Liberation Through the Fire

• This aspect of the Ghat reminds us that Kashi is also Mahashmashana, the great cremation grounds.

• Upon visiting this Kashi, pilgrims and tourists alike are immediately struck by the smoke coming from this Ghat.

• There can be as many as six fires burning simultaneously and I have heard that in the 'high season' as many as 400 bodies are burned here everyday.

• There is also another burning Ghat along the river called harishchandra Ghat. All the the pilgrims traveling this pilgrimage route know his story.

• Here the culmination of the ideal death in Kashi is expressed. Death here equals instant and unmediated liberation.
• It is here that RamaKrishna is said to have 'seen' Annapurna holding a body while Vishveshvara (Shiva) whispered the Taraka mantra into its ear.