10 Important Ghats in Varanasi worth Exploring

After seeing the Ganga Aarti in Assi Ghat and the visit to Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, it is the ghats of Varanasi that next holds the attention of curious minds of the tourists. Read on to know the important ghats in Varanasi that are worth visiting. I have mentioned the history, spiritual significance

Are you aware what the word ghat means? Ghat is a Hindi word which means – a broad flight of steps leading down to a river.

During my visit to Varanasi I was overawed by the innumerable ghats, the daily scenes unfolding on the steps of ghats, people going about their daily routines totally unmindful of the happenings around, especially during my morning boat ride on River Ganga. Though I could not visit all the 85 ghats of Varanasi, the ones that I could step on left a deep imprint on my mind. I have listed 10 famous ghats of Varanasi that should make it easier to choose the ghats you would want to visit during your holiday in Varanasi.

Google Walking Map of Varanasi Ghats – walk along the bank, distance of 6.3 km in 1 hour 17 min.

Some tourists visit Varanasi just to explore the ghats, to understand the history of ghats, topology and geography. Some arrive in Banaras ghats to discover peace in the chaos around. Some make it to the ghats of Kashi just to sit in the steps of Varanasi ghats and watch life passing by; if I had enough time in hand I too would want to do this.

Read more: Varanasi Travel Guide

Jain ghats of Varanasi – during day and at night

What is a Ghat?

First let us understand what Ghat means in the Varanasi context.

The word ghat seems misplaced here because geographically a ghat would mean a ‘mountain pass’. They are the gaps between the mountains, like we have the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in south India. But the word ghat in Hindi, Bengali and some other languages mean a broad flight of steps that is situated on an Indian riverbank.

History of ghats – Why Varanasi Ghats are important?

Ghats are an integral part of Hindu customs and traditions. Many Hindus follow the ritual of bathing (ablution) in the river and heading to the temple straight. They also do several religious rites on the banks. Then there are ghats where bodies are cremated on the waterside. So there was always the need of having proper ghats on the river banks. In Varanasi each ghat is unique in its own right. They have a glorious history and spiritual significance attached to it.

City of Ghats – Varanasi

The Varanasi ghats located on the banks of the most revered river in India, The Ganges, has acquired serious significance over centuries. The sad part was that the ghats were never clean or well maintained.

In 2014 Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi fought for his parliamentary seat from Varanasi constituency. One of his election promise was to improve the living conditions of the holy city of Banaras, as it is known locally. In the last eight years the city has developed tremendously. The cleanliness of the ghats of Varanasi speaks volumes of this change.

If you are planning to experience night life of Varanasi do plan for evening cruise along the river Ganga. It provides you with a great opportunity to do night photography of the ghats.

The Varanasi Gangetic Ferry Line starts at NaMo Ghat. If you plan to walk the entire stretch along the banks from NaMo Ghat to Assi Ghat, a distance of 5.9 km it will take a little more than an hour. So it is quite possible to include the walk along the ghats of Banaras in your one day itinerary of Varanasi.

10 Famous Varanasi Ghats

There are a record 85 ghats with varying degrees of importance in Varanasi along the west bank of River Ganga. While it may not be possible to visit all unless you have a long travel plan of Varanasi. You can select the famous ghats and leave out the lesser known ghats of Varanasi for a visit later. Here is a guide to 10 important Ghats in Varanasi worth exploring.

I have mentioned the important ghats of Varanasi as you go southwards from NaMo Ghat to Assi Ghat.

NaMo Ghat – A New Ghat in Varanasi

This is the first ghat I saw in Varanasi and it left unforgettable memories in my heart. Namo ghat is a new ghat in Varanasi. The sight of huge statues of three pairs of folded hands of a man, woman and a child in Namaste mudra cut the skyline remarkably. Did it signify greetings to Maa Ganga?

The ghat is the 85th ghat of Varanasi declared on August 2022. It is named after our honorable Prime Minister NArendra MOdi, hence NaMo which also means Namaste mudra. The entire ghat area is concreted and the place is used for many official gatherings. The 2022 International Travel Writers’ Conclave was inaugurated in NaMo Ghat.

Address: Namo ghat, Rajghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Coordinates: 25.326488078278167, 83.03848862407443
Distance to Assi Ghat: walk along the bank, distance of 6.3 km in 1 hour 17 min.

(There is one more ghat named after a popular leader of our country – Rajendra Prasad Ghat. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first president of independent India.)

Namo ghat in Varanasi at night

Raj Ghat – Cleanest Ghat in Varanasi

During the medieval era kings (raja) used to reside in the areas around Raj Ghat, hence the name stuck. Historically Raj Ghat has gained huge significance because of the archaeological findings of ancient remains dating back to 8^th century BC. The place was excavated in 1940 after a railway contractor reported ancient remains from the site during its inspection for the extension of the Kashi railway station.

One can explore the area to see the last of Gahadavala Fort and the Lal Khan Tomb close by. The Gahadavala inscriptions mention this ghat as a sacred spot and also as ferry point. In January 1887 Lord Duffrin Bridge (road-cum-rail) was built. In 1948 the bridge’s name was changed to Malaviya Bridge; through it runs the Grand Trunk Road that goes straight up to Attari Border point in Punjab.

If you linger on till evening you can witness the Ganga Aarti at the ghat organized by the locals, a new activity.

Religious significance – Adi Keshava Temple, dedicated to God Keshava, a form of God Vishnu, is the oldest temple of Kashi. It is mentioned in Skanda Purana that God Vishnu, himself carved the deity. It is the place where Bhagwan Vishnu first set foot in Kashi. Raj Ghat was previously known by the name Adi Keshava Ghat.

History of Adi Keshava Temple in Raj Ghat Varanasi – The temple was destroyed by Qutub-Udin-Aibak in 1194 AD. The temple was used as a military outpost by the British after the mutiny in 1857. The temple walls bear the holes made by the British. It was handed over to Scindia Diwan Madho who restored the temple to a great extent.

Malaviya Bridge Raj Ghat Varanasi

Panchaganga Ghat Varanasi

Panchaganga Ghat, as the name signifies is the place of convergence of five rivers – Ganga, Dhutapapa, Kiran Nadi, Saraswati and Yamuna, of which only Ganga is visible. This is one major place of pilgrimage for Hindus because of the confluence of such mighty and holy rivers. It is revered as second holy place of Kashi (after Adikeshva Vishnu Kshetra). Its ancient name was Bindumadhav Ghat because of the Bindumadhav (Vishnu) temple on the ghat. People gather here, especially during auspicious Kartik (October-November) month, to have holy dip to ensure salvation.

Bathing in Panchaganga Ghat along with Manikarnika Ghat and Dashashwamedh ghat for religious purposes is called Tri Tirth Yatra of Kashi. They are three most important ghats of Benares.

Scindia Ghat Varanasi

As we cruised further southwards from Manikarnika Ghat we came across the sight of a tilted temple partially submerged in the Ganges water. Watch out for this landmark, the leaning temple of Varanasi, as it indicates you are in Scindia Ghat.

“This is the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple built in 1850 by servant of Raja Man Singh of Amer” said our guide as we stared at it amazed. The temple has names like: Kashi Karvat (‘Kashi’ ancient name for Varanasi and ‘Karvat’ means leaning in Hindi) Matru-rin (debt to mother), as it was built by the son for his mother, Ratna Bai.

Leaning Tower of Pisa leans about 4 degrees, while the Ratneshwar Temple leans at over 9 degrees. It is said that in the 19th century pujaris used to swim underwater to perform prayers in the temple.

(There is another leaning temple – The Leaning Temple of Huma in Odisha.)

Scindia Ghat is also revered for being the birth place of Agni – the Hindu God of Fire. Other revered temples around are: Budeshwar, Brihaspatheshwar and Mangaleshwar temples which are installed to pray to the planets Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple Scindia Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat Banaras

Manikarnika Ghat, with a history maybe twice the history of Varanasi, is the most hallowed ghat of Banaras. It is located between Scindia Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Staunch Hindus believe that if a person is cremated here the person attains moksha (salvation); redeemed from future births. Bathing in this ghat is considered holy and is part of Tri-tirtha yatra.

As per customs and traditions women are not allowed in the cremation site. I could have a glimpse of Manikarnika Ghat from Dashashwamedh Ghat and also during the sunrise and sunset cruise of River Ganges in Varanasi. Each time my mind would freeze, unable to process any thought. It is said you will find pyres burning here throughout day and night, if not many at least one. At night the burning pyres seemed brighter or did my mind imagine a halo around it!

Interesting legend associated with ghat getting the name Manikarnika goes like this:

Bhagwan Vishnu dug a well at this place known as Manikarnika Kund for God Shiva and Goddess Parvati to bathe in. When they were bathing, one of the earrings of Lord Shiva fell in the well. The place derives the name from this incident – Mani meaning precious stone, and Karnika meaning the ear.

The extension to the story is that both Shiva and Parvati searched a lot for the lost earring but they never got it. Parvati was very sad about the loss, while going back to Kailas, their actual abode, She had cursed the place. People who come here will lose something and leave the place sad.

Isn’t this so true? Dear and near ones cremate their relatives in the ghat and leave the place with sorrow in heart.

Manikarnika Ghat – Ghats in Varanasi.

Dashashwamedh – Burning Ghat of Varanasi

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the biggest, most famous, most holy of all ghats of Kashi. Like a kid I listened to the guide tell us not one but two legends related to the origin of this ghat.

• One: Bhagwan Brahma had created it to welcome the Mahadeva Shiva.
• Another: Bhagwan Brahma had sacrificed ten horses during a yajna He performed here. The name Dasa-Ashwamedha translates to 10 horse sacrifices.

Recent history dates back to 1748 when this original ghat was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. Ahilyabahi Holkar, the Queen of Indore rebuilt the ghat in the year 1774.

The evening Ganga Aarti in this Kashi Ghat is so famous that it attracts a huge number of tourists and devotees from all over India. I could see it all lit up from the cruise boat I was in. Don’t miss this main ghat of Varanasi if you are there.

Distance of Dashashwamedh Ghat from Namo Ghat: Walk along the banks a distance of 4.2 km in 52 min.

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi

Darbhanga Ghat Benaras

Tourists searching for five star hotels on Varanasi Ghat can head to Darbhanga Ghat. This is among the clean ghats of Varanasi.

Darbhanga royal residence was obtained by the Clarks Hotel Group, who named it Brijrama Palace. The majestic wall of Brijrama Palace hotel right on the banks of River Ganges is a sight to behold. We arrived here by a ferry after sunset to have dinner.

Only a few ghats existed in Kashi a century back. With time as the city took new names new ghats too formed. This Darbhanga Ghat is one such formation. After the King Kameshwar Singh Gautam Bahadur of Darbhanga (Bihar) purchased the Munshi Ghat in 1915, he extended the ghat and named it after his kingdom, Darbhanga.

Religious rituals associated with the death of a loved one are performed at Darbhanga Ghat. The ghat is comparatively less crowded hence a great place for soak in some peaceful moments. The riverfront steps are neatly made; one can arrive early to soak in the scintillating sunrise views.

Address: Darbhanga Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Brijrama Palace Hotel Darbhanga Ghat

Harishchandra Ghat Kashi

Named after King Harishchandra (ancestor of God Rama), this Harishchandra Ghat Kashi is the second among the burning ghats of Varanasi. It is held in same reverence in the minds of Hindus as the Manikarnika Ghat. Harish Chandra Smashan Ghat is located between Hanuman Ghat and Lalita Ghat. It is 2 km away from Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. It is also known by the name Kashi Harishchandra Ghat.

In 1986 an electric crematorium was started, however wooden pyres still continue to burn. People choose according to how much they can afford. People in Varanasi believe the Harishchandra Ghat cremation ground is older than Manikarnika Ghat. That’s why many a times it is referred as Adi Manikarnika, the “Original Manikarnika”.

The legend of how the ghat came to be named after the king is an inspiring story:

Harishchandra Ghat Story – Raja Harishchandra was famed to never leave the path of Dharma and Satya (righteousness and truth), whatever the circumstances be. Sage Vishwamitra, to test Harish Chandra, puts him through several difficulties. The sage demanded fees from him for the priestly services he provided. The King offered him all his riches, his kingdom and agreed to work at the cremation ground to complete the payment.

He was so devoted and steadfast in his work that when his son died, he demanded charges from his poor wife for cremation of their son which she couldn’t give. Yet he didn’t relent. In a blink the entire scene vanished, Gods showered flowers on him from heavens above and returned him all his past glory for having successfully passed all the tests the sage had put him through.

As per Hindu Scriptures this was the place where the last scene unfolded.

Harishchandra Ghat Kashi – Important Varanasi ghats

Tulsi Ghat Varanasi

Long back in school, I had read the lines – poet Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas sitting on the ghats of Varanasi. I tried to imagine then what the ghats would be like to inspire a poet to write an epic like Ramcharitmanas (transl. Lake of the deeds of Rama).

Fast forward many years; after watching the Ganga Aarti on Assi Ghat I was walking towards the boat, Bajra, lounged a few ghats away. In a chance left ward glance I spotted the board that mentioned Tulsi Ghat. Instantly the school notes flashed across my mind. This is where the great poet Goswami Tulsi Das had penned his lines. It is said the great poet had visions of God Rama and Hanuman here.

The mortal remains of Tulsi Das, his wooden clogs, pillow, and an idol of Lord Hanuman have been stored at this spot. It is believed the water of Lolark Kunda, a sacred pond, located close to the ghat, cures people of skin disorders. (Lolark means trembling sun) The Lolark Shashti, in the months of August or September, is a much celebrated festival here.

Picture of Goswami Tulsi Das from VaranasiGuru.com

Assi Ghat Varanasi

I witnessed the mesmerizing early morning Ganga Aarti, Subah-e-Banaras, in Assi Ghat.  The morning aarti here is very popular with tourists. There is good seating arrangement, photographers can stand at the side and take pictures. Lots of tea vendors do brisk business in the morning hours immediately after the Aarti.

After you have witnessed the divine Ganga Aarti, sit on the steps of Assi ghat sipping on hot steaming elaichi chai (tea made with crushed cardamoms) and watch the sun rise over the other side of the river – it will be an experience you will cherish all your life, I promise.

There is an interesting story about how the ghat got its name.

As per Hindu Scriptures Goddess Durga, after slaying the demons Shumbha-Nishumbha, threw her sword away. It is believed the sword fell with such tremendous force that it tore open Earth’s surface and a river emerged at the place. The river was named Assi and its ghat the famous Assi Ghat.

Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat Varanasi

Are there Wi-Fi Enabled Varanasi Ghats?

Two ghats, the Sheetala Ghat and Dasashwamedh Ghats were Wi-Fi enabled in 2015.

Amazing isn’t it how technology is bringing in the modern vibes and changing the ancient continuously inhabited city of the world since at least 1200 BCE. The juxtaposition of the ancient and modern, sacred and the mundane, life and death, spiritual and material facets of the Varanasi Ghats is so significant that in 2021 this Ganga ghats of Varanasi made it t the tentative list of World Heritage sites. (India now has now 52 sites on the tentative list.)

How many ghats are there in Varanasi?

Varanasi has 84 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremonial ghats, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites (the burning ghats of Varanasi).

Can you walk along the Ghats of Varanasi?

At some stretches you have to take the lanes inside, especially at the cremations sites, rest of it is walkable.

Things to Do in ghats of Banaras

You can indulge in souvenir shopping. Pause and talk to sadhus of Varanasi. Visit the lesser known temples of Kashi. Simply sit on riverfront steps and watch the sun rise and migratory birds that visit River Ganga during winters.

What is Tri-Tirtha Yatra on Varanasi Ghats?

Bathing at these three holy ghats, the Manikarnika, Dasaswamedh and Panch-Ganga is considered equivalent to making journey three holy journeys! Spiritually inclined, staunch Hindus can be seen doing this ritual of bathing in River Ganga on the ghats even on cold wintry days.

What are the First and Last Ghats of Kashi?

The entire ghat stretch along River Ganga in Kashi is six and half kilometers. Varuna ghat is the first ghat of Kashi and Assi is the last ghat.

Which is the Oldest Ghat of Varanasi

The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. It is mentioned in a Gupta inscription of 5th century. This ghat has been accorded the highest position among other ghats by the Holy Scriptures in Hinduism.

Where is Kashi in South of India?

Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is the south Kashi of India.

Most popular quote on Ghats of Varanasi

“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend & looks twice as old as all of them put together.” – MARK TWAIN

For me, the burning ghats of Varanasi was the most touching sight. Each time I crossed the Manikarnika Ghat, my brain would freeze, unable to process any thought.

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