Antim Sanskar Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi: Hinduism has established certain rules for cremation after death, one of which is writing 94 on the ashes of the funeral pyre. Whether this tradition is rooted in faith or superstition, let's explore.

Manikarnika Ghat cremation

Antim Sanskar: The city of Kashi, home to Mahadev, is known as the city of salvation. The Manikarnika Ghat here has been a confluence of life and death for centuries. The Manikarnika Ghat, constantly ablaze with the fire of funeral pyres, has a unique cremation tradition that is currently being widely discussed on social media.

Manikarnika Ghat is considered the gateway to salvation after death. There is a tradition here that, after cremation, the number '94' is written in the ashes of the funeral pyre. This tradition remains a mystery to people even today. Let us tell you about the deep faith and mythological belief associated with this mystery.

It is said that when a deceased person is cremated at Manikarnika Ghat, and the pyre cools after the cremation is complete, the person lighting the funeral pyre or a crematorium worker writes 94 numbers on the ashes using a stick or finger. After this, the ashes are ready for immersion in the Ganges. While this tradition is common among locals living in Varanasi or around Manikarnika Ghat, it remains a mystery to outsiders and those from faraway lands, and they are curious to know more about it.

What does 94 marks mean?

According to local beliefs, a human being has 100 karmas, 94 of which are his own. That is, those karmas that he can control through his thoughts, desires, and actions. The remaining 6 karmas—life, death, fame, infamy, and profit and loss—are not in human control but are considered to be under the control of God or destiny.

Writing 94 in the ashes of the funeral pyre after cremation signifies that the deceased's 94 controlled karmas have been burned to ashes in the pyre's fire. This tradition is considered a symbolic journey towards salvation. Following this tradition signifies that by writing 94 on the ashes, the deceased is now free from worldly bondage, and the remaining six karmas are left to the will of God. This tradition is still followed with this sentiment.

Scriptural evidence for writing 94 in ashes

The scriptures certainly describe karma, moksha, and the cycle of reincarnation. However, this local tradition of writing the number 94 in the ashes of a funeral pyre at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi is not documented in any Hindu scriptures or texts. Therefore, it lacks a direct scriptural basis. Rather, this tradition is based on the Hindu theory of karma by local people and scholars.