Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts, located on the banks of River Ganges, in the city of Varanasi in the States and [union territories of India|Indian state] of Uttar Pradesh. In Hinduism, death is considered a gateway to another life marked by the result of one's karma. It is believed that a human's soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here.
The ghat is named after the earrings of Sati, a Hindu goddess, which Hindus believe fell there. The Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi are kept there.
Location
The Manikarnika Ghat is located in Varanasi, India and is flanked by the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Scindia GhatActual origin
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. It is mentioned in a Gupta inscription of 5th century. It is revered in Hinduism. When Mata Sati sacrificed her life and set her body ablaze after Raja Daksh Prajapati tried to humiliate Shiva in a Yagya practiced by Daksh, Shiva took her burning body to the Himalaya. On seeing the unending sorrow of Shiva, Vishnu sent the Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts, which then fell to earth. These are called "Ekyavan Shaktipeeth". Shiva established Shakti Peeth wherever Sati's body had fallen. Mata Sati's ear ornament fell at Manikarnika GhatThe Manikarnika shrine as a Shakti Peeth
The Manikarnika shrine is an important place of worship for Shaktism sect of Hinduism. It is near to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati's self immolation is the mythology behind the origin of Shakti Peethas. The etymology of the place is due to this mythology. It is believed that Sati Devi's Ear Rings has fallen here. Manikarna in Sanskrit means Ear Rings.Shakti Peethas are shrines that are believed to be enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Shiva carried it and wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 letters or akshar in Sanskrit. Each temple have shrines for Shakti. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.