Manikarnika Ghat, popularly known as Mahasmasana, is one of the ancient and prominent burning ghats in
Varanasi of
Uttar Pradesh. It is mythologically related to primary deities such as
Lord Vishnu and
Lord Shiva and the cremation here is considered sacred.
The prime attraction is Cakra- Puskarini Kunda, a scared pond, which is believed to have been dug by Lord Vishnu. According to legends, this pond is present here even before the origin of the Ganges.
A Shiva ?Durga temple, built by the Maharaja of Amethi (Awadh) in 1850, can be seen here. On the right side of the entrance is a fine bronze lion of Durga and on the left Shiva?s bull. Also found are the shrines of Manikarnikesvara, Mahesvara and Siddha and Manikarna Vinayakas.
