The spiritual capital of India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism. Varanasi has been a cultural center of North India for several thousand years and is closely associated with the Ganges. Varanasi grew as an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.
Varanasi has at least 84 ghats, most of which are used for bathing by pilgrims and spiritually significant Hindu puja ceremony, while a few are used exclusively as Hindu cremation sites
In 1780, Maratha King Bhonsale of Nagpur made this ghat and thus named after him. This ghat is an example of contributions of Maratha rulers to the very lifeline of Varanasi.
Hindu mythology teaches that the ghat is especially sacred and that people cremated there receive freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Manikarnika Ghat is the main crematorium about 80 ceremonies a day. There are 5 being performed during our tour.
