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Positioned in the northern part of India in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a renowned sacred place. With its temples and ghats, this city forms a very important religious place and is not only famous among the pilgrims but also among the usual tourists. Owing to its location on the banks of the Ganges River, this city features many significant ghats. The Ghats of Varanasi are one of the chief attraction sin the city. Most of the prominent ghats of Varanasi are thronged by the local worshippers who perform their daily religious ceremonies in morning and in evening. A dip in the Ganges is considered to be pious and it is a common belief that it washes away all your sins. It is also popularly said that the waters of the Ganges purifies the mind and the soul. The Manikarnika Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi where the cremation of the dead is carried out. As according to the Hindu mythology, cremation in this ghat leads to release of the soul from the cycles of birth and re-birth which is called “mukti”. One of the most significant Ghats of Varanasi is the Dasaswamedh Ghat. As the legend says, ten horses were sacrificed by Lord Brahma to permit Lord Shiva to return from ostracism. It is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi and currently the most crowded ghat. Owing to its proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this ghat is always thronged by the devotees who take a holy dip in the Ganges before the puja. In the evening, you will get to see the “sandhya aarti” on the ghat itself. It is a magnificent view, and gives immense pleasure to the soul and peace to the mind. This is followed by the setting afloat of beautiful lamps or diyas along the river. It creates a splendid scene. The Chaumsathi Ghat is another important ghat among the other Ghats of Varanasi. This ghat features a shrine dedicated to Chausath Yoginis or the various manifestations of Devi Durga. The Assi Ghat is situated at the meeting points of the Ganges and the Asi River. This is one of the notable Ghats of Varanasi. Located in the extreme south of the city, this ghat is famous among the local worshippers who take dips in the waters before paying their offerings to Lord Shiva under a peepal tree. The religious importance of this particular ghat has lent it a prominent position in the ancient Hindu literature. It is mentioned in the puranas and khandas. Even the great poet Tulsi Das had compiled his famous creation “Ramcharitamanas” at the Assi Ghat. Ghats of Varanasi presents before you the Kedar Ghat which was constructed by the Maharaja of Vijayanagar and is named after Lord Shiva. At the top part is the Temple of Kedaresvara and below is the Gauri Kund which is said to consist of waters with rejuvenating qualities. Ghats of Varanasi also feature the Harishchandra Ghat owes its name to the great King Harish Chandra. This is another major ghat where the bodies are cremated. It is said that cremation in this ghat leads to salvation or “moksha”. Another important ghat in Varanasi is the Panchganga Ghat. It is here where you will find the great Alamgir Mosque. It is a good place to notice the blend of Hindu and Muslim religions. Ghats of Varanasi include the Hanuman Ghat is located within the premises of the Juna Akhara. Here you will find many saints and ascetics residing in the temples. It is said that in this place saint Tulsi Das had established a Hanuman Temple. The Tulsi Ghat is named after the famous saint-poet Tulsi Das. It is one of the significant Ghats of Varanasi. Some of the reminiscent of this great figure are still preserved here. They include the house where he took his last breath, his samadhi, pillow, wooden footwear and the idol of Hanuman which he worshipped. Most of these Ghats of Varanasi tend to become more crowded especially during any religious festivals and other auspicious occasions.
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