Benares, INDIA - Burning Ghat - Cremation:  Varanasi, also Benares, or Kashi, is a city on the Ganges River in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.  The city has a syncretic tradition of Islamic artisanship that underpins its religious tourism.  Located in the middle-Ganges valley in the southeastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi lies on the left bank of the river.  The history of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi (Benares) dates back to the Vedic period and is intertwined with Hindu mythology, where a jewel from a deity's earring is said to have fallen there. It is considered one of the most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism, a place believed to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death if a body is cremated there. The ghat is continuously burning with sacred flames, maintained by the Dom community.  

Ancient origins and mythological significance

-  Name origin: The name "Manikarnika" comes from a mythological story where a jewel from Lord Shiva's earring, or "mani" (beads), fell into a sacred pit at this spot.

-  Divine association: It is associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who are said to have been preoccupied at the spot when the jewel was lost.

-  Sati's sacrifice: Another story connects the ghat to the goddess Sati. When her body was being carried by Shiva, her earring was said to have fallen at this location, making it a Shakti Peeth. 

Sacred cremation ground

-  Purpose: Hindus believe that a cremation at Manikarnika Ghat grants the soul immediate release from the cycle of rebirth. 

-  Sacred flames: A sacred fire is said to have been burning continuously at the ghat for centuries, exclusively maintained by the Dom community. 

-  "Great cremation ground": The ghat is also known as "Maha Smashaan," or the "great cremation ground". 

-  Continuous pyres: Cremation pyres burn 24/7, with the sounds of "Raam naam satya hai" (The name of Ram is truth) echoing constantly. 

Historical and cultural importance

-  Spiritual heart of Varanasi: The city of Varanasi is considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism, and Manikarnika Ghat is a vital part of this spiritual significance. 

-  Gate to heaven: The ghat is seen as a gateway to heaven, providing the soul with salvation and freedom from reincarnation. 

-  Community role: The Dom community plays a crucial role, exclusively managing the sacred fire and the cremation process, a trade passed down through generations. 

This White Border Era (1915-30) postcard is in good condition.  A. Haq & Bros.  Benares.