Manikarnika Ghat (Hindi: मणिकर्णिका घाट) is one of the holiest[1] cremation grounds among the sacred riverfronts (ghats), located on the banks of River Ganges, in the city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In Hinduism, death is considered a gateway to another life marked by the result of one’s karma. It is believed that a human’s soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here.[2]

The ghat is named after the earrings of Sati, a Hindu goddess, which Hindus believe fell there.[3] The Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi are kept there.