Mahanirvani Ghat, Varanasi – Timings, History, Location, Entry Fee

Mahanirvani Ghat Varanasi

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Mahanirvani Ghat, Shivala, Varanasi, U.P.

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24x7

Entry Fee:

Free

Duration:

Approx 30 minutes

Celebrations:

Mahashivaratri

Significance:

Mahanirvani Akhara, Kartikeya Temple, Four Shiva Temples; Associated with Kapil Muni and Naga Sadhus.

Varanasi , the holy city of India, is mentioned as ‘Shiva Nagari’ (City of Lord Shiva) in the religious scriptures of the Hindus. As per inveterate popular belief, death in Kashi liberates the soul, therefore, Varanasi is also called ‘Mokshadiyini’ (मोक्षदायिनी). This Hindu pilgrimage site is popular among the tourists for temples, the Ganga, the ghats, religious rituals, cultural heritage and unique lifestyle. Additionally, Varanasi has been seat of learning since time immemorial. The ghats on the southern bank of the River Ganga are major tourist attractions in Varanasi. These ghats not only protect the city from the wrath (flood) of Ganga but also serve as the platform for various religious, cultural and routine activities. Walking through the ghats alongside the holiest river Ganga, watching the panoramic views the ghats offer and taking bath in the river to wash off the sins let one to realize peace. It is one of the best ways to get closer to the spiritual world. Most of the ghats have rich historical and cultural significance. Mahanirvani Ghat (महानिर्वाणी घाट) is one of the famous ghats in Varanasi. The Mahanirvani Ghat serves as the resting place for the Naga ‘sadhus’after ‘pooja’and religious rituals

Mahanirvanai Ghat, named after Mahanirvani sect of Naga Sadhus (साधु - Ascetics), is located to the north of the Niranjani Ghat. Kapil Muni, the exponent of ‘Sankhya Darshan’ resided at the site of Mahanirvani Ghat seven thousand years back. A ‘samadhi’ (समाधि) of Kapil Muni is at the ghat. He was one of the legendary ‘acharya’ (आचार्य) of that time. Naga ascetics (sadhus) trace their lineage to Kapil Muni. Kapila Muni was the first human being who experienced the flowering of divine consciousness. Mention of Naga ascetics is found in the Rig Veda, the oldest scripture of the human civilization. The Naga ‘sadhus’ follow the ancient-most monastic tradition in the world. As per the legend, Gautam Buddha too had taken a bath at this ghat. The Mahanirvani Ghat was originally a part of the Chet Singh Ghat but later on it was donated to the Naga mendicants by the king of Kashi.

An ‘akhara’ is established in 1915 AD in the Mahanirvani Ghat area. It was in this year itself, the first king of Pancakota / Sekharabhumi built the ghat ‘pucca’. The ‘akhara’ is home to four temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples were built by the ‘Maharaja (king) of Nepal. Another attraction of this ghat is Kartikeya Temple. It’s the only Kartikeya Temple in Varanasi. Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, is the military commander of the gods’ army. Nearby Mahanirvani Akhara is a house of Mother Teresa. This home serves the purpose of serving the poor, handicapped, needy, and the sick people. In 1988, the government of Uttar Pradesh came forward to build the upper part of the ghat in the ‘pucca’ form. All these places are the main attractions of the Mahanirvani Ghat for the travellers and explorers. Though the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation but the specific properties at the ghat are owned by the respective trusts.