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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33480, member: 636"]
Hindus flock to Varanasi, believing cremation there frees souls from reincarnation. But five groups never face the sacred flames at Manikarnika Ghat, where funeral pyres burn around the clock.

Holy men, kids under 12, expectant mothers, people who died from snake bites, and those with skin diseases follow different paths after death. Their bodies might be buried on land or sent into the Ganges River instead.

Religious monks receive water burial or ground burial because they have already broken earthly ties. Young children, seen as pure divine beings, go into the earth to honor their innocence. Pregnant women are buried because tradition considers cremation inappropriate for an unborn baby.

Snake bite victims supposedly keep brain activity for three weeks after death. Their bodies float downriver tied to banana stems, allowing for possible revival through spiritual practices. People with leprosy and similar conditions are buried to stop bacteria from spreading through the air during cremation.

These ancient customs continue in this holy city where many faithful Hindus believe dying guarantees direct passage to Lord Vishnu's heaven realm. The sacred city serves as a spiritual gateway where eternal flames help souls reach final freedom.
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