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Top 10 Facts about Ghats at Varanasi

Ghats are found along the holy Ganges River in Varanasi. These are places with steps that lead down to the water. There are about 100 ghats in Varanasi. Extending from Assi Ghat north to Raj Ghat, the largest group contains about 25 of them.

The ghats were first built around the 14^th Century. Along with the Varanasi, most ghats were been rebuilt by Maratha rulers in the 18th century. These ghats were mainly used for Hindu religious rituals and bathing. Most are of importance to Hindu mythology while others are privately owned. The Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats were however used solely for cremations.

You can take a boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat. You can also get a guided walking tour of Varanasi. The experience is fascinating but the area can be a little filthy and crowded with vendors.

Read on for ten interesting facts about the ghats are Varanasi.

1. Pilgrims use the Assi Ghat to bathe Before Worship

Assi Ghat in Varanasi. Photo by Vrinda/

Located at the extreme southern end of the city where the Assi River meets the Ganges, this ghat is not as crowded. It’s easily accessible and spacious.

Under a pipal tree in the form of a big lingam, Hindus worship Lord Shiva. Before worshipping, Hindus bathe at the Assi Ghat. This area is very popular for travelers as trendy cafes and boutiques are available.

2. Chet Singh Ghat was Used to Imprison Maharaja Chet Singh

Dawn on the riverside, Singh Ghat in Varanasi. Photo by Patrick Barry/

In the 18^th Century, Chet Singh Ghat was the site of a battle between the British and the Varanasi ruler. Constructed by Chet Singh, the British defeated Singh during the battle and captured the fort.

The British imprisoned Singh in the fort but it’s said Singh managed to escape. Singh’s means of escape was a rope made of turbans.

3. Darbhanga Ghat is the Location of a Luxury Hotel

Darbhanga Ghat, Varanasi. Photo by Vrinda/

The Darbhanga Ghat is architecturally impressive and features the luxury BrijRama Palace hotel. Originally, built by Shridhara Narayana Munshi the hotel was initially a fort. Shridhara Narayana Munshi was the minister for the Nagpur estate.

In 1915, King Rameshwar Singh Bahadur of Darbhanga which is modern-day Bihar acquired the structure and turned it into a palace. The hotel is owned by the Indian hospitality company, 1589 Hotels. It took the company 18 years to restore the structure and convert it into a hotel.

4. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the Holiest and Oldest Ghats

Dashashvamedh Ghat. Photo by Vrinda/

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the top attractions in Varanasi. The celebrated Ganga aarti takes place at this ghat every evening. Hindu mythology states that Lord Brahma created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva.

It is also believed that in front of a sacred fire, Lord Brahma offered a horse sacrifice at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is a popular place with a continuous flow of Hindu priests, pilgrims, beggars, and flower sellers. Also at this ghat is a hectic marketplace.

5. Man Mandir Ghat has Elaborate architecture and Offers Fantastic Views from the Top

The Man Mandir Ghat is an old Varanasi ghat and is known for its elaborate Rajput architecture. Built-in 1600 by Man Singh of Jaipur the Rajput king as his palace, it got an additional attraction in the 1730s.

The added observatory was added by Sawai Jai Singh II. It’s still possible for you to take a look through the astronomical equipment added by Singh II. When there go up the stairs and enjoy a view of the Ganges River from the top.

6. Most Cremations in Varanasi Take Place at the Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat. Photos by Vrinda/

Simply known as the burning ghat, the Manikarnika ghat is the place where cremations take place. There are about 28,000 bodies cremated every year in Varanasi. You will find piles of firewood on the shore which are used to continuously burn the dead bodies.

Each of the bodies is wrapped in cloth and carried on makeshift stretchers. A caste of untouchables known as doms, handle the bodies and supervise the cremation. At a fee, you can view the cremation from one of the nearby buildings.

Several guides and priests can tell you more about the entire process. Be sure to negotiate your cremation viewing fee before sitting down to the insightful session.

7. Scindia Ghat has several Temples and Attracts many pilgrims

Scindia Ghat in Varanasi. Photo by Vrinda/

Unlike the nearby burning ghat or Manikarnika Ghat, Scindia Ghat is peaceful and picturesque. During the construction of the ghat in 1830, a Shiva temple collapsed and is still partially submerged in the water. There are several hidden temples above this ghat. Known as Siddha Kshetra, this place attracts many pilgrims.

8. The Bhonsale Ghat is Shrouded is Controversy Involving the Royal Family

Bhonsale Ghat. Photo by Eric Laurent/

Built in 1780 by Maratha king Bhonsale of Nagpur, the Bhonsale is a distinctive-looking ghat. It’s an extensive stone building with artistic windows at the top.

There are also three heritage temples namely Yamaditya temple, Yameshwar temple, and Lakshminarayan temple. This ghat is however shrouded in a bit of controversy. In 2013, the royal family is said to have fraudulently sold the ghat.

9. Panchganga Ghat is a Place of Considerable Religious Importance

PanchaGanga Ghat, Varanasi. Photo by Vrinda/

Located on the northern end, of the ghats, this ghat gets its name from the merging five rivers. The Panchganga Ghat is named after the Dhutpapa, Kirana, Saraswati, Yamuna, and Ganges rivers.

This ghat is of significant religious importance and takes quite a bit of effort to reach. Located at this ghat is the Samadhi temple which commemorates Trailinga Swami, the Hindu yogi.

A 17^th Century Alamgir mosque can be found above the ghat. Built over a Vishnu temple by Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler, the mosque is still functional. Only Muslims are allowed inside the Mosque.

During the holy month of Kartik, you can see the ghat illuminated by candles. This is done about 15 days before and after Diwali. It ends with Dev Deepavali on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night.

10. It is believed that Buddhists use Tathagat Ghat or Buddha Ghat

Located in Sarai Mohana near Sarnath, Tathagat Ghat is one of Varanasi’s popular ghats. It’s at Sarnath that Tathagata Buddha gave a sermon to his first disciples.

Named after Gautam Buddha, this ghat is also known as Buddha Ghat. There is a Tathagata Buddha (Bhagavan) located at the Ghat campus. It is also believed that Buddhists use this ghat.