The oldest and the most sacred, Manikarnika Ghat is the cremation ghat in the city. In varanasi, cremation is considered to be liberation an it is believed that all beings who die here would be liberated and ensures a safe place in Heaven. This ghat which symbolizes both creation and destruction is located in the heart of the city at the center of the five tirthas. A sacred well named Manikarnika Kund, said to be dug by Lord Vishnu is situated behind and slightly down river of the manikarnika burning ghat.

Located at the southernmost part of Varanasi, at the confluence of the Ganges and the Assi rivers is the Assi Ghat. It is said that after striking down demon Shumbha and nishumbha, Durga's sword fell and created a curved ditch, which later became the Assi Channel. A huge Shiva lingam situated under a peepal tree and it is mandatory for the pilgrim to bathe at the assi ghat before paying their homage to Lord Shiva. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims take holy dip here in the months of Chaitya (March/ April) and Magh (Jan/Feb) and other important occasions like solar/ lunar eclipse, Ganga Dussehra, Probodhoni Ekadashi, Makar Shankranti etc. The place also houses another lingam called 'Asisangameshvara' or the 'Lord of the Confluence of the Assi' which is placed in a small marble temple just near to the ghat.