The famous ghats in Varanasi have been the cradle of civilization from time immemorial. The sacred river Ganga has caressed the steps of these ghats in Banaras from the Vedic Period and beyond. If the river Ganga has nurtured and nourished civilization, the Ganga Ghats In Varanasi, have stood silently and solidly like fathers, witnessing the ebb and flow of life over the years. The Varanasi ghats are milestones in India’s history and a great reminder of its rich heritage and ancient culture.
Table of Contents
The Immortal Ghats Of Kashi
The famous ghats of Banaras have been witness to religious ceremonies ranging from those associated with birth to those associated with death for aeons. The legend of Harishchandra which is mentioned in the Markandeya Purana mentions a cremation ghat of Kashi. The Manikarnika Ghat is mentioned in an inscription of the Gupta Period dating to the 5th century. Most of the famous ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt or renovated during the 18th century by the Marathas including the Holkars, Bhonsles, Peshawas, and also the Maharajahs of Banaras.
In more recent times, Kashi has seen a spate of development projects including the renovation and beautification of the Khidkiya Ghat, which has been renamed as Namo Ghat, because of the sculpture of two pairs of hands folded in a gesture of Namaskar.
Famous Ghats In Varanasi – Ghats Of Banaras
There are 84 ghats that dot the banks of the sacred Ganga in Varanasi. There are 6 ghats on the river Ganga that have a special aura owing to their connections with the Puranas. These are important ghats in Varanasi that you must include in your Varanasi itinerary, as it may not be always possible to visit all the 84 famous ghats of Varanasi. Here are the 6 sacred and most important ghats of Kashi.
Assi Ghat – Famous Ghats In Varanasi
The Assi Ghat is the largest and most popular ghat of Banaras. It is believed that the famous Hindu saint and Poet Tulsidas, known for his works including Ramcharitramanas and Hanuman Chalisa, left for his heavenly abode from here.
The Assi Ghat has the capacity to accommodate 22,500 people at the same time, and it is always teeming with activity. It is crowded especially on festival days including Shivratri, and Dev Deepawali. A notable attraction of Assi Ghat is the daily early morning event that has been started since 2014. This is the Subah-e-Banaras, which is a medley of events including early morning Vedic chanting, Vedic Yagya, a tribute to the 5 elements of nature, classical music programmes featuring the Morning Raga, and Yoga classes.
Dashashwamedh Ghat – Ghats of Banaras
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is considered to be one of the most ancient and sacred ghats of Kashi. According to legend, this ghat was built by Lord Brahma, himself to welcome Lord Shiva. Another legend has it that Lord Brahma performed a Dasashwamedh Yagya here, and that is how the ghat got its name.
The Dasashwamedh Ghat is located close to the famous Jyotirlinga temple of Kashi Vishwanath. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is famous for its Ganga aarti which is the best time to visit the ghat and experience its mystical aura. The structure of the Ghat, as it stands today, was built by the illustrious queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar.
Manikarnika Ghat – Ghats of Kashi
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most famous ghats of Varanasi. It is a ghat considered to be auspicious for the last rites of the dead. The Manikarnika ghat is mentioned in one of the inscriptions of the 5th-century Gupta period.
It is believed that the earrings of Sati fell here when Shiva was doing the Tandav dance with the body of Sati on his shoulder. Hence, the place is also considered to be a Shakti Peeth. There are many legends associated with this Ghat, a well known as Manikarnika Kund near the Ghat is believed to have been dug by Lord Vishnu for Shiva and Parvati.
Panchganga Ghat – Ghats In Varanasi
The Panchganga Ghat is believed to have been built by the sage Bhrigu during the Dwapara Yuga at the confluence of five rivers. It is believed that the rivers Ganga, Saraswati, Dhupapapa, Yamuna, and Kirana, meet at this sacred place. The Panchaganga Ghat is believed to have been sanctified by many great saints across history including Adi Shankaracharya, Sant Kabir, Tulsidas, and Guru Nanak.
Rajendra Prasad Ghat – Famous Ghats in Varanasi
This is a ghat in Banaras named after India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. The ghat is actually an extension of the Dashashwamedh Ghat and was named Rajendra Prasad Ghat in the year 1979. The Ghat is famous for its Ganga Aarti. The temple of Shitalamata is located close to the Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Adi Keshav Ghat – Famous Ghats in Varanasi
The Adi Keshav Ghat is one of the less crowded and peaceful ghats of Kashi. This famous ghat in Varanasi is located near the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Varuna. The Adi Keshav temple is located near the ghat and lends its name to it.
Other Popular And Famous Ghats In Varanasi
Here is a list of some more famous ghats in Varanasi that see huge tourist footfalls and which you must include in your Varanasi itinerary.
Raj Ghat – Famous Ghats In Varanasi
The Raj Ghat is another famous ghat in Kashi. Near this ghat are excavation sites of settlements that date back to the period between the 8th century BCE, an indication that the city of Varanasi is much older than it was thought to be.
Scindia Ghat – Ghats of Kashi
The Scindia Ghat takes its name from the Maratha dynasty of the Scindias with their capital in Gwalior. The ghat was built in the early 19th century by the Scindias and is adjacent to the Manikarnika Ghat. There is a partially submerged Shiva temple near the ghat. Many other important temples are located above the Scindia Ghat.
Man Mandir Ghat- Varanasi Ghats
The Manmandir Ghat is also known as Someshwar Ghat. There is a Shiva Linga that is worshipped as Someshwar at the Ghat. The Manamandir Ghat was constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh of Jaipur. There is also a Jantar Mantar constructed by him at the ghat.
Lalita Ghat – Ghats In Varanasi
The Lalita Ghat is unique in the sense that it was built by a Nepali King who was in exile in Varanasi. It was built by Rana Bahadur Shah who was in exile between 1800 to 1804 and was called Swami Nirgunananda. He wanted to build a replica of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu at the ghat.
However, he did not live to see the temple or the ghat completed. It was later completed by his son and the temple is now known as Nepali Mandir. The ghat is named after a principal aspect of the Supreme Goddess or Mahadevi, known as Lalita.
Ganga Mahal Ghat – Famous Ghats of Varanasi
The Ganga Mahal Ghat is located adjacent to the famous Assi Ghat and was originally constructed as an extension of it. The ghat was constructed in 1830 by the kings of the Narayan dynasty who ruled Banaras at that time. The name of the ghat was derived from the Mahal or Palace that was located above the ghat.
Tathagat Ghat | Buddha Ghat
The Tathagat Ghat also referred to as Buddha Ghat is located near Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The ghat is named after Buddha and it is believed that the ghat was used by Buddhist monks. There is a statue of Gautam Buddha near the ghat.
Jain Ghat | Bachraj Ghat
The Jain Ghat is believed to have been owned by Jain Maharajahs. There are three Jain temples at the ghat and these temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.
Other Ghats of Banaras | Famous Ghats In Varanasi
There are quite a number of ghats in Varanasi that are lesser known and lesser frequented by tourists. This is however no reflection of their importance. Here is a list of these ghats of Kashi.
- Tulsi Ghat
- Lassi Ghat
- Bhadaini Ghat
- Mata Anandmai Ghat
- Janaki Ghat
- Nishad Ghat
- Vachcharaja Ghat
- Panchkota Ghat
- Prabhu Ghat
- Chet Singh Ghat
- Mahanirvani Ghat
- Niranjan Ghat
- Gularia Ghat
- Shivala Ghat
- Hanuman Ghat
- Prachin Hanuman Ghat
- Dandi Ghat
- Karnatak Ghat
- Lali Ghat
- Vijayanagaram Ghat
- Harishchandra Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Chauki Ghat
- Mansarovar Ghat
- Kesemesvara Ghat
- Raja Ghat
- Narad Ghat
- Pandey Ghat
- Khori Ghat
- Sarvesvara Ghat
- Digpatia Ghat
- Rana Mahal Ghat
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Causatthi Ghat
- Munshi Ghat
- Ahilyabai Ghat
- Sitala Ghat
- Prayag Ghat
- Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
- Meer Ghat
- Nepali Ghat
- Phuta Naya Ghat
- Amroha Ghat
- Jalasayi Ghat
- Khirki Ghat
- Bajirao Ghat
- Sankatha Ghat
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (II)
- Naya Ghat
- Genesa Ghat
- Bhonsale Ghat
- Mehta Ghat
- Jatara Ghat
- Rama Ghat
- Mangala Gauri Ghat
- Raja Gwalior Ghat
- Venimadhava Ghat
- Durga Ghat
- Bundi Parakota Ghat
- Brahma Ghat
- Lal Ghat
- Adi Sitala Ghat
- Gaya Ghat
- Hanumangardhi Ghat
- Badrinarayana Ghat
- Trilochan Ghat
- Gola Ghat
- Nandesvara Ghat
- Sakka Ghat
- Telianala Ghat
- Prahlada Ghat
- Sant Ravidas Ghat
- Rani Ghat
- Sri Panch Agni Akhara Ghat
The enduring mysticism of the ghats of Varanasi continues to charm visitors with their timeless beauty and spiritual aura. We hope you liked reading about the mesmerizing ghats of Varanasi. For more such interesting and informative content subscribe to our blog and also our newsletter. Connect with us on our social media channels.
Flights – Cleartrip or Makemytrip or IndiGo or Cheapair or Priceline
Tours – Click to book top tours around the world. Book tours and activities here.
Experiences – Book your next unforgettable experience here, with flexible bookings and free cancellations. Reserve tours and activities now and pay later.
Hotels – Click to book the best hotels/resorts. Choose the best stay options with TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or makemytrip or goibibo or Booking.com or HotelsCombined or Agoda
Travel Insurance – Click to book Travel Insurance that covers a range of travel insurance and safety services including medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more
Visas and Travel Documents Application – Click here for Online Travel Visa Check
Online Passport Photo – Get Your Passport Photo Online here
Do You Love Traveling?
Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now. Thanks for visiting our site Voyager - imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post! If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected] We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends. Follow our journey on our social media channels: Facebook X Instagram Pinterest YouTube
Start dreaming about your next adventure with Tripadvisor. Book your next unforgettable experience here with flexible bookings and free cancellations.
60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn't You?
This is the best I read in recent times. An informative beautiful article. I always wanted to know about the mystical Ghats of Varanasi but confuse where to find them all together. This article brings me out of that dilemma. Thank You!
This place holds such emotions and nostalgia to Indians. I loved reading your well-crafted guide. I hope I get to take my mom there once , she’s never visited and she really wants to.
This is so detailed. Never knew there are so many ghats in Varanasi. You have put them all in one article so beautifully. Full guide for travelers
This blog post beautifully explores the enchanting realm of Varanasi’s famous ghats. A mesmerizing journey into the mystical and spiritual heart of Kashi.
My father in-law recently visited Varanasi and was vocal about the Ghats in Varanasi. You made me feel like I have indeed visited them
Your channel is the best for research
Honestly I didn’t know there were so many ghats in Kashi will have to plan. Longer trip to visit this place
Varanasi is mesmerising. I had taken my father there on his 80th birthday to fulfil his heart’s desire. On arriving, we were delighted to see the ancient temples and ghats lining the banks of the Ganges. The beautiful sight of sunrise over the river was breathtaking, and I could feel my father’s joy and contentment through every moment. He said he had never seen anything like this before. I am so happy I could give him that joy before he passed away 3 yrs later.