Rana Mahal Ghat

'Surprisingly in 1670, this ghat was built by a 'Rajput Sardar', Maharana of Udaipur.'

A magnificent palatial building is to be witnessed on this ghat, constructed under the Rajputana's Rule (Udaipur, Rajasthan).With the passage of time, it was deteriorating undesirably, but then around 1730s, Rana Jagat Singh ordered its renovation. This river-front's major attraction is the temple of Vakratunda Vinayaka (Ganesha) on the palace's crown. Known to be a favourite amongst kids and elders alike for bathing and swimming activities.

#GhatsOfBanaras #RanaMahalGhat #AsNeverBefore

Vijayanagaram Ghat

'Again a princely state's owned ghat, of the Vijayanagaram of South India, having Swami Karapatri Ashrama.'

This ghat is named after the erstwhile Vijaynagar princely state of South India. The ruler of this princely state provided funds for the construction of the ghat in 1890. At the top of it is a beautiful building called Svami Karapatri Asrama. Close by to this building are the shrines of Nilakantha and Nispapesvara, the temples dedicated to lord shiva. The ghat is found to be visited by the pilgrims to have a holy dip in river ganga.

#GhatsOfBanaras #VijayanagaramGhat #AsNeverBefore

Chausathhi Ghat

'Significant on the Hindu calendar 'Chaitra' month when festivities are splashed all over this River-landing.'

Defined with respect to Yogini Tirtha and Agasthya Tirtha. The serial no. 64 is attributed to the directional symbolism from the east to west; also association between mother-goddesses and their assistant-goddesses, ofcourse there are other interpretations as well. This ghat had the privilege to provide shelter to a great Sanskrit scholar, Madhushudan Saraswati. Above the ghat there's Chausatthi Goddess's shrine, but only 60 images of yoginis are there, the rest four are at different places. In 1670, the King of Udaipur (Rajasthan) renovated this ghat, and later it became pucca. On 12th dark-half of Chaitra (March-April) many pilgrims pay visit and take ritual bath at this ghat. Another important occasion of attraction is the evening on the day of Holi - a colourful festival, marking the beginning of Chaitra, when homage rituals are performed.

#GhatsOfBanaras #ChausathhiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Chet Singh Ghat

'Extensively filmed and documented riverfront, which witnesses Budhwa Mangal festivity in the historically fortified palace.'

It is a historically fortified ghat. The palace has witnessed a fierce battle between the troops of Warren Hastings and Chet Singh in 1781 A.D. The fort and ghat has been taken from British by Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh in the later half of 19th century. Originally this Ghat was known as ‘Khirki Ghat'. Now it has four parts known as Chet Singh, Niranjani, Nirvani and Shivala. Ghat has three Shiva Temple belonging to 18th century. Till first half of 20th century, it was culturally quite important, hence rejuvenated in 1958. The famous Budhwa Mangal festival which was celebrated for seven days had been organised here. Due to sharp current of Ganga, people avoid bathing here

#GhatsOfBanaras #ChetSinghGhat #AsNeverBefore

Mansarovar Ghat

'Taking after the most sacred lake in the Himalayas,Tibet; established by Raja Maan Singh of Jaipur in the 16th century.'

At the top of this ghat, there is a secred pond in replicated form representing the famous sacred lake of the same name lying in Tibet. This ghat was built by Raja Mana Singh of Jaipur in century 1585 and was rebuilt in century 1805. The shrines of Rama, Laksamana and Dattatreya are in the vicinity.

#GhatsOfBanaras #MansarovarGhat #AsNeverBefore

Mahanirvani Ghat

'Nepal's Emperor had devoted 4 Shiva shrines on this ghat; traditional akhada is housed too.'

It is situated on north end of Nirvani Ghat. It is named after Mahanirvani sect of Naga Saints. The famous Akhara is situated here. It has four small Shiva temples made by Nepal’s Maharaja. It is legendary that Acharya Kapil Muni of Sankhya philosophy fame lived here during 7th century A.D. Near Mahanirvani Akhara Mother Teresa’s home is situated.

#GhatsOfBanaras #MahanirvaniGhat #AsNeverBefore

Janki Ghat

'This one is believed to be Lord Rama's wedded wife, Mother Sita's favourite.'

This ghat was a natural open-ground with the abode of Hayagriva Keshva shrine, houses 4 temples of Lord Shiva. Dedicated to Mother 'Janki'(Sita), wife of Lord Rama, this river front was founded by Queen Rani Kunvar of Sursand. Earlier, it used to be famous as the Nagamber ghat. It has very little religious/theological significance but devotees take a dip as it's mostly much cleaner than other ghats, even more safe.

#GhatsOfBanaras #JankiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Niranjani Ghat

'Belonging to the mystified Naga clan's hermits and gypsies, known to have footprints of God Shiva indented.'

This Ghat belongs to Naga Saints who established ‘Niranjani Akhara’ in 1897. Originally it was a part of Chet Singh Ghat. Now there are four temples consisting of paduka (footprints) of Niranjani Maharaj Durga Gauri Shankar and Ganga images. The people do not take bath here owing to lesser religions importance. This ghat here rejoined in 1948 by state Govt.

#GhatsOfBanaras #NiranjaniGhat #AsNeverBefore

Karnataka Ghat

'The stately, regal ghat of the land of mysteries, Mysore, now also known as Karnataka, which awkwardly has a shrine of 'Ruru',the dog.'

This ghat was build by the state of Mysore (now known as Karnataka) in early twentieth century (in 1910).This ghat has a popular 'pilgrim rest-house', where majority of South Indian devotees get shelter. There lies a site and shrine. There also is a shrine of Ruru (' the Dog') Bhairava, one of the 8th Bhairavas(guard dog in the sacred sanctum of Kashi) protecting the city from 8 directions .

#GhatsOfBanaras #KarnatakaGhat #AsNeverBefore

Shivala Ghat-A colossal building was established by the King of Nepal; a Brahmendra Math by Kashiraj on this previously important ghat.'

It has been a very important ghat in early times. In mid nineteenth century, it was separated into some small ghats. At present, one witnesses a colossal building constructed by Nepal King Sanjay Vikram Shah (19th century), a Shiva Temple and one Brahmendra Math established by Kashiraj. There is no significant cultural activities here. Only some of pilgrims and local inhabitants take bath.

#GhatsOfBanaras #ShivalaGhat #AsNeverBefore

Dandi Ghat

'A pre-dominant ghat of the Dandi ascetics, those who walk with sticks in their hands.'

It is referred by Sherring (1968). It was made pucca by Lalooji Agrawal. This ghat is predominated by the Dandi ascetics carrying stick in their hand. This ghat is quite clean and worth taking bath.

#GhatsOfBanaras #DandiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Jain Ghat

'Amalgamation of Jains and Mallahas (aboriginal Benarasi boatsmen) habitats.'

Before 1931 Jain ghat was the part of Vaccharaja ghat. Later Jain community made a pucca ghat and named it as Jain ghat. On the southern end Jain communities take bath and perform their regular activities, but on the northern end Mallaha (boatman) families are giving it a different look.

#GhatsOfBanaras #JainGhat #AsNeverBefore

.....warp factor 3!

For those of you that only know the "Other Pentagon", this is an illuminated sign over a shopping centre in Chatham Kent. I took the photo at dawn and zoomed in during a long exposure to get the effect.

Lali Ghat

'Rendered 'pucca' by the Raja of Benaras, several temples are situated here.'

In century 1778, this ghat was built pucca by Raja of Banaras. At the upper side, there are temples of Lambodara Chintamani and Jyestha Vinaykas, Kiratesvara, Jayanta Siva Lingam and Maha Laksmi. The vicinity is dominated by washermen.

#GhatsOfBanaras #LaliGhat #AsNeverBefore

Kedar Ghat

'Nest of sacred 'sanctorum sanctum'of Kedareshwara, the patron deity; along with a monastery built.'

Kedar Ghat was built by the Maharaja of Vijayanagar. The ghat is named after Lord Shiva, who is also known as ‘Kedarnath'. At the top exists the temple of Kedaresvara, the patron deity of the southern sacred segment. This temple is constructed in ancient Hindu architectural style. Located on the banks of river Ganges, Kedar Ghat is one of the famous pilgrimage places in the city of Varanasi visited by numerous saints and pilgrims. Near the Kedar Ghat, there is a Parvati Kund, which is a beautiful pond and is believed to have water with high medicinal properties.

#GhatsOfBanaras #KedarGhat #AsNeverBefore

Chauki Ghat

'Treasured with the Naga Kupa(Snake well), Pipala tree, the Ficus Religiosa, a well-known Budhhist ghat.'

This ghat is famous for the huge pipala tree at the top of the steps which shelters a great array of stone figures of snakes, nagas. This ghat was built in century 1790. Closeby to this tree is the shrine of Rukmangesvara and at some distance lies Naga Kupa ("Snake Well"). On the occasion of festival honouring snake, Naga Panchami, falling the 5th light half of Sravana (July –August), these shrines are especially worshipped. It is one of the few spacious ghats with big platforms . Due to the predominance of washermen community residing near the ghat, the platforms, iron-railing and even stepped embankments are used for drying clothes.

#GhatsOfBanaras #ChaukiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Digpatiya Ghat

'West Bengal's devotion in the manifestation of this flight of stairs & Kashi Ashram.'

This simply beautiful ghat was erected and founded by the King of Digpatia, Bengal's Raja around 1830. The building alongside the river-front is also called the 'Kashi Ashram'. A beautiful and architecturally designed palace was built by the king at the ghat is an example of Bengali art and style. There are porches on both sides of the palace.

#GhatsOfBanaras #DigpatiyaGhat #AsNeverBefore

Prabhu Ghat

'A dhobi(washermen's) river-landing, constructed by a common bengali family.'

This Ghat was made in the early part of 20th century by Nirmal Kumar of Bangal. Most of boatmen families are living here. Normally washermen wash clothes here. Ghat has very little social cultural significance.

#GhatsOfBanaras #PrabhuGhat #AsNeverBefore

Munshi Ghat

'Extension of Darbhanga ghat, it is a finance minister's gift to Benaras's queue of river-flights.'

The ghat was built by Shridhara Narayana Munshi, a finance minister in the State of Darbhanga(Bihar), in 1912 as an extended portion of the preceeding and famous Darbhanga Ghat. After his death in 1924 this part of the Darbhanga river-front was named in his honour,keeping his spirit and love for Benaras alive throughout.

#GhatsOfBanaras #MunshiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Narad Ghat

'Duttatreyo Swami, a reknowned monastery, famed this river-landing as the Kuvai ghat.'

The old name of this ghat is Kuvai Ghat. This was constructed by Dattatreya Svami, a monastery chief, in 1788. The four important images in the upper- side are Naradesvara, Atrisvara, Vasukisvara and Dattatreyesvara.

#GhatsOfBanaras #NaradGhat #AsNeverBefore

Harishchandra Ghat

'One of the cremation ghats, after the mythological diligent, truthful king Harish Chandra who would work as a cremator-expert when he abandoned his kingdom.'

This ghat is named after a mythological King Harish Chandra, who once worked the cremation ground here for the preservance of truth and charity but at the end, the Gods rewarded him and restored his lost throne and his dead son to him. This is one of the two cremation ghats, and sometimes referred as Adi Manikarnika, still there exists Adi Manikarnika Tirtha. In 1986 an electric crematorium is opened here, however, side by side funeral of wood-fire continues. This is also the seat of old Harampapa water-tirtha. At the top in the temples, there are images of Harischandresvara, Rohitesvara, Adi Manikarnikesvara & Vrddha Kedara. In 1740 Narayana Diksit, a religious guru of pesavas renovated this ghat and made this partly pucca.

#GhatsOfBanaras #HarishchandraGhat #AsNeverBefore

Panchkota Ghat

'This ghat is a 'pucca', concrete one with two Hindu lord Shiva's temple, donated by the king of Panchkota (West Bengal).'

There are certain eminent historical relevance of this ghat. It had been constructed on the wishes of the King Of Panchkota(West Bengal). The palatial edifice we witness, is from 19th century. Two temples are adjacent to this ghat.

#GhatsOfBanaras #PanchkotaGhat #AsNeverBefore

Raja Ghat

'Firstly built by the Maratha Chief, Ghajirao Balaji, this river-front is widely made of lofty stone slabs by cobblestoning technique(most apparently).'

Formerly known as Amrut Rao Ghat, this was firstly made by the first Maratha chief Gajirao Balaji in 1720. This was rebuilt with stone slabs by Amrut Rao Pesachva during 1780-1807. At the top of lofty stone steps he established four temples of Amritesvara, Vinayakesvara, Nayanesvara and Gangesvara and four auxiliary shrines, and also renovated the Prabhasa Tritha in 1780.

#GhatsOfBanaras #RajaGhat #AsNeverBefore

Bhadaini ghat

'Whole district's water supply works are located on this one, since earliest age.'

Bhadaini ghat is also known as the Jal-Kal ghat due to the city's water-supply plants established here by the municipal corporation of Banaras. The earliest reference of this Ghat is given by Greves(1909), because it was quite famous for huge sets of waterworks. Earlier constructed of bricks and mud and stones, now this ghat is a pucca-one. Although no activities of religious or spiritual practices are performed in these 'staircases leading into the river bank'. This ghat is a part of an old ghat named lolarka ghat which was eulogised in the Puranas.

#GhatsOfBanaras #BhadainiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Mata Anandmai Ghat

'Queen Anandmai had purchased rights of this ghat from the British Raj long ago.'

Near Tulsidas ghat, this one is named after saint Anandmai. A beautiful well maintained ashrama containing small clusters of cottages and buildings and a pretty garden. Behind this ashrama is one of the best hospitals in Benaras. This ghat along with the ashrama, performs an innumerable lot of spiritual and religious functions.

#GhatsOfBanaras #AnandmaiGhat #AsNeverBefore

Ksemeshwara Ghat

'Populous, popular ghat of the ever-sweet community of the Bengalis. It has shrines dedicated to Ksemeswara and Ksemaka Gana.'

It's often referred to as the Someshwara. Old name was Nala Ghat. This river staircase was built in early 18th century. The followers of Kumarasvami made a monastery in 1962 at the upper-side of the steps. The shrines of Kshemeswara and Ksemaka Gana are at the top portion of the steps. The neighborhood is dominated by Bengali residents and thus begins the 'Bengali Tola' neighbourhood.

#GhatsOfBanaras #KsemeshwaraGhat #AsNeverBefore

Serenity Routes

We are a sustainable tourism venture trying to bring the local flavours and colors of Varanasi through our projects which resonate with the concept of sustainability.

Come, Travel and Experience Varanasi #AsNeverBefore