Seher on BIG Magic will take you to the tour of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi

Seher on BIG Magic will take you to the tour of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi

Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 7.00 am on BIG MAGIC

This Thursday’s episode of Seher on BIG Magic will take you to the tour of 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 in the vicinity of some of the most sacred temples. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the main cremation Ghats of Varanasi. Oldest and most sacred Ghats in Benaras, according to the Hindu mythology, being burned here provides an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and rebirths. At Manikarnika Ghat one comes face to face with life and death. Manikarnika Ghat at Varanasi symbolizes mortality of the world.

The Manikarnika Ghat in the past was where only the royals were cremated .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 are no longer looked down as being impure or unholy places. Instead, they are now considered to be the final link in the journey to being liberated.

There is a sacred well at the Ghat, called the Manikarnika Kund 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 'jeweled ear ring'.

Every Hindu in Varanasi aspires to be cremated at Manikarnika as it is believed that cremation here is a guarantee of liberation - courtesy the boon given by Lord Shiva. However, it's a very costly affair and not everyone can afford it.

Tune in to the Seher, to tour the Ghat this Thursday, January 5^th, 2011…Every morning 7:00 am, only on BIG MAGIC

For further information please contact:
Atul Malikram
9827092823