Ghats of Kashi

There are as many as 87 Varanasi Ghats. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "ghats", they are actually riverfronts or embankments leading to the river Ganga.

The most famous Ghats in Kashi & their significance

While their are so many Varanasi Ghats, some of them are more famous than the others. Some of the ghats are used for pujas and religious ceremonies, some are burning ghats and there are a few private ones too. If you want to see all the 87 ghats in a day, it can become quite hectic. But here also, most of the boatmen will take you along the most prominent ghats of Kashi.

1.Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most famous ghats in Varanasi.

There are two mythological beliefs surrounding its name. One of them says that it was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva, while the other says that Lord Brahma sacrified 10 horses during Ashwamedh Yajna performed here. According to historical sources, the ghat was built by Bajirao Peshwa in the year 1740 AD before being reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar, Queen of Indore, in 1774 AD.

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is visited by a large number of visitors due to its immense religious significance. A major attraction is the evening aarti which is held every evening and is attended by both locals and international tourist. The aarti is performed by pandits dressed in saffron robes and commences with the blowing of the conch. Then, incense sticks are lighted and waved in certain patterns. This is followed by the lighting of large brass lamps which are waved in perfect circular patterns. All the while, the rhythmic chanting of mantras pervades the air.

2.Assi Ghat

Assi ghat is one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi, visited regularly by both tourists and locals. People visit Assi Ghat for several reasons, to soak in the spiritual atmosphere, enjoy the famous evening aarti and get a glimpse into the local culture. The ghat finds a mention in various Hindu scriptures like Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana and Agni Purana.

According to a mythological tale in Hinduism, Goddess Durga, after killing the demons Shumbha- Nishumbha, threw her sword. The place where the sword landed, resulted in the emergence of a river which was then called Assi. Another mythological tale states that Lord Rudra was furious with Asuras and eliminated 80 asuras in his rage at this very place. This is how it came to be known as Assi.

According to devotees, taking a dip at Assi Ghat is equivalent to taking a dip at thousands of other holy rivers. There are certain occasions when devotees take a dip by the thousands. Some of these are neutral  events like lunar and solar eclipse, Makar Sakranti and Probodhoni Ekadashi.

There is a Shivlinga under the peepal tree located in the ghat. Here, devotees offer holy water after taking a dip in the Ganga. Another linga can be found inside a small marble temple located in close proximity to the temple.

People visit Assi Ghat, on of the most famous tourist attractions in Varanasi, for various reasons. Some visit it to take a holy dip, others do it to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Spending some time at the ghat is believed to bring about a calming effect on the mind and body. One of the best times to visit the ghat is during the early morning, when the morning aarti, also called Subeh Benares, is held.

3. Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Kashi and has been accorded the highest position among other ghats by the holy scriptures in Hinduism. It is believed that if a person is cremated here, he immediately attains moksh. Like all the other ghats in Varanasi, the Manikarnika Ghat is surrounded by a fascinating mythological story which also tells us how it acquired its name. It is believed that when Goddess Adi Shakti, or Goddess Sati, jumped into the fire and immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her burning body to the Himalayas. There, he was immersed in unending sorrow. Lord Vishnu, moved by his plight, sent forth his Divine Chakra which cut Goddess Adi Shakti's body into 51 pieces. Each of the place where her pieces fell on Earth were decleared as a Shakti Peeth. Because her earrings fell at this ghat, it was established as a Shakti Peeth and named Manikarnika since Manikarna in Sanskrit means ear rings.

A variety of sights, sounds and smells greet you at the ghat. On one corner, you may see a priest sermonising toa crowd of peole, while on the other, your eyes meet people engaged in rites related to cremation. As hundreds of bodies are consigned to the flames, the air is filled with smoke, perhaps reminding an onlooker of the inevitability of death and how temporary everything really is.

4. Raja Harishchandra Ghat

Harishchandra Ghat is the oldest ghat in Kashi where the cremation takes place. This is also one of the oldest Kashi Ghats having a strong mythological connect. It is said the Raja Harishchandra, the righteous and honest king who only spoke truth served at the ghat as a 'dom'

It is believed that cremation in Harishchandra Ghat had been taking place even before than Manikarnika Ghat. We cannot vouch for the fact. History, myth and tales are all intertwined in Varanasi. And it was quite overwhelming as well as interesting to know about these stories as we walked from one ghat to the other.

The doms at the ghat are the keeper of the sacred fire that is never allowed to die down. You can see the sacred flame lighted at the Harishchandra ghat. The Dom Raja is responsible for the flame to be always burning. The first fire to light the funeral pyre is taken from this eternal sacred fire.

Harishchandra Ghat, just like the Manikarnika Ghat is quite a powerful place. You can always see at least three or four pyres burning at the ghats all through day and night. It is estimated that at least 800 cremations take place in Varanasi everyday! The ghat can be crowded, chaotic and dirty at times. But remember, this is the faith of a large number of people. If you do not like to see it, stay away from it.

5. Scindia Ghat

Scindia Ghat borders Manikarnika to the north and is governed by various myths and legends. Hindu mythology considers the ghat to be the place of birth of Agni, the God of Fire. A Shiva temple stands here partially submerged in Ganga and is believed to be so heavy that it caused the ghat to collapse into the river. It is believed that the temple is sinking contiuously since then and it will soon be submerged in water. Some of kashi's most revered shrines are located above Scindia ghat in an area known as Siddha Kshetra. It is also a local belief that people who pray at this ghat get blessed with a son. The ghat was built by a Scindia woman in 1850 and thus came to be known as Scindia Ghat. Boating alongside this ghat is a favourite tourist activity.

6. Chet Singh Ghat

The majestic Chet Singh Ghat is a fortified ghat in Kashi, constructed by Maharaja Chet Singh in the 18th century. The ghat and its surrounding areas played as the backdrop for the fierce battle between Maharaja Chet Singh and Warren Hasting, the first governer- general of india. The grand Ghat then fell into the hands of the British after Chet Singh's defeat. The British then lost the ghat to Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh in the latter half of the 19th century. Bathing isn't advisable at this ghat since the current of the Ganges can be quite sharp here.

7. Tulsi Ghat 

Tulsi Ghat is another essential ghat of Varanasi. Named after the celebrated poet and saint Tulsidas. Tulsi Ghat has been the stage of the first ever Ramleela as per Hindu legends. It is believed that when Tulsidas composed the tremendous Indian epic Ramcharitmanas in Varanasi, his manuscript once fell into Ganga and rather than sinking. It kept floating over the river near this ghat. A temple of Lord Ram was built on the Ghat, and many relics of Tulsidas are preserved at the Tulsi Ghat. The house in which Tulsidas died has also been retained and his Samadhi, wooden clogs, pillow and the idol of Hanuman, which Tulsi worshipped, can all be still found intact here.

8. Lalita Ghat

The ghat is named after the revered local Goddess Lalita. Goddess Lalita is believed to be one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. The entire ghat is made of red sandstone and is decked with numerous temples. The Ganga Keshav Lingam along with the shrines of Gangatitya, Kashi Devi, Lalita Devi and Bhagirath Tirtha are the major attractions of Lalita Ghat. Apart from holding profound religious significance, Lalita Ghat has also earned prominence in Varanasi tourism. 

Varanasi Tourism Department has enlisted Lalita Ghat amongst the seven most important ghats of Varanasi. The ghat was built by the King of Nepal and also features an impressive wooden temple built in typical Nepali style. The temple houses an image of Pashupatinath, the manifestation of Lord Shiva and is a popular site among painters and photographers.

In the Next blog. I will write about Banaras Hindu University