custodian of this sacred fire, which is ever lighting since 4000 years.
Nepali Temple, Jantar Mantar, Dashashwamedha Ghat are few among the 84 Ghats at the 3 kms river front of holy Ganga.
