Varanasi, also popularly known as Benaras
is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus. The historical ghats
of Varanasi on the banks of river Ganges attract devotees from all parts of
the country and abroad. The ghats are many, but every ghat has a history of
its own and some of them also find mention in the ancient scriptures. It is
believed that a dip in the holy waters of the ghats cleanses all past sins.
Another popular belief is that immersion of the ashes of the dead in the
ghats grant their soul eternal peace. A perennial feature of the ghats are a
variety of religious rituals held from morning till night.
Regarded as an eternal city by the Hindus, the known history of Varanasi
dates back to about 3500 years. Here, we shall briefly discuss the most
popular of Varanasi's myriad of ghats
Dasaswamedh Ghat : The main ghat of Varanasi is the Dasaswamedh Ghat
which literally means the ghat of ten sacrificed horses. Legend has it that
ten horses were sacrificed by Lord Brahma to allow Lord Shiva to return from
a period of banishment. In spite of the fact that it is one of the oldest
ghats of Varanasi dating back to many thousand years, the ghat has remained
unspoilt and clean. Devotees must not miss the opportunity of visiting the
ghat in the evening when after aarti, thousands of earthen lamps are
immersed in the waters resulting in a spectacular sight.
Manikarnika Ghat : Manikarnika is an ancient ghat next only in
significance to Dasaswamedh ghat. This is the main cremation ghat of
Varanasi. The mortal remains are consigned to flames with the prayers that
the soul rest in eternal peace. It is said that this ghat symbolises both
creation and destruction. There is a sacred well at the Manikarnika Ghat,
called the Manikarnika Kund. The saying goes that this well was dug by Lord
Vishnu at the time of creation of earth.
Man Mandir Ghat : The ghat of Man Mandir was built by Maharaja of
Jaipur. The ghat houses a 18th century observatory equipped with ornate
window casings. There is another fine stone balcony in the northern part of
the ghat. Most devotees come to this ghat to pay homage to the lingam of
Someswar, the Lord of the Moon.
Asi Ghat : Asi is the southernmost ghat of Varanasi. This beautiful
ghat is located at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Asi. There is a
huge lingam at the ghat where devotees offer prayers. But prior to offering
obeisance, it is mandatory for devotees to have a bath in the holy waters.
Just off the ghat- there is a small marble temple of Asisangameshwar- the
lord of confluence of the Asi.
Lalita Ghat : A ghat on the northern part, Lalita is popular for
Ganga Keshava Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is a wooden temple
built in typical Kathmandu style. The temple also has an image of
Pashupateshwar- a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Other important ghats of Varanasi include Barnasangam, Panchganga,
Dattatreya, Kedar, Scindia and Harishchandra ghats. In all the ghats, the
day starts with priests and devotees taking a dip in the waters as the first
rays of the sun fall on the waters.
