The Ganges ghats of Varanasi are the riverfront steps leading to the banks of the river. There are 88 ghats in Varanasi, most of which are bathing and puja ghats, though two are used for cremation. Learn about the history of these sacred sites and their significance to the Hindu faith. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect when you visit the city.

Manikarnika Ghat

The Manikarnika Ghat, also called the burning ghat, is the place where Hindus burn their dead. Hinduism believes that cremation is necessary to free the soul from the bonds of death. A pile of firewood is set up along the ghat’s shore. During the cremation process, scores of elderly people seek refuge here. They chant “Ram Naam Satya Hai” (Lord Rama is the ultimate truth), as they walk to their final resting place.

The name of the ghat is derived from a myth: Goddess Shakti, also known as Sati, was burned by Lord Shiva at Anand Vana in Kashi. Lord Shiva then brought the burned body of Goddess Parvati to the Himalayas. The next day, Lord Shiva shattered the earring of his consort, the goddess Parvati. This incident triggered the creation of the Manikarnika Ghat.

The Manikarnika Ghat is another place where visitors can witness cremation. Approximately 28,000 dead bodies are cremated here every year. People come to witness these last rites and watch the bodies burn. The smoke from the burning bodies reminds visitors of death’s certainty and fleeting nature. A visit to the Ghat at night is especially powerful for its emotional impact.

Dasaswamedh Ghat

The most ancient ghat in Varanasi is the Dasaswamedh Ghat, which means ten horses. It is said that Lord Brahma conducted a yagya here to invite Lord Shiva back to earth. A large number of horses were sacrificed as penance and to celebrate the return of Lord Shiva. The ghat has been rebuilt two times, and is still crowded, particularly during the Ganga Aarti.

At the end of the day, you can take part in the Ganga Aarti, the religious tradition of offering supplications to the river. This ritual takes place daily at sunset. A special aarti is hung on Tuesdays and on strict celebration days. This ritual begins soon after sunset and lasts about 45 minutes. It begins at 7 pm during summer and 6 pm in winter.

You can reach Dasaswamedh Ghat by taking a taxi or rickshaw from the railway station. The railway station is the main railway junction in Varanasi and connects to many major cities in India and abroad. The airport in Varanasi also provides access to the city from different directions. Highways and taxis also make the journey to the ghat easy and convenient.

The Dasaswamedh Ghat is a great place to take a boat tour. Boat tours pass by the many ghats of the city, and you’ll get to see grand temples and havelis as well as kids jumping off of the boardwalks. It’s a prime waterfront location in Varanasi’s Old City, which is also home to the Man Mahal and the Observatory.

Adi Keshava Ghat

The Adi Keshava Ghat is a sacred site for worshipping Lord Shiva. The ancient site was mentioned in the Gahadavala inscriptions and Niyogi 1959. In 1790, the Scindhia State emperor Divan made this place a pucca. Today, many pilgrims from the South come to the site to pray to Lord Shiva.

The main attraction of the Ghat is the beautiful view of the holy Ganga and Varanasi from the top. The Adi Keshav Ghat is also one of the oldest and most sacred places in Varanasi. Its name is derived from the inscription written in the Ghadavala period. The Ghat is unapproachable in rainy season, but the surrounding area is picturesque and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

There are five holy water fron spots on the ghat: Asi (head), Dasasvamedha (chest), Manikarnika (“navel”), and Pancaganga (“thighs”). Vianu placed the holy feet of Lord Shiva in Varanasi, which are still present at the temple today. The excellent lingam here is called Sangameshvara.

The ghats of Varanasi were rebuilt by the Marathas, Bhonsles, Scindhias, and Holkars in the 1700s. While you are here, don’t miss the chance to go on a boat ride and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Taking a sunrise boat ride or a sunset boat ride is a popular activity in Varanasi.

Panchganga Ghat

In this holy city, you should visit the Landmark Ghat, also known as the Panchganga. Here, you can take a spiritual bath, pray, and participate in holiday festival events. This ghat is a popular destination for both religious and secular reasons. The water is a sacred, healing resource, and is a popular spot for holiday festival events and prayer. Listed below are the top reasons to visit the Ghat:

The Ghats of Varanasi are also holy sites. The turrets of these ghats are hollow and open towards the river, making them a convenient location for worship. Besides, there is a platform above the ghat that is below the steep bank of the river. Stairs are provided for the pilgrims to access the other quarter of the city.

The Ghat is one of the five bosses of the Ganges, and is regarded as one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. It is the most pristine and cleanest of the five ghats and is a popular tourist destination. The Ghat is built near Madhav-ka Dera and Alamgir mosque. You can visit the Ghat at sunrise or sunset and witness the river’s majesty and glory.

The Ghat is a holy site, as it marks the meeting point of five sacred rivers. The Ganga, Saraswati, Yamuna, and Dhupapapa come together here. The five rivers form the holy Ganga and are merged here. There is also a mosque near the Ghat, constructed by Mughal Aurangzeb. In addition to being a holy site, the Ghat also served as the initiation site for the great saint Kabir. Also, Tulsi Das composed Vinay-Patrikahare on the Ghat.

Adi Keshava

There are many legends that have been connected to the Adi Keshava in Varansi Ghats. According to one, the five holy water spots here represent different parts of Lord Vishnu’s body: Assi, Dasasvamedha, Mani Karnika, and Panchganga. In fact, the feet of the God were the first to be placed at Varanasi Ghat, where he also left his footprints.

The Ghat is home to one of the twelve water teerths, named after the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vamana is also believed to have stepped onto the Ghat on his way to the Temple, and it is the fifth water teerth associated with him. The Ghats are also known as the ashrams, where devotees can pray to the Lord.

The name Varanasi is derived from the two words Varan and Asi, which refer to the river Varuna and the Asi, respectively. The term “ghat” refers to the area adjacent to the river, and it is believed that these ash mounds act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual world. Many old people and those who are mortal come to Varanasi to die here in hopes that their ashes will be dispersed in the Ganges.

The temple itself is an important place for worship. The Adi Keshava temple is the oldest in Kashi and is the most famous Keshava temple. The Deity was carved by the Lord himself. The temple is situated on the Adi Keshav Ghat, which is also known as Raj Ghat, and it is at the confluence of the sacred Varuna and Ganga rivers. Lord Vishnu bathed at Padodaka Tirtha, which is just south of the city.

Dasaswamedh

One of the most popular and spiritually significant ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh is located near the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The ghat is a favorite of devotees and tourists alike, and is the site of the famous Ganga Aarti. This ghat has a long and interesting history. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma first constructed it and performed a horse sacrifice there. Today, pilgrims, beggars, Hindu priests, and religious observances make this the most important ghat in Varanasi.

One of the most ancient ghats in Varanasi is Dasaswamedh Ghat, which means “ten horses.” It is thought that Lord Brahma conducted a yagya here to call back Lord Shiva. The horse sacrifices are believed to have been performed as a form of penance, and to celebrate the return of the deity. The tradition was later carried on by the Bhara Shiva Naga rulers, and these ceremonies are still performed today.

While Dasaswamedh Ghat is perhaps the most popular ghat in Varanasi, there are plenty of other ghats worth exploring. You can take a boat tour and pass over the ghats as you gaze at grand temples and beautiful havelis, or watch kids jump off the boardwalk. The ghat is a prime waterfront location in Varanasi’s Old City. From here, you can access the Golden Temple, Godowlia Chowk, and Shri Kashi Vishwanth Temple. The Man Mahal and Observatory are also nearby, as is the Dasaswamedh Ghat.