| A land primarily of Ghats and temples, Varanasi has a lot to live up to as the pilgrim hotspot of the nation and never quite failing at that, Varanasi grows bigger and bigger as the favoured tourist destination for those who preach religiosity and spirituality as a way of life. Of the several Ghats crowding the city of Varanasi, one highly recommended as a must-see is the fascinating and alluring Manikarnika Ghat. Only those fortunate to have died in Varanasi have the privilege to be cremated here. To die here is to be freed from the cycle of life and death. In step with the city's usual penchant for myth-making, this Ghat was named Manikarnika, after the Goddess Parvati's earring which fell down while bathing. On top of the steps is a large tank, the Manikarnika Kund that Lord Vishnu is supposed to have dug with his perspiration. The Charanapaduka, a slab of stone between the well and the Ghat, bears footprints made by Lord Vishnu. Apart from the usual charm that lures tourists to the Marikarnika Ghat, the foremost reason for the Marikarnika Ghat's popularity is the Charanapaduka. All year long, be it the summer heat or the winter chill, devotees and keen tourists flock here in multitudes. Photographers revel in the beauty and diversity of Varanasi, especially because of quaint occurrences like the Charanapaduka, sights which aren?t that common elsewhere in the world. Not only Indians or Hindus, even those from other far countries come visiting, hoping to be a part of the experience that is Varanasi! |
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