Steeped in spirituality, Varanasi—also referred to as Kashi or the “City of Lights” among Hindus, has a profound history. As soon as you step into any of the ghats of Varanasi, it immediately engulfs you into a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds. Here, pilgrims gather in groups, saffron-robed priests perform their rites and tourist stroll the bustling main street, known as Chowk.
Around the riverbanks, you will encounter the holy sadhus smeared with ash, while the air is reverberating with holy music and the presence of astrologers and palm readers.Â
Legend has it that Varanasi was founded by the Hindu god Lord Shiva and boasts a roughly 3000-year history. The city’s 87 riverbank stairs (ghats) are known for embodying long-standing customs and rituals.
The ghats of Varanasi provide a sensory feast, leaving you spellbound and with its memories etched in your soul forever. Here, we will take you through the fascinating must-see ghats that define Varanasi’s cultural essence.
The Heartbeat of Varanasi- Dashashwamedh Ghat
The most popular ghat of Varanasi- the Dashashwamedh Ghat is revered for its holiness.
It derives its name after the mythical Ashwamedh Yagna, where Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses. The ghat is situated near the esteemed Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Heaven of Varanasi- Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat, situated at the southern tip of Varanasi, was named after the Assi River. The ghat offers a heavenly contrast to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Where Dashashwamedh Ghat is full of hustle and bustle, Assi Ghat presents a tranquil atmosphere!
It is said that Goddess Durga discarded her sword in the Assi river after slaying the demon siblings, Shumbha and Nissumbha.
Manikarnika Ghat- A Gateway to Freedom
Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is the ghat where cremations take place. The ghat is also known as the “burning ghat”. Every year, approximately 28,000 bodies are burnt here. To maintain the continuity of cremations, mountains of firewood are gathered along the shore.
Chet Singh Ghat-An Essence of Spirituality and Mythology
Among all the Varanasi Ghat’s, Chet Singh Ghat stands out for its ancient stronghold. The ghat was constructed by Maharaja Chet Singh, as his principal palace in the mid-18th century. The site gained popularity as the battleground where a deadly battle broke out in 1781 between the military of Warren Hastings and Maharaja Chet Singh.
Varanasi is the city of lights, where the essence of India radiates with Bhakti and Bhav. When the early sun bathes the sacred Ganges, Varanasi Ghats reflect a timeless journey of spirituality and mystique!
Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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