Ghats in Varanasi
Encyclopedia
Varanasi
has nearly 100 ghats
, steps leading to the banks of River Ganges. Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha
control. Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkar
s, Bhonsle
s, and Peshwes (Peshwa
s) stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation
sites. Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. The former Kashi Naresh owns Shivala or Kali ghat. Morning boat ride on Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
is located close to Vishwanath Temple
, and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another, Lord Brahma
sacrificed ten horses in a yajna
here. A group of priests daily perform in the evening at this ghat "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganges, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.
and filled it with his perspiration while performing various penances. While Lord Shiva was watching Lord Vishnu at that time, the latter's earring ("manikarnika") fell into the pit. According to the second legend, in order to keep Lord Shiva from moving around with his devotees, his consort Goddess Parvati
hid her earrings, and asked him to find them, saying that they had been lost on the banks of the Ganges. Goddess Parvati's idea behind the fib was that Lord Shiva would then stay around, searching forever for the lost earrings. In this legend, whenever a body gets cremated at the Manikarnika Ghat, Lord Shiva asks the soul whether it has seen the earrings.
According to ancient texts, the owner of Manikarnika Ghat bought King Harishchandra as a slave and made him work on the Manikarnika at Harishchandra
Ghat. Hindu cremations customarily take place here, though a majority of dead bodies are taken for cremation to the Manikarnik Ghat.
, the Hindu God of Fire was born here. Hindu devotees propitiate at this place Vireshwara, the Lord of all heroes, for a son.
II of Jaipur
built this Ghat in 1770, as well as the Yantra Mantra equipped with ornate window casings along with those at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, and Mathura. There is a fine stone balcony in the northern part of the ghat. Devotees pay homage here to the lingam
of Someswar, the Lord of the Moon.
which is at the end of the continuous line of ghats. It is a favorite site of painters and photographers. It is here at the Assi Ghat that Swami Pranabananda, the founder of Bharat Sevasharam Sangh,attained 'Siddhi' (fulfilment/success) in his 'Tapasya'(endeavor) for Lord Shiva, under the auspices of Guru Gambhirananda of Gorakhpur.
built Mana-Sarowar Ghat. Maharaja of Darbhanga built Darbhanga Ghat. Tulsidas
wrote Rāmacaritamānasa at Tulsi Ghat. Devout Jains visit Bachraj Ghat in particular because it has three Jain temples near the river's banks.
The headquarters of the Sri Kashi Math Samsthan, a spiritual school followed by the Konkani
speaking Goud Saraswat Brahmins, is located in Brahma Ghat.
epidemics, spreading the disease.
Today only bones and ashes are supposed to be scattered in the river. However, those who can not afford the large amount of wood needed to incinerate the entire body, leave behind a lot of half burned body parts. To get rid of the body parts special snapping turtles are bred and released in the river that are taught to consume dead human flesh but not bother swimmers and bathers. These turtles consume about a pound of flesh a day and can reach a size of 70 pounds.
In the early 1990s, the government built an electric crematorium on the side of the Ganges, in part to reduce the amount of half-burned bodies floating down the river. Even after the system was introduced most people still preferred the traditional method of cremation.
It is known that holy men, pregnant women, people with leprosy
/chicken pox, people who had been bitten by snakes, people who had committed suicide, the poor, and children under 5 are not cremated at the ghats but are floated free to decompose in the waters.
Varanasi
-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
has nearly 100 ghats
Ghat
Ghat is the capital of the Ghat District in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya.-History:In historical times, Ghat was a major terminal point on the Trans-Saharan trade route and a major administrative center in the Fezzan...
, steps leading to the banks of River Ganges. Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha
Maratha
The Maratha are an Indian caste, predominantly in the state of Maharashtra. The term Marāthā has three related usages: within the Marathi speaking region it describes the dominant Maratha caste; outside Maharashtra it can refer to the entire regional population of Marathi-speaking people;...
control. Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkar
Holkar
The Holkar dynasty , whose earliest known clan-man was Malhar Rao, who joined the service of the Peshwa in 1721, and quickly rose to the ranks of Subedar...
s, Bhonsle
Bhonsle
The Bhonsle were a prominent clan within the Maratha clan system who served as rulers of several states in India.The most prominent member of the clan was Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire...
s, and Peshwes (Peshwa
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
s) stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation
Cremation
Cremation is the process of reducing bodies to basic chemical compounds such as gasses and bone fragments. This is accomplished through high-temperature burning, vaporization and oxidation....
sites. Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. The former Kashi Naresh owns Shivala or Kali ghat. Morning boat ride on Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.
List of ghats
The ghats as named and counted by the city of Varanasi are as follows:- Mata Anandamai Ghat
- Assi GhatAssi GhatAssi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. To most visitors to Varanasi, it is known for being a place where long-term foreign students, researchers, and tourists live.-Tourism at Assi Ghat:...
- Adi Keshava Ghat
- Ahilyabai Ghat
- Badri Nayarana Ghat
- Bajirio Ghat
- Bauli /Umaraogiri / Amroha Ghat
- Bhadaini Ghat
- Bhonsala Ghat
- Brahma Ghat
- Bundi Parakota Ghat
- Caowki Ghat
- Causatthi Ghat
- Cheta Singh Ghat
- Dandi Ghat
- Darabhanga Ghat
- Dashashwamedh GhatDashashwamedh GhatDashashwamedh Ghat is main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River, it is located close to "Vishwanath Temple", and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva...
- Digpatia Ghat
- Durga Ghat
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (I)
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (II)
- Gaya Ghat
- Genesa Ghat
- Gola Ghat
- Gularia Ghat
- Hanuman Ghat
- Hanumanagardhi Ghat
- Harish Chandra Ghat
- Jain Ghat
- Jalasayi Ghat
- Janaki Ghat
- Jatara Ghat
- Karnataka Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Khirki Ghat
- Khori Ghat
- Lala Ghat
- Lali Ghat
- Lalita Ghat
- Mahanirvani Ghat
- Mana Mandira Ghat
- Manasarovara Ghat
- Mangala Gauri Ghat
- Manikarnika GhatManikarnika GhatManikarnika Ghat is one of the ghats in Varanasi and is most known for being a place of Hindu cremation.-History:It is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.-Significance:...
- Mehta Ghat
- Mira Ghat
- Munsi Ghat
- Nandesavara Ghat
- Narada Ghat
- Naya Ghat
- Naya Ghat
- Nepali Ghat
- Niranjani Ghat
- Nishad Ghat
- Old Hanumanana Ghat
- Pancaganga Ghat
- Panchkota
- Pandey Ghat
- Phuta Ghat
- Prabhu Ghat
- Prahalada Ghat
- Prayaga Ghat
- Raj GhatRajghatRajghat Dam is an Inter-state Dam project of the Government of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh being constructed on Betwa River about 14 km from Historical place Chanderi, dist Ashoknagar in Madhya Pradesh and 22 km from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh, India...
built by PeshwaPeshwaA Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
Amrutrao - Raja Ghat / Lord Duffrin bridge / Malaviya Bridge
- Raja Gwalior Ghat
- Rajendra Prasasa Ghat
- Rama Ghat
- Rana Mahala Ghat
- Rewan Ghat
- Sakka Ghat
- Sankatha Ghat
- Sarvesvara Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Shivala Ghat
- Sitala Ghat
- Sitala Ghat
- Somesvara Ghat
- Telianala Ghat
- Trilocana Ghat
- Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
- Tulsi Ghat
- Vaccharaja Ghat
- Venimadhava Ghat
- Vijayanagaram Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River, it is located close to "Vishwanath Temple", and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva...
is located close to Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest existing Place of Hindus, where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage, and if possible, also pour the remains of cremated ancestors here on the River...
, and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another, Lord Brahma
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
sacrificed ten horses in a yajna
Yajna
In Hinduism, yajna is a ritual of sacrifice derived from the practice of Vedic times. It is performed to please the gods or to attain certain wishes...
here. A group of priests daily perform in the evening at this ghat "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganges, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.
Manikarnika Ghat
Two legends are associated with Manikarnika Ghat. According to one, it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu dug a pit with his ChakraChakra
Chakra is a concept originating in Hindu texts, featured in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning" .Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices...
and filled it with his perspiration while performing various penances. While Lord Shiva was watching Lord Vishnu at that time, the latter's earring ("manikarnika") fell into the pit. According to the second legend, in order to keep Lord Shiva from moving around with his devotees, his consort Goddess Parvati
Parvati
Parvati is a Hindu goddess. Parvati is Shakti, the wife of Shiva and the gentle aspect of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess...
hid her earrings, and asked him to find them, saying that they had been lost on the banks of the Ganges. Goddess Parvati's idea behind the fib was that Lord Shiva would then stay around, searching forever for the lost earrings. In this legend, whenever a body gets cremated at the Manikarnika Ghat, Lord Shiva asks the soul whether it has seen the earrings.
According to ancient texts, the owner of Manikarnika Ghat bought King Harishchandra as a slave and made him work on the Manikarnika at Harishchandra
Harishchandra
Harishchandra, in Hindu religious texts is the 36th king of the Solar Dynasty, Surya Maharishi Gothram . His legend is very popular and often told as a benchmark for an ideal life. He was renowned for his piety and justice. His name is Sanskrit for "having golden splendour".Harishchandra had two...
Ghat. Hindu cremations customarily take place here, though a majority of dead bodies are taken for cremation to the Manikarnik Ghat.
Scindia Ghat
Scindia Ghat also known as Shinde Ghat borders Manikarnika to the north, with its Shiva temple lying partially submerged in the river as a result of excessive weight of the ghat’s construction about 150 years ago. Above the ghat, several of Kashi’s most influential shrines are located within the tight maze of alleys of Siddha Kshetra (Field of Fulfillment). According to tradition, AgniAgni
Agni is a Hindu deity, one of the most important of the Vedic gods. He is the god of fire and the acceptor of sacrifices. The sacrifices made to Agni go to the deities because Agni is a messenger from and to the other gods...
, the Hindu God of Fire was born here. Hindu devotees propitiate at this place Vireshwara, the Lord of all heroes, for a son.
Mana-Mandir Ghat
Mana-Mandir Ghat: Maharaja Jai SinghJai Singh II of Amber
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was ruler of the kingdom of Amber . He was born at Amber, the capital of the Kachwahas. He became ruler of Amber at the age of 11 after his father Maharaja Bishan Singh died on 31 December 1699...
II of Jaipur
Jaipur
Jaipur , also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 3.1 million....
built this Ghat in 1770, as well as the Yantra Mantra equipped with ornate window casings along with those at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, and Mathura. There is a fine stone balcony in the northern part of the ghat. Devotees pay homage here to the lingam
Lingam
The Lingam is a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva used for worship in temples....
of Someswar, the Lord of the Moon.
Lalita Ghat
Lalita Ghat: The late King of Nepal built this Ghat in the northern region of Varanasi. It is the site of the Ganges Keshav Temple, a wooden temple built in typical Kathmandu style, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple also has an image of Pashupateshwar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Local festivals including musical parties and games regularly take place at the beautiful Assi GhatAssi Ghat
Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. To most visitors to Varanasi, it is known for being a place where long-term foreign students, researchers, and tourists live.-Tourism at Assi Ghat:...
which is at the end of the continuous line of ghats. It is a favorite site of painters and photographers. It is here at the Assi Ghat that Swami Pranabananda, the founder of Bharat Sevasharam Sangh,attained 'Siddhi' (fulfilment/success) in his 'Tapasya'(endeavor) for Lord Shiva, under the auspices of Guru Gambhirananda of Gorakhpur.
Other
Man Singh of AmberAmber
Amber is fossilized tree resin , which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Amber is used as an ingredient in perfumes, as a healing agent in folk medicine, and as jewelry. There are five classes of amber, defined on the basis of their chemical constituents...
built Mana-Sarowar Ghat. Maharaja of Darbhanga built Darbhanga Ghat. Tulsidas
Tulsidas
Tulsidas , was a Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher renowned for his devotion for the god Rama...
wrote Rāmacaritamānasa at Tulsi Ghat. Devout Jains visit Bachraj Ghat in particular because it has three Jain temples near the river's banks.
The headquarters of the Sri Kashi Math Samsthan, a spiritual school followed by the Konkani
Konkani language
KonkaniKonkani is a name given to a group of several cognate dialects spoken along the narrow strip of land called Konkan, on the west coast of India. This is, however, somewhat an over-generalisation. Geographically, Konkan is defined roughly as the area between the river Damanganga to the north...
speaking Goud Saraswat Brahmins, is located in Brahma Ghat.
Human remains in the Ganges
After the cremation the bones and ashes of the deceased are thrown into the Ganges. Even those who are not cremated near the Ganges have their ashes placed there. In the past thousands of uncremated bodies were thrown into the Ganges during choleraCholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
epidemics, spreading the disease.
Today only bones and ashes are supposed to be scattered in the river. However, those who can not afford the large amount of wood needed to incinerate the entire body, leave behind a lot of half burned body parts. To get rid of the body parts special snapping turtles are bred and released in the river that are taught to consume dead human flesh but not bother swimmers and bathers. These turtles consume about a pound of flesh a day and can reach a size of 70 pounds.
In the early 1990s, the government built an electric crematorium on the side of the Ganges, in part to reduce the amount of half-burned bodies floating down the river. Even after the system was introduced most people still preferred the traditional method of cremation.
It is known that holy men, pregnant women, people with leprosy
Leprosy
Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Named after physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, leprosy is primarily a granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract; skin lesions...
/chicken pox, people who had been bitten by snakes, people who had committed suicide, the poor, and children under 5 are not cremated at the ghats but are floated free to decompose in the waters.
External links
- Ghats of Varanasi, webpage at VaranasiVaranasi-Etymology:The name Varanasi has its origin possibly from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi, for the old city lies in the north shores of the Ganga bounded by its two tributaries, the Varuna and the Asi, with the Ganges being to its south...
official website.