The city of Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benares) is the oldest inhabited city on earth. It is not like any ordinary city; it’s a powerful energy field. Even before it became a spiritual centre and the most important pilgrimage place for Hindus, Varanasi was a hub for knowledge and learning. There is some magic to the ghats in Varanasi that you can’t explain in words – it just has to be experienced!
The holy river Ganga
Before I tell you about the ghats of Benaras, let’s talk about the river that gives them life – the Ganga.
The holy river Ganga is the soul of Varanasi. For Hindus, Ganga is not just a river; she is a goddess, a mother, a source of energy and a place of liberation.
From a scientific point of view, the Ganga River begins as a small stream of water melted from the Gangotri glacier in Himalaya mountains. As she flows down the valleys, she is joined by many holy tributaries like Alaknanda, Kali Gandaki, Trishuli, Yamuna and more, before she reaches Varanasi. Imagine water flowing from glaciers high in the Himalayas, touching countless stones, soil and roots while travelling through forests and valleys before reaching Varanasi. No wonder the waters of the Ganga River carry a unique vibration, and you can feel it when you touch her!
Ghats in Varanasi
The majestic ghats of Benaras are elaborate stone platforms with steps that go deep into the Ganga River. They have been constructed all along the Ganga river basin in Varanasi. Each and every ghat has its own unique story and its own set of temples. Sitting on a Benaras ghat, from where you can see the Ganga river flowing endlessly, a strange calmness and happiness enter your heart.
There are 88 river ghats in Varanasi, where Hindus perform sacred rituals, including bathing, prayers and cremating/burning of the dead. These ghats are central to the city’s spiritual life and are considered holy spaces for cleansing the soul.
Below are the 5 most important ghats in Varanasi that I believe you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
According to Hindu mythology, God Brahma performed the legendary Ashwamedha Yagna – a 10-horse sacrifice ritual at this place, in order to please God Shiva and invite him on Earth.
The name ‘Dasha-ashwa-medh’ means ’10 horse sacrifice.’
This is one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi, and it has always been a centre of religious and cultural activities. In the 17th century, the Dashashwamedh ghat was rebuilt by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao of Pune and also by Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore.
This place is where Varanasi’s heartbeat is the loudest. It is the most famous ghat in Varanasi, and has several restaurants and shopping options nearby. This is also the ghat where you can witness the Ganga Aarti – one of the most mesmerising rituals of worshipping the Ganga river in Varanasi.
Ganga Aarti Timings: Starts at sunset time, after 6 pm.
Related post: The story of Dashashwamedh ghat and its temples.
Panchganga Ghat
This is my personal favourite ghat in Kashi. The name ‘Pancha-Ganga’ means ‘5 rivers’. Mythologically, there is an invisible confluence of 5 rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutapapa at this ghat. But at present, only the Ganga River is physically visible to our eyes.
As per Hindu mythology, God Vishnu selected this ghat as his final resting place in Kashi. There once stood a grand Vishnu temple on the Panchganga ghat. But this temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb, who then built the giant Alamgir mosque in its place. Later, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rebuilt another temple on the Panchganga ghat. It is called the Bindu Madhav Temple, which is present on the ghat even today. A Sangameshwar Shiva Linga inside this temple marks the sacred confluence of 5 rivers at this place.
Kartik Snan: On Kartik Purnima, taking a holy dip at Panchganga Ghat in Varanasi is highly significant for Hindus. It is believed to wash away sins or negative karmas from past lives, offer spiritual merit and bring prosperity to the person. Hundreds of people visit the Panchganga ghat for bathing in the Ganga river on Kartik Purnima / Tripurari Purnima (the full moon after Diwali festival). Usually, this day comes in Oct / Nov month as per the Gregorian calendar.
Related post: The story of Panchganga ghat and its temples.
Kedar Ghat
If you want to experience the vibes of Kedarnath temple while in Kashi, then you must visit the Kedar Ghat in Varanasi. It’s named after the Gauri Kedareshwar Temple, which is built right on this ghat. Inside this temple is a rare manifestation of God Shiva and Goddess Gauri together in one stone. It is also believed to be a replica of Kedarnath temple in the Himalayas. Additionally, the Gauri Kunda (ancient water cistern) on Kedar Ghat is believed to have medicinal properties.
Bathing at Kedar Ghat: Many pilgrims first bathe in the waters of the Ganga River and then visit inside the Gauri Kedareshwar temple, taking darshan/blessings of the rare manifestation of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a large stone Lingam. This is a truly magical experience, mostly done early in the morning.
Evening Aarti Rituals: Visit the Kedar ghat at sunset time, enjoy touching the Ganga river, and then attend the evening Aarti ritual inside the temple. The sounds of drums and conches fill the temple’s atmosphere and transport you into a different spiritual world. After this, attend the Ganga Aarti on Kedar Ghat. It is a low-key, smaller Aarti ritual than the Dashashwamedh ghat, but it’s worth witnessing!
Related post: Kedar Ghat and Gauri Kedareshwar temple – Kedarnath inside Kashi
Assi Ghat
The Assi Ghat, at the southern end, is almost the last one in Varanasi. Many people mistake Assi as the Hindi word for 80, and assume that this is the 80th Ghat of Varanasi. But the name Assi Ghat originates from the tiny Assi River, which meets the mighty Ganga River at this spot. From Assi Ghat, you can see a beautiful view of Varanasi, with all of its temples, ghats, boats and the Ganga river. You will find some nice cafes and quiet corners around this ghat.
The Assi Ghat has beautiful steps and a small temple of the Ganga River Goddess. It also has the stunning Panchratna Temple, a single temple complex with 5 sacred shrines, gracefully set on a raised platform overlooking the Ganga River. And just nearby is the Assi Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, marking the confluence of Assi and Ganga rivers at this spot.
Subah-e-Banaras (Morning Aarti): The Assi ghat is known for its cultural program called Subah-e-Banaras, which happens at 5.00 or 5.30 am, depending on the season. Evening Aarti is also performed at Assi Ghat, though smaller in scale than the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Related post: The story of Assi Ghat and its ancient temples
Adi Keshav Ghat
The Adi Keshav ghat is located at the northernmost end of Varanasi. It is the oldest of all ghats, and is often mentioned as the first ghat in Varanasi in many Hindu religious texts. The ancient Hindu texts suggest that this is the place where human settlements in Varanasi first began, rather than the southern parts that are more inhabited at present.
This ghat is situated at the confluence of Ganga and Varuna rivers. According to Hindu mythology, when God Vishnu came to Kashi, he first stepped at this place. There is a very ancient Adi Keshav Vishnu temple perched on this ghat, which houses the Vishnu paduka (highly sacred foot marks of God Vishnu) from the time when he first appeared on Earth and stepped at this place. And just nearby, on the Adi Keshav ghat, is the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, marking the confluence of Ganga and Varuna rivers.
Unlike all other crowded ghats in Kashi, the Adi Keshav ghat is very peaceful and the place where you can sit in silence, enjoy the views of Ganga and Varuna rivers, as well as absorb positive energy from the Adi Keshav temple.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi: As per Hindu mythology, God Vishnu wakes up from 4 months of cosmic sleep, and thus, Dev Uthani Ekadashi is celebrated on the Adi Keshav ghat. They also celebrate Tulsi Vivah and Dev Diwali during this time of the year. Usually, this day comes in Oct / Nov month as per the Gregorian calendar.
Bathing in the Ghats of Varanasi
Taking a dip in the Ganges along the ghats is not just refreshing – it carries utmost spiritual importance. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganga River purifies sins/negative karmas, brings spiritual merit, and connects us with the river goddess herself. Rituals of bathing, purification, offerings, and prayers all converge around this strong belief that the Ganga River purifies anything and everything!
When you bathe:
- Be respectful: Use the ghat steps for going in and out; do NOT take your shoes or leather items into the sacred water of the Ganga River. Women must wear modest clothes.
- Look for safer ghats: Bathe in the ghats that have gentler steps and clearly marked areas for a safer bathing experience. The current of the Ganga River is very strong, especially when she swells with a lot of water in the monsoon. Sometimes even the best swimmers get carried away. So, stay within the marked areas while bathing.
- Early morning bathing is usually safer & cleaner, before crowds come in and before waste accumulates. It is also spiritually the best time for Ganga snan (bathing in the Ganga River).
Ghats like Assi ghat, Panchganga ghat, and Kedar ghat are good for bathing. Dashashwamedh Ghat is good too, but it gets very crowded due to its popularity. The Adi Keshav ghat is the least crowded, and taking a dip near the confluence is considered more auspicious spiritually.
