Benares, also known as Varanasi, is a sacred city located on the banks of the Ganges River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Benares is considered to be one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and it is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus from around the world.
The city is known for its narrow, winding streets, its numerous temples, and its bustling ghats (steps leading down to the river). However, perhaps the most striking feature of Benares is the sight of the dead being cremated on the ghats. This practice, known as mahasmashana, is an integral part of Hindu funeral rituals and is believed to be a way of ensuring the soul’s release from the cycle of rebirth and attainment of moksha (liberation).
The cremation ghats of Benares are a stark reminder of the transient nature of life and the impermanence of the physical body. The sight of the pyres burning day and night, the ashes drifting down the Ganges, and the constant wailing of the bereaved family members create a powerful and poignant atmosphere.
The cremation rituals in Benares are performed with great solemnity and precision. The body is first bathed and dressed in new clothes, and then placed on a pyre made of wood and cow dung. The pyre is then set alight, and the body is reduced to ashes. The ashes are then collected and thrown into the Ganges, which is believed to carry the soul to the afterlife.
The cremation ghats of Benares are not just places of death, but also places of spirituality and renewal. Many Hindus believe that being present at a cremation or performing the last rites for a deceased relative brings them closer to God and helps them to purify their own souls.
The cremation rituals in Benares are also a powerful symbol of the Indian concept of death as a natural and inevitable part of life. Unlike in many Western cultures, death in India is not something to be feared or hidden away. Instead, it is seen as a transition, a journey from one form of existence to another.
The French author Pierre Loti, who visited Benares in the late 19th century, wrote extensively about the city and its cremation rituals. In his book “The Ganges,” he described the cremation ghats as “the most terrible and most beautiful spectacle I have ever seen.” He also wrote about the spirituality that pervaded the city, and the sense of peace and tranquility that he felt in the presence of death.
In conclusion, Benares is a city that embodies the complex and profound spirituality of India. The cremation rituals on the ghats are a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the impermanence of the physical body.