Manikarnika Gattam At Srikalahasti – Taraka Mantram For The
Dying Given Here By Shiva:
The holy town of Srikalahasti, situated in Andhra Pradesh, holds a revered place in Hindu mythology and spiritual practice. Known as Dakshina Kailasam (Southern Kailash) and Dakshina Kashi (Southern Kashi), Srikalahasti is believed to be blessed by the divine presence of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Among the many sacred locations within this spiritual hub, Manikarnika Gattam stands out as a site of immense religious significance, serving as the place where Shiva imparts the Taraka Mantra (the ultimate mantra of liberation) to departing souls. Let us delve into the history, symbolism, rituals, and modern-day relevance of this sacred ghat, exploring the deep spiritual insights it offers.
Mythological Background and Spiritual Significance
According to legend, the creator Brahma brought the sacred peak of "Shivanandaika" from Kailash and placed it at Srikalahasti to establish a divine abode for Lord Shiva. In reverence, Brahma worshipped Shiva at this holy site, which subsequently came to be known as Dakshina Kailasam, a counterpart to the revered Mount Kailash in the north. Flowing alongside this temple town is the Swarnamukhi River, whose northern course near the temple is considered highly auspicious.
The bathing ghat in front of the Thirumanjana Gopuram of the Srikalahasteeswara Temple is known as Manikarnika Gattam. This site is particularly significant because, according to tradition, Lord Shiva is said to impart the Taraka Mantra here, just as he does at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. The Taraka Mantra is believed to be a spiritual key that grants liberation (“Moksha”) to souls departing their mortal coils. This mantra is whispered into the right ear of a dying person, ensuring their passage to higher spiritual realms or eternal liberation. Due to this belief, the ghat has earned the title of the "Southern Kashi", paralleling the sanctity of Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat.
Manikarnika Gattam and the Taraka Mantra
The Taraka Mantra, also known as the Karna Mantra, holds a unique place in Hindu theology. It is traditionally whispered into the ear of a person nearing death to guide their soul toward liberation. The word "Taraka" itself means "that which carries across," symbolizing the mantra’s role in helping souls transcend the cycle of life and death.
The story associated with Manikarnika Gattam speaks of Shiva’s compassion and commitment to the liberation of all beings. It is said that Lord Shiva uttered the Taraka Mantra to a dying woman at this spot, just as Bhagavan Vishwanath does in Varanasi. Following this divine act, the tradition of bringing those nearing the end of their lives to Manikarnika Gattam began, allowing them to leave their mortal bodies with Shiva’s sacred mantra resonating in their ears. This practice continues to this day, with devotees and families bringing loved ones to this sacred site during their final moments.
The hill slope near Manikarnika Gattam is also home to the Manikandeshwara Temple, adding further spiritual significance to the area. The temple and the nearby Manikarnika Mandapam, carved from the hill itself, are focal points for rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the deceased.
Symbolism and Rituals
The tradition of bringing individuals to a specific sacred spot to die has profound spiritual and symbolic meaning. Hindu philosophy views death not as an end but as a transition to another phase of existence. The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (“Samsara”). Sacred sites like Manikarnika Gattam and their associated rituals are believed to facilitate this process.
Ritualistic Bathing: The Swarnamukhi River’s holy waters are considered purifying. Families often bathe the dying person in this river or sprinkle its water on them as a symbolic cleansing of past karmas.
Karna Mantra: The Taraka Mantra is whispered into the right ear of the dying individual, helping guide their soul toward liberation.
Ceremonial Offerings: Offerings of flowers, ghee lamps, and sacred ashes are made at the Manikarnika Mandapam, invoking Shiva’s blessings for the departed soul.
The act of dying at a sacred place such as Manikarnika Gattam signifies surrender to divine will and trust in the spiritual journey facilitated by Lord Shiva’s grace. For many Hindus, it is the culmination of a lifetime of devotion.
Benefits of the Tradition
Spiritual Liberation: It is believed that those who die at Manikarnika Gattam achieve Moksha, breaking free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Reduction of Suffering: The presence of sacred chants and rituals creates an atmosphere of peace, reducing fear and attachment for the dying.
Comfort for Families: The belief in spiritual liberation offers solace and closure to grieving families.
Practicality and Modern-Day Relevance
While the practice of bringing the dying to sacred spots like Manikarnika Gattam is deeply rooted in tradition, it raises practical and ethical considerations in the modern era. Medical advancements and hospice care have shifted the focus of end-of-life care to comfort and dignity rather than physical relocation. However, many devotees continue to uphold this tradition, viewing it as a sacred duty.
In contemporary times, initiatives have been taken to ensure that the site’s sanctity is preserved while accommodating the needs of devotees. Facilities for performing last rites, support for families, and access to rituals conducted by priests have been improved.
Similar Practices in Other Sacred Sites
The tradition of dying at a holy site is not unique to Srikalahasti. Across India, several locations hold similar significance:
Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat: The most famous site for attaining Moksha, where Lord Shiva is believed to personally guide departing souls.
Rameshwaram: Known for its sacred Agni Theertham, where rituals for the dead are performed.
Gaya: A renowned site for performing Shraddha (ancestral rites) and Pind Daan (offerings to ancestors).
Kedarnath and Badrinath: Himalayan shrines considered gateways to liberation.
Each of these sites carries its own unique traditions and spiritual significance but shares the common purpose of aiding the soul’s journey toward freedom from the cycle of life and death.
The Symbolism of Death at Sacred Sites
The act of seeking liberation at a sacred site symbolizes humanity’s quest for transcendence. It reflects a profound belief in the power of divine grace and the sanctity of specific locations as spiritual conduits. In Hindu thought, the soul’s journey is deeply influenced by the circumstances of death, making the choice of location, rituals, and mantras critically important.
Manikarnika Gattam serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the eternal nature of the soul. It inspires devotees to live a life of virtue and devotion, preparing for the ultimate journey toward union with the divine.
Manikarnika Gattam at Srikalahasti is not just a physical location but a profound spiritual gateway where life and death intersect under the watchful grace of Lord Shiva. Its parallels with Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat underscore its importance as a center for liberation and spiritual transformation. The rituals, beliefs, and practices associated with this sacred site continue to inspire and comfort devotees, offering a timeless connection to the divine. In a world that often shies away from discussions of mortality, places like Manikarnika Gattam invite us to confront the mystery of death with faith, courage, and the hope of ultimate liberation.