Varanasi Ghats in India

Unlike most other holy India cities, Varanasi is a unique package for spirituality and devotion. Since its inception it is rightly called as the 'Religious Capital of Hinduism'. Written records as contained in the Mahabharata and other ancient epics mention its existence at least 3000 years old. Going to Varanasi is like fulfilling a life's ambition. Some come here to seek nirvana, others for the self realization. The tumultuous Ganga provides a perfect foil to the chaos of glaring Varanasi with its narrow lanes, blaring loud speakers and heavy traffic jams. Huen Tsang – the Chinese traveler, who visited the city in 7th century AD, described it as ' a city of great wealth and great religious importance'. For the million of Hindus who revere Ganga, flock to it to be rejuvenated by its holy water.

Known as Kashi or Benaras, Varanasi is most famous for its sacred ghats. The ghats are the step leading to the to the river, built by kings, businessmen after whom they have been named. The burning ghats mighty be rather loathsome sight, unless you won't understand their significance. Chanting at these ghats early in the morning, before sunrise. Thousands of people and sadhus are seen performing the ritual of surya namaskar on these ghats. It is believed that people are cleansed mentally, physically and spiritually at these ghats.

For the thousand of years people have been thronging these ghats to pay tribute to sacred 'Ganga Ma'. There are more than 100 ghats along side the Ganga river in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and famous ones are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Varanasi Ghats :

Dasaswamedh Ghat : Dasaswamedh Ghat is one most popular ghats in Varanasi and is famous as the ghat of ten sacrificed horses. According to the legends the scarifies were made to pave the way for the Lord Shiva after the long period of banishment by the Lord Brahma. The ghat is still as beautiful as it was many years back.

Man Mandir Ghat :
Man Mandir ghat was built in the 18th century by the Mahraja of Jaipur. The ghat is the observatory equipped with ornate window casings. On the other hand stone balcony allures the northern part of the ghat. Devotees making a visit to the Mam Mandir ghat pay homage to the lingam of Someswar, the Lord of the moon.

Asi Ghat :
Asi is the another most sacred ghat in Varanasi, located in the southernmost direction of Varanasi. Devotees on this ghat are seen worshiping the huge lingam, under the peepal tree.It is also famous for the Asisangameshwar temple.

Lalitha Ghat :
Next to the Manikarnika ghat, lies the Lalitha Ghat. The temple here is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Another famous temple at the ghat is the wooden temple built in the typically Nepalese style.

Manikarnika Ghat :
Situated at the center of the five thirthas, Manikarnika Ghat is the main burning ghat in Varanasi. It is said that people who are cremated here after the death, straigh away go to the haven.


Things to see and Do :

Boat ride :

While, on the one hand it offers a profound spiritual expedition, it also tempts you with the exciting early morning boat cruises in Ganga waters. Each ghat blossoms with a unique character as the as the boat goes pat the curve of the river. It gives you the quick view of the cultural life of the city. Cane umbrella shades priests and holy men who perform religious rites gather on these ghats during the morning. In the early hours of the morning these ghats particularly look very fascinating. An hour long boat ride only costs fifty rupees and that could be even less if you share it with the others. But keep in mind that you don't put your hand in its water, as dead bodies are immersed here, and there are chances that you may meet your old friend or the part of him.

Temple visit :

Checking out the ancient temples in Varanasi can be great experience for you. There are more than 2000 temples in the city. Some of the temples that you must visit during your temples tour to Varanasi are Kashi-Vishwanath Temple (the Golden temple), Durga Temple, Annapura Bhavani, Laat Bhairava and the Sankata Devi Temple.

Sacred dip in Ganges :

The spectacle of sound and color can always be felt here. You may find thousand of pandits and pilgrims from all over world worshiping the sun God and taking bath in the holy Ganges. To the pious Hindu, dying in Varanasi is deliverance, the merging of soul with the Absolute.

Morning and Evening aarti :

The ghats of Varanasi seethe with activity night and day. If you miss the Maha Aarti performed during the morning and evening time, than you visit to Varanasi is useless. The faint strains of the religious prayers in the temples gives you the fair idea of the immense faith of Hindus in the God.

Shopping :

Shopping at Varanasi can be a bit different experience for you all. The lane leading to the Vishwanath temple contains all that Varanasi has to offer, complete with the chaos, color, confusion and cows. The noisy stalls selling religious audio ans video cassettes vie with each other for your attention. Pick the colorful painted idols of God and Goddess, gems, incense, rudraksha beads, religious books, painting etc. Shop for the fabulous brocade in yard lengths or in form of stoles.

Varanasi is also famous for the stoneware, brass, and carpets which are hand knotted and come in both Persian and Aubusson variety. You can even check out the government emporium in Nadear where you get each item at fixed prises and the quality is assured.