Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi ghats The city of Varanasi, the city of Hinduism, is also the city of Ghats. Ghat is a term referring to the banks of a river. The Ghats of Varanasi are the cemented stairs on the western bank of the Ganges leading to the holy water of the river. There may be more than a hundred Ghats in the city. Many are as old as the city of Varanasi itself and some are new constructions by certain communities, sects or even individuals. The river Ganga is believed to have the power of cleansing your sins with a dip. Worshippers and believers visit the Ghats for that holy dip and offering their prayers to the holy waters. The city of Varanasi is associated with Nirvana or deliverance from the cycle of birth and death. The Ghats of Varanasi are the Bathing Ghats and the Burning Ghats. Bathing Ghats. As the name suggests, these are for having a holy bath in the river Ganga. The city is dotted with many but the prominent ones are Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat and Mahanirvani Ghat. Assi Ghat has a special importance as it is located at the Sangam or confluence point of the river Assi and the Ganges. It marks the southern limit of the city of Varanasi. This Ghat is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva with a huge Shiva Linga. Tulsi Ghat is associated with the great poet of the Hindu religious epic Ramayana. It signifies the win of truthful and righteous over evil. It is believed that the first enactment of the story of Lord Rama was conducted on this Ghat. Dasaswamedh Ghat has a scenic location and presents a picturesque view of the vastness of the river. It is believed that ten horses were sacrificed at this Ghat, also the literal translation of the word Dasaswamedh. It is a must visit Ghat especially during evening when prayers are performed. The prayers end with the Ganges flooded with thousands of floating lamps, a divine sight. Mahanirvani Ghat is the North end of the city of Varanasi. It is associated with the naked or Naga Saints. There is a Mother Teresa’s Home situated near this Ghat. You will also find the Indian style wrestling school or Akhara located near the Ghat. Burning Ghats. These are the Ghats where the dead are cremated. It is believed that cremation in Varanasi leads to Nirvana. The Harish Chandra Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat are two burning Ghats at Varanasi. Harish Chandra Ghat is the oldest Ghat at Varanasi. It is associated with the story of an honest and upright king who cremated the dead. His truthful and humble service is later rewarded with life to his sons and restoration of his riches. Manikarnika Ghat one of most sacred and oldest Ghat is the main burning Ghat in Varanasi. It is believed to be situated at the place where the creator and the destroyer are together. A sacred well Manikarnika Kund believed to be dug by the creator Lord Vishnu is also located here. A word of caution; the Ghats may cleanse your soul but most of the places the river water has dangerous levels of fecal matter and other contamination. The Ghats with less religious importance are relatively clean; Janaki Ghat and Dandi Ghat are considered comparatively safe for bathing.