Varanasi Life along the Ghats

I arrived in Varanasi in October. Varanasi, the most sacred city to Hindus. No one comes to Varanasi by chance. Those who decide to reach it generally have a deep knowledge of the town, know its history and traditions. They’ve done their homework.

Yet, you are never prepared for the contradictory emotions that you experience here. There is nothing like walking through the alleyways of the city, nothing like the view of the 84 ghats along the banks of the Ganges. Attending the daily ceremony of Ganga Aarti may confound your senses. Not to mention the burning ghats, where the well-known public cremations take place. Varanasi can bring chaos into the minds of every Western traveller. Most run away; only the luckiest few understand its deep existential value.

Varanasi, formerly known as Benares, is an Indian city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Inhabited for about 3,500 years, it is one of the oldest human settlements in the world and by far the most sacred for Hindus.

According to sacred texts, Varanasi is the place where the world was created and the only place that will survive its destruction. For this reason, more than a million pilgrims visit it every year and it is a must to visit at least once in your life to bathe in the Ganges.

I chose a hotel along the banks of the Ganges, which costs a fortune by Indian standards but it is a special occasion, isn’t it? The view from the window is lovely. It offers a privileged view of the ghats, which are the large steps leading to the banks of the Ganges.

Boating is the best part of Banaras trip.

About Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the ancient city of Varanasi, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. 

The temple has a rich history and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure of the temple was built in the 18th century by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple’s intricate carvings and architecture are a testament to the rich history and culture of India.

One of the most significant and revered temples in Varanasi is Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple complex is a maze of narrow lanes and alleys that lead to the main sanctum sanctorum, which houses the revered lingam of Lord Shiva.

Dashashwamedh Ghat 

Dashashwamedh is one of the most important tourist destination and spiritually important site in Varanasi. The Ghat is located closer to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and is famous for the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Distance between Dashashwamedh Ghat and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple–650m.

History of Dashashwamedh Ghat

The current structure of the ghat was built in 1774 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the crown queen of Indore. However, the legends take back to the mythology. According to legends, Lord Brahma scarified ten horses and performed a ritual at the ghat to welcome Lord Shiva to Varanasi. However, some scriptures mention that a local king performed the ten horse sacrifice in 2nd century. There are no clear indications to how the ghat was built.

The main importance of the ghat is the Ganga Aarti. It is a ritual, which thanks Ganges River for her water and nourishment. Every evening, a grand rhythmic ritual takes place with twirling of oil lamps, chorus chanting, offering of flowers, and others. The Aarti starts at sunset and goes on for 45 minutes.

Fact about Manikarnika Ghat 

Manikarnika Ghat is considered to be one of the holiest ghats in India.It is believed that if the dead body of a person is cremated here, then the dead human’s soul finds salvation/Moksha. So, it is actually a place where the elderly across the world visit and spend their last days while enjoying the charisma of the ghat. It is believed that death is even painless at this ghat.Talking about the history, it is one of the oldest ghats present in this city. In fact, the Manikarnika Ghat is also stated in a Gupta inscription of the 5th century. It is respected in Hindu religion too.

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva along with Parvati came to Varanasi before Vishnu to grant him his wish. Vishnu dug a well on the bank of Ganga for the bath of the couple. When Lord Shiva was taking a bath, a Mani (Jewel) from his earring fell into the well, hence the name Manikarnika (Mani: Beads Karnam: Ear Angad: Ornament) was chosen for this place.