GUWAHATI: Nigambodh Ghat, nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, where former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated on Saturday, December 28, is one of Delhi's most significant cultural and historical sites.
Located along the Ring Road behind the iconic Red Fort, this ancient ghat holds immense religious, historical, and cultural importance. Known as the oldest burning ghat in Delhi, Nigambodh Ghat is a revered site for performing Antyesti (Hindu funeral rites). With 50–60 pyres burning daily, it is also among the busiest cremation grounds in the city. Modern facilities like an electric crematorium built in the 1950s and a CNG-run crematorium added in 2006 ensure the site meets contemporary needs while maintaining its traditional essence.
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The ghat’s name, meaning “realisation of knowledge,” is rooted in mythology. It is believed that during the Mahabharata era, Lord Brahma bathed here to regain his lost memory and sacred texts. Furthermore, the ghat is said to have been established by Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava brother and ruler of Indraprastha.
Adjacent to the ghat lies the historic Nigambodh Gate, one of the last remnants of Shahjahanabad, the walled city built during the Mughal era. Nearby is the Nili Chatri Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also believed to have been established by Yudhishthira.
The ghat’s architecture features ceremonial steps leading to the Yamuna, where devotees bathe and perform rituals. Beyond its religious significance, Nigambodh Ghat stands as a reminder of Delhi’s layered history, blending mythology, Mughal heritage, and modern civic infrastructure.
The last rites of Manmohan Singh were conducted in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, also attended the ceremony to bid farewell to the former prime minister.
Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday at AIIMS in Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of economic reforms and political leadership that shaped modern India.
