Cremation Ghats, Varanasi, India

Varanasi is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India. Many Hindus believe that if they die in Varanasi they can cut short the cycle of reincarnation and progress straight to heaven. Not surprisingly many people are cremated on the banks of the Ganges, at either of the two main cremation Ghats.

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As we approach the Manikarnika Ghat from the south, eagles soar above the activity below A corpse arrives at Harishchandra Ghat tied on top of an Ambassador car A corpse arrives at Harishchandra Ghat tied on top of an Ambassador car At Manikarnika Ghat, a corpse is carried down to the cremation area The body is placed on layers of wood, then further layers are piled on top.   Ghee and sandalwood oils are poured to speed the flames,  then the sacred flame is applied The body is placed on layers of wood, then further layers are piled on top.   Ghee and sandalwood oils are poured to speed the flames,  then the sacred flame is applied This old man lies meditating near the cremation fire. Is he a flesh-eating Agori or a simple ascetic looking for purity far from the world of the living? This old man lies meditating near the cremation fire. Is he a flesh-eating Agori or a simple ascetic looking for purity far from the world of the living? This old man lies meditating near the cremation fire. Is he a flesh-eating Agori or a simple ascetic looking for purity far from the world of the living? This old man lies meditating near the cremation fire. Is he a flesh-eating Agori or a simple ascetic looking for purity far from the world of the living? It takes several hours for the corpse to be consumed and the staff continually tend to the flames and turn the flesh to maximise the rate of consumption It takes several hours for the corpse to be consumed and the staff continually tend to the flames and turn the flesh to maximise the rate of consumption The old ascetic has moved closer to the ashes of the funeral fire Carrying the wood up from the boats Carrying the wood up from the boats Carrying the wood up from the boats