Famous Ghats Of Varanasi

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Varanasi or Benaras is among the most spiritual towns of India. Situated in Uttar Pardesh this town is supposed to be older than the traditions. There are a number of famous ghats in Varanasi that are parts of River Ganges that flows through the city. It is the Ganges that makes the city spiritual and purest of all.

The ghats of Varanasi are iconic spots that are frequented by tourists for various purposes like spiritual bath, offering prayer to Ganges, and other Indian rituals. Each and every ghat is different in itself. Anyone associated to Hindu dharma can feel ecstatic and connected to God while standing or praying on these ghats in Varanasi. On special days like Mahashivaratri, solar/lunar eclipse, Ganga Dushehra, or Sakaranti, these ghats are swelling with people eager to take a dip in the Ganges.

Sacred Ghat Of Varanasi

Some of the famous ghats of Varanasi are:

Assi Ghat

Assis Ghat lies in Southern part of Varanasi. It is one of the most visited Ghats of Varanasi. Hundreds of devotees take a dip at this ghat everyday.

According to the mythology Goddess Durga had killed two demons at this ghat after which she threw the sword on the ground. The place where the sword fell was cracked and resulted in formation of a river - the Assi River. Assi ghat is the point where the Ganges and Assi River meet.

At the bank of the Assi ghat is a huge Peepal tree which has a Lingam under it. After taking the holy dip the devotees offer prayer to this Lingam. Assi ghat is one of the most traditional ghats of Varanasi.

Tulsi Ghat

Tulsi ghat is another popular ghat of Varanasi. The famous poet of Hindu literature Tulsidas created the great epic of Ramayana on this ghat. Thus the ghat was named as Tulsi ghat.

It is said that the paper on which Ramayana was written fell in the water but did not sink inside. This indicates the true basis of Indian mythology. Some relics of the original Ramayana are still kept here. The hut where Tulsidas stayed and his belongings are also preserved here. So the ghat has lots of Historical value for the Indians.

The ghat has a temple of Lord Rama. The first Ramlila was also performed at the Tulsi ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika is the main ghat where cremation of the dead is performed. There is lot of importance of this ghat in Hindu mythology. It is believed that those who are cremated here achieve "nirvana" or liberation.

Although cremation grounds are mostly located in the suburbs of a city, this ghat is situated in the center of Varanasi. Manikarnika ghat has a kund which is believed to be created by Lord Vishnu at the time of creation.

Manakarnika ghat holds a lot of meaning for Hindus.

Dasawamedha Ghat

Dasawamedha Ghat is also quite prominent in Varanasi. It is the one of the oldest ghats but quite well maintained and clean.

A number of sadhus can be seen bathing on this ghat due to its sacred background. Lord Brahma is believed to have sacrificed ten horses here in order to bring back Lord Shiva from banishment.

The evening aarti is a beautiful sight at Dasaswamedha ghat.

There are more than hundred famous ghats of Varanasi. The ones described here are only a few and popular ones. The ghats are one of the major attractions for tourists in Varanasi.