Manikarnika ghat

Manikarnika ghat
Originally uploaded by bastchild.

The main cremation ghat in Varanasi. There are two cremation ghats, one with a modern oven for cremations, and the other is this one with open funeral pyres like at Pashupatinath.
Like at Pashupatinath, cremation and disposing of ashes in the Ganges is a quick trip to Nirvana -- no more reincarnation. Burning is a process of purification. Pure people aren't burned, they're weighed down with bricks and sunk -- and they later float downstream or wash ashore on the eastern banks. Pure people include holy men (sadhus), children, pregnant women (because of the pure fetus), unmarried people (supposedly because they are virginal), and snakebite deaths (because Vishnu appeared as a cobra before). No women are allowed at the cremations which can last three to four hours, because crying can keep the soul from ascending, and to keep them from perform sati, that is, the ritual of jumping on the funeral pyre.
Loads of wood is used for a funeral -- about 200 kgs. Wood costs 5-10 Rs/kg but sandalwood costs about 150 Rs/kg. A very interesting funeral rite.
With these ashes and floaters, people still bath and wash their clothes, and sip the holy water of the Ganges. Awwwwwesome.