Manikarnika Ghat

Walking along the ancient stones of Manikarnika Ghat in Banaras, I found myself immersed in a unique blend of tradition and spirituality. This place, where life completes its circle, held secrets and rituals that echoed with a different rhythm.

They say here, a unique curse ensures that bodies find their peace without a lingering smell. As I observed the rituals unfold, I realized it was more than just tradition; it was a dance with divinity.

The sacred Ganges takes on the role of a purifier, and bodies are gently placed into its waters, seeking release from the cycle of life and death. Drowned five times, the belief is that Lord Shiva whispers blessings, granting liberation from the shackles of sin.

It's not just the body that finds freedom; the mind too is set adrift. In the embrace of the flowing river, worries about family and home dissolve. Here, at Manikarnika Ghat, there's a palpable sense of spiritual release, where the journey beyond begins.

In this ancient ritual, I discovered a profound belief in the freedom of both body and mind – a personal journey that unfolds with the timeless flow of the Ganges, leaving behind echoes of liberation.