Varanasi, being the oldest city in India, offers you a sneak peek into the rich history of India. Also known as Kashi or Banaras, Varanasi is famous for its mystical ghats. You will find as many as 84 ghats here, which offer the visitors an unforgettable journey to the culture and spirituality of the country. These ghats are not just the steps that lead to the Ganges River but are living examples of the cultural and rich heritage of India. Each ghat of Varanasi has a unique history of its own that reflects a cultural tapestry of its own. These iconic ghats have seen countless rituals and ceremonies performed by spiritual seekers regularly. They have a great spiritual significance which attracts people from all parts of the country. If you are visiting this city, don’t miss the following ghats as they will provide you immense knowledge about the spirit and history of India:-
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is one of the famous ghats of Varanasi that holds great spiritual significance. Known as ‘Saimbeda Tirtha, ’ this ghat has a unique charm that draws tourists, spiritual seekers, and pilgrims from all around the world. According to a legend, Goddess Durga threw her sword into the pious river Ganga after defeating the two asuras, Shumbha and Nishumbha, at this very site. The ghat offers a tranquil atmosphere for the devotees to perform meditation, yoga, and rituals. It provides a surreal atmosphere to the visitors at night as Ganga Arti is performed at this time. Assi Ghat is a unique attraction for visitors due to the ongoing cultural events here. Thus, whenever you visit Varanasi, don’t forget to visit this ghat to experience its spiritual essence.
Manikarnika Ghat
Another sacred ghat of Varanasi is Manikarnika Ghat, which holds a unique place in the hearts of spiritual seekers. People believe that if a body is cremated here, it leads to salvation (moksha) and freedom from the cycle of birth. A legend attached to this site says that the earrings of Goddess Sati fell here. Manikarnika Ghat has been an important site for Hindus for quite a long time, as many cremation ceremonies are held here regularly. This is one of the holiest ghats in the country that you can visit during your Varanasi tour.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
This is one of the holiest ghats in Varanasi, the name of which translates to the “Ghat of ten sacrificed horses”. The steps of this ghat are decorated with beautiful yet complex architecture. These steps are used as a platform for conducting the iconic Ganga Arti of Varanasi. When arti is conducted here, it offers a rich spiritual atmosphere for the spiritual seekers who come here from different parts of the world. Apart from its religious significance, this ghat is also popular for its boat rides, bustling markets, and cultural scene.
Chet Singh Ghat
This ghat is also famous among Hindu devotees for its vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture. Chet Singh Ghat is a perfect combination of spiritual essence and architectural splendor and was named after Chet Singh, who was a famous King in the 18th century. The ghat is a living testament to the historical landscape of Varanasi, which serves as a background for numerous religious ceremonies and cultural events. People visit this ghat to bathe and perform rituals. They can also enjoy the beautiful view of the river after visiting it.
Scindia Ghat
Named after the Maratha rulers, Scindia Ghat is among the prominent ghats of Varanasi that attracts visitors from all corners of the county. This ghat has a unique charm of its own due to its beautifully designed temples. One of the striking features of this ghat is the tilted Shiva temple. This temple is partially submerged in the river. The Maharani of Gwalior, Maharani Baijabaai Scindhia, built this Ghat in the year 1935. It was first named Ghat Pucca but was known as Scindia Ghat later.
The picturesque Scindia Ghat offers you a mystical and tranquil environment for meditation and prayer. This is also the departure point for the boat rides. When you are here, explore the ghat, take a boat ride, and witness Ganga Aarti at the Ghat.
Namo Ghat
You can also add Namo Ghat to your list of top worth-seeing attractions worth seeing when you visit Varanasi. It is a popular site where various rituals of cremation take place. Once named ‘Khidkiya Ghat, ’ Namo Ghat is a living testament to nature’s splendor and human creativity. This ghat has become the right place to seek solace and get respite from the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolitan city. Namo Ghat attracts travelers with its serene environment and wonderful views. The lush greenery, the melodious songs of birds, and the calming sound of the flowing water create a perfect ambiance for visitors and spiritual seekers. One of the striking features of this ghat is a hand-folded sculpture, which is now its new identity.
Tulsi Ghat
As the name suggests, Tulsi Ghat is named after Tulsidas, the great poet and saint of India. This ghat offers the spiritual seekers a serene ambiance, which is why it is visited by a large number of visitors. Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore, built this ghat in the 18th century. This ghat is decorated with several temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman.
One of the most renowned temples here is the Tulsi Manas Mandir. Dedicated to Rama, this temple was constructed at the very place where Tulsidas saw Lord Rama. Besides, the temple is well known for the breathtaking views of the Ganga River. People in large numbers visit this place and get immersed in the serene atmosphere. This ghat is the right combination of beautiful carvings and modern designs. Tulsi Ghat has a platform named “Tulsi Chabutra”, where people recite the verses from “Ramcharitmanas”.
Maa Anandmayi Ghat
Another renowned ghat that you must visit in Varanasi is the Maa Anandmayi Ghat. This ghat is named after Anandmayi Maa, who was a famous woman saint. This saint had a unique healing method that she used to cure several mental and physical diseases. Many people became followers of Anandmayi Maa after being influenced by her teachings. Some of these great people include Arnaud Desjardins (French Filmmaker), Uday Shankar (Dancer), Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister of India), etc. You will also find an ashram for girls above the ghat, which was made by Anandmayi Maa. The ghat is a perfect combination of spirituality and healing energies. Once you are here, you will experience the power of devotion and healing energies, which will be an unforgettable experience for you.
Man Mandir Ghat
Built in the 16th century CE, Man Mandir Ghat was one of the most renowned ghats in Varanasi, which is visited by a large number of people. This ghat was earlier known as Someswara Ghat. Located to the north of the renowned Dasashwamedh Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat is surrounded by many famous temples such as Sthuladanta Vinayaka, Rameshwara Temple, and Someswara Temple. A large number of people visit Someswara Temple, which is quite similar to Someshwara lingam. The ghat looks beautiful, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
Bhonsle Ghat
Named after Chhatrapati Bhonsale, the brave warrior, Bhonsale Ghat is a perfect combination of Banarasi and Marathi cultures. Bhonsale offered its constant support to the Banaras Gharana of classical dance as well as music. This ghat is not only a place of historical importance but is also a place to enjoy cultural activities. Many dance and music performances are held here, which attracts numerous tourists from all over the country. The annual Bhonsale Music Festival is also one of the famous events that is held here. Artists from all corners of the country visit this ghat to take part in this annual festival.
Darbhanga Ghat
Located between Babua Pandey Ghat and Chausatthi Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat is a highly impressive ghat that has great religious significance. This ghat is used especially for the cremation rituals. Thus, people perform many rituals on this ghat that are related to cremation. Just like other ghats, cremation and immersion of ashes are performed by the people here. A Shiva temple is also located on top of Darbhanga Ghat, which is visited by tourists. Located near the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Darbhanga Ghat is easily accessible by all transport mediums, such as rail, road, and air. It is one of the most visited Ghats in Varanasi.
Conclusion
Now, you are fully aware of the best ghats in the city to visit when you are on your Varanasi tour. Each of these ghats has a unique ambiance that attracts devotees and spiritual seekers from all over the country. If you, too, want to experience the divinity of these ghats, book a Varanasi tour package, pack your bags now, and embark on a spiritual odyssey to the holy city.
You can book your Varanasi tour with Pilgrim Packages India. We offer a range of pilgrim packages catering to the different needs of devotees and travelers. Plus, we can also customize the package as per your specific needs and budget. A few of our popular packages to explore Varanasi include the Varanasi Sarnath Tour Package, the Sarnath Tour Package, the Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Tour Package, and the Varanasi Tour Package.
