Manikarnika Ghat is primary Hindu cremation Ghat in Varanasi, it is one of the oldest and most sacred Ghats in Banaras. It is said that cremation at this site ensures that one’s soul rest in eternal peace upon their earthly demise. The well at the Ghat is called Manikarnika Kund which was built by Lord Vishnu.

It is believed in Hindu religion when Mata Sati sacrificed her life and set her body burning after Raja Daksh Prajapati tried of humiliate Lord Shiva in a Yagna practiced by Daksh. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalaya. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord shiva, Vishnu sends the Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fall on earth. They are called "Ekannya Shaktipeeth". Lord Shiva established Shakti Peeth wherever Sati's body had fallen. At Manikarnika ghat, Mata Sati's Ear's ornament had fallen.