Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in India. Its history is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spirituality. The name "Manikarnika" comes from a legend involving Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. It is said that when Sati sacrificed herself, Lord Shiva carried her body in grief. To ease his sorrow, Lord Vishnu used his divine discus to cut her body into pieces, which fell at various places on Earth, creating sacred sites called Shakti Peethas. At Manikarnika Ghat, her earrings (Manikarnika) are believed to have fallen, giving the ghat its name. Another legend says that Lord Vishnu dug a sacred pond, the Manikarnika Kund, at this site. While doing so, his earring fell into the pond, adding to its spiritual significance. The ghat is also closely associated with Lord Shiva, who is believed to whisper the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the deceased, helping their souls attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Historically, the ghat has been a prominent cremation ground for centuries. It is mentioned in ancient texts and inscriptions, including those from the Gupta period (5th century). Over time, it has been renovated and maintained by various rulers, including Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. Manikarnika Ghat is not just a place of rituals but a symbol of the cycle of life and death. Its eternal flame, believed to have been burning for centuries, represents the continuity of existence. The ghat remains a deeply spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world.