Today we will be talking about the five most popular Ganga ghats in Varanasi that deserve to get all the acclamations. While some of these are extremely popular for the Ganga pujas that they hold, some are known to offer an extremely beautiful panoramic view of the Ganga.
Varanasi is the holiest land in India and, at the same time, the oldest city. It is a land known to be the ultimate abode of deities, and reaching Varanasi is a sign from the universe! But did you know that this land is known to have numerous Ganga ghats? Not only that, the most promising thing about Varanasi is that some ghats still need to be discovered as well.
There are no brownie points for guessing that the city’s lifeline is from Ganga; hence, the ghats are extremely well maintained. Ganga is a mystery that waits to unfurl; hence, there is much more to offer than just the Ghats. Also, each of these Ghats is known to have a history of its own; hence, it is worth sharing with readers and visitors. The most beautiful thing about these Ghats is that they have exquisite beauty to offer. The most popular five Ghats in Varanasi that you must visit are:
List of 5 Must Visit Ganga Ghats in Varanasi
1. Assi Ghat
One of the most popular Ganga Ghats in Varanasi is none other than the Assi Ghat. This Ghat is built where the Ganga River meets the Assi River in Varanasi. Thankfully, unlike most other Ghats in Varanasi, which are extremely populated, that is not the case with Assi Ghat. But did you know this place has an extremely important religious significance?
It is believed that taking a dip in the holy Assi Ghat just before worshipping Lord Shiva can yield amazing results. Not only that, this Ghat has got some cafes as well where you can sit back and enjoy some scrumptious food and coffee!
2. Chet Singh Ghat
The next Ghat that we are going to talk about is none other than the very beautiful yet serene Chet Singh Ghat. Many people are unaware of this, but the Chet Singh Ghat is one of those spots in Varanasi known to have a rich historical value. The Ghat is known to be a battlefield and the exact spot where the British fought with the rule of Varanasi – Maharaja Chey Singh. To signify his bravery, the Ghat has also been named after him.
Although Maharaja Chet Singh lost the battle and was taken captive, his charisma is still popular. The Chet Singh Ghat is the perfect option for all those who just want to enjoy the beauty of the Ganga without any hassles.
3. Dashashwamedh Ghat
How is it even possible that when we are talking about the popular Ganga Ghats in Varanasi, we do not mention the name of Dashashwamedh Ghat? Undoubtedly, this is one of the most popular Ghats in Varanasi and has spiritual value. Not only that, but the Dashashwamedh Ghat is also one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. But did you know the story behind Dashashwamedh Ghat?
It is believed that it was lord Brahma who created this particular Ghat so that he could welcome lord Shiva. It is also said that lord Brahma practised a special horse ritual just before he welcomed Shiva, which enhanced the sanctity of this place manifold. If you visit this Ghat, you will see many activities going on, including people practising their rituals, flower sellers, priests, and even boatmen.
The Ghat is so beautiful and is probably one of the busiest spots in the city. You can sit at this spot for hours and yet not get bored; such is the beauty of the Ghat. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most popular spots in Varanasi, and the good thing is that numerous tourists visit the Ghat each year.
4. Man Mandir Ghat
There are very few ghats in Varanasi and neighbouring areas with immaculate architecture. In this discussion, we must mention the name of Man Mandir Ghat, which is exceptionally popular for the Rajputi architecture that it has. Did you know where the Ghat gets its name? It is believed that Raja Man Singh built the Ghat, and this is where it gets the name as well.
Although the Ghat was built in 1600, it was in the year 1730 that an additional observatory was introduced. The balcony from the architecture offers a spectacular view of Ghat and is still in amazing condition. The Man Mandir Ghat is a favourite of most locals who love to visit the Ganga for its experience.
5. Manikarnika Ghat
And finally, the last Ghat that we are going to talk about is none other than the very popular Ganga Ghats in Varanasi is Manikarnika Ghat. What is the significance of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi? It is simply the burning Ghat; hence, dead bodies are always coming in. The Manikarnika Ghat is known to see at least 28000 dead bodies being cremated yearly. If you go by the ancient Hindu scriptures, then you will be able to understand that it is believed being limited in the Manikarnika Ghat will liberate one from the vicious cycle of life and death.
If you visit the Ghat, it might be a shock for you because numerous wooden piles are stacked, and the fire never ceases to stop. You can also choose to watch the entire cremation process by paying a nominal fee, which is an experience in itself. There are a lot of foreign tourists who love to give this experience a try. The Manikarnika Ghat is the centre spot of a lot of Hindi movie shoots as well, like Masaan and similar others. If you are courageous enough, we can guarantee that the experience at Manikarnika Ghat will surely be one of a kind.
Although we have mentioned just five Ganga ghats in Varanasi, there is no doubt that there are numerous others you can visit. These are Scindia Ghat, Bhonsale Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and others. It might not be possible to visit all the Ghats in one trip and try to visit the ones we mentioned.
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