Nigambodh Ghat

Nigambodh Ghat is a moderate-sized area on the banks of the Yamuna river coast in New Delhi, situated on the Ring Road, Delhi at the back of the historic Red Fort. It consists of a series of bathing and ceremonial stepped piers leading to the waters of the river. It is most known for being the oldest burning ghat in Delhi for performing Antyesti (Antim Sanskar), Hindu funeral rites and also one of its busiest with 50-60 pyres burning everyday. It also has an electric crematorium built in the 1950s and a CNG-run crematorium was added by the Municipal corporation with manages the cremation facilities in 2006 ^[1][2].

Etymology

It is believed that it was on this ghat during the Mahabharat era, Lord Brahma, Hindu God of Creation, had bathed and recovered his lost memory and sacred books and hence the name Nigambodh Ghat, literally realization of knowledge.

Over view

It is believed that the ghats were established by the eldest Pandava brother, Prince Yudhisthira, the king of Indraprastha. At present, the ghat area includes the largest and busiest cremation ground of New Delhi, where the Antyesti, Hindu funeral rites are carried out.

Nili Chatri mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva, also established by Yudhisthira and Nigambodh Gate lie adjacent to the ghats, which one of last gates of the walled city of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) built during Mughal Empire ^[3].

References

1. ^ "Those pyres at Nigambodh Ghat". The Hindu. March 18, 2002. http://www.hinduonnet.com/mp/2002/03/18/stories/2002031800310200.htm. 
2. ^ "Bottomline". Indian Express. 2 Aug 1999. http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990802/ile02156.html. 
3. ^ Gates of Old Delhi: Nigambodh Gate

External links

• Nigambodh Ghat wikimapia