Manikarnika Snan

The ritualistic bathing ceremony during the auspicious month of Kartik on the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is known as Manikarnika Snan. Hindus perform this bathing ritual on the ‘Chaturdashi’ (14th day) tithi during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the period of growing phase of moon) in the ‘Kartik’ month of traditional Hindu calendar. For those following the International calendar, this date falls between mid-November to December. Taking a holy bath on the Manikarnika Ghat on this chosen day is believed to be highly meritorious. Manikarnika Ghat is also known to be one of the popular Ghats in the holy city of Varanasi. This ghat is also the chosen cremation site by Hindus. Devotees from all corners of the country visit Varanasi to perform the Manikarnika Snan.

Significance :

Manikarnika Ghat is among the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. According to the Hindu legends, Devi Sati set her body ablaze when her father Daksh Prajapati (son of Lord Brahma) tried to insult Lord Shiva during the Yagya ceremony organized by him. On hearing this news, Lord Shiva carried Mata Sati’s body to Himalayas. However, while doing so, parts of her body fell on different places on Earth. Lord Shiva then formed ‘Shakti Peeth’ on places where Sati’s parts fell. It is known that Devi Sati’s ear ornaments had fallen on Manikarnika Ghat and therefore this place is revered in Hinduism. It is believed that a person who performs the ritualistic Manikarnika Snan on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi attains ‘moksha’ or salvation. He/she is completely freed from the continuous cycle of birth and death.

Rituals :

• On the day of Manikarnika Snan, devotees get up early and meditate about the Supreme Being, Lord Shiva. The bathing ceremony on the Manikarnika Ghat is performed during the last quarter of the night. Thousands of devotees from across the country gather at Varanasi during this propitious period.
• Hindu devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. They seek forgiveness for all the sins committed during their present and past lives.
• Reciting Vedic mantras and reading religious scriptures is believed to be very auspicious on the day of Manikarnika Snan.
• Offering donations is also an important ritual of the day. Giving clothes, food or money to Brahmins is considered to be highly rewarding after performing the Manikarnika Snan.

2016 Date :13th November.