Explore the Ghats of Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh
"Kaashi Banaras Nahi Ghume to Bhaiya Kya Khaak Ghume Bharat Me?"😀 Known as the spiritual capital of India - Varanishi is the most religious city to Uttar Pradesh with a blend of culture and beliefs. Well, there are many popular attractions for visitors to look up at Varanshi like Sarnath, divine views of River Ganga, Ramnagar Fort, Alamgir Mosque, but majorly what made it so much popular are the majestic Ghats of Varanasi.
Overview of Ghats
There are almost 90 ghats in Varanasi but every Ghat is special in its own giving the vibes of sacredness and panorama at the same time. This is the reason these ghats drag a large number of devotees and tourists. The Ghats of Varanasi on the Ganges River was established mainly between the 17th - 18th century. These Ghats offers a great and unique experience with its historical value to its visitors. Memories of touring the old city of Uttar Pradesh never fade in your memory. It is also believed that on taking a soaking in the river Ganga washes away the devotee's sins. Thus to experience the holiness and traditions of India, visiting the Ghats of Varanasi are must for everyone.
Here, take a look at most popular Ghats in Varanasi that you must see during your holy trip.
Manmandir Ghat - Architectural Glory of Rajputs
Man Mandir Ghat is very ancient Ghat of Varanasi and renowned for its magnificent architecture designed of Rajput. Famous Rajput king of Jaipur Man Singh constructed his this Ghat in the 17th century. Earlier it was named as Someswara Ghat and is a classic illustration of the imperial Rajasthani architectural brilliance. Dwelled on the bank of river Ganga, this Ghat will give you magnificent views of dusk and dawn.
On top of the Ghat, there is a Jantar Mantar Observatory which is established by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 1730s. When you reach the top of the observatory, you will observe the remarkable spectacles of River Ganga. In the vicinity of this Ghat, many Hindu Temples are situated thus the ghat is known to be a home of Hindu deities and heaven for their worshippers. The ghat is renowned for being a paradise for the Hindu devotees.
Manikarnika Ghat - Place of Hindu Cremation
Manikarnika Ghat is known as the Burning/ Cremation ghat of Varanasi. Here on this Ghat majority of dead bodies are cremated. It is believed in Hindu Mythology, that cremation rituals performed here will release them from the cycle of death and rebirth and eventually helps in getting Moksha. When you will visit there you'll openly watch the mortality at Ghat as many stacks of burning dead bodies lined up on the shore.
One interesting tale is associated with it which says this ghat that when Sati lost her life and set her body burning and died, Lord Shiva took her body to the Himalayas at this time Sati Mata’s ornament had dropped here on this Ghat. Another mythological story related to Manikarnika is that Lord Vishnu convinced Lord Shiva not to destroy Kashi in anger when he returned from after thousands of years of salvation.
Kedar Ghat - Known as Bathing Tirthas in Kashi.
The Kedar Ghat houses the Gauri Kund, a small pool of water that has an image of Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva can be seen at the eastern wall. The water in this Kund is said to possess healing properties. The Kedareswara Shiva Temple, at the Kedar Ghat, has great mythological significance and it is believed that after visiting Kedarnath Temple, anyone who visits this temple would receive blessings of Lord Shiva as well.
