Best Ghat | Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi | TBI
- Anupama Y
- July 09, 2022
History of Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi
The Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi is the main Ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi is located near the Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular Ghat. There are two Hindu legends associated with it one is that Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva, and the other is that Brahma sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa-Ashwamedha-Yajna performance.
The current Ghat was built in 1748 by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. Decades later, the Ghat was rebuilt in 1774 by Ahilyabahi Holkar, Queen of Indore. Near the Ghat, overlooking the Ganges, is Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1737 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi is one of the oldest, most spectacular and important ghats, located on the banks of the Ganges near the ancient Vishwanath Temple in Kashgar. Dashashwamedh literally means ghat (river bank) of ten sacrificed horses (dash means 10, ashwa means horse and medh means sacrifice). There are two myths about ghat: Lord Brahma was created as Dashashwamedh Ghat to welcome Lord Shiva and the second is that ten horses were dedicated to Lord Brahma in the yajna. Dashashwamedh Ghat was rebuilt by Bajirao Pesava I in 1740 AD. It was later rebuilt in 1774 by the Queen of Indore (Princess Ahilyabai Holkar).
The sacrifice of ten horses is also believed to have been carried out by the Bhara Shiva Naga ruler in the second century. This Ghat is famous for the Agni Pooja event held here every night by a group of priests dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganges, Surya, Fire and the whole universe. Visitors can enjoy beautiful and colorful river bank views. On this stone step, a group of saints can be seen performing religious activities.
Nice to see the real attraction of this ghat at night when Gange Aarti is held here. Over the years, this Ghat has been a place of worship for devotees, pilgrims and tourists. Historically, it is considered the most popular and important altar among Hindu devotees. There are various religious temples and tourist attractions near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi Aarti
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi is famous for the magnificent event called Gange Aarti held every evening after sunset. Thousands of earthen lanterns dipped into the Ganges water like floating lanterns look magical and seem to be the main religious ritual of Hindu devotees. Gange Aarti is a religious event held on the banks of the Ganges by a group of young priests in saffron robes, holding puja thali and a large brass aarti lamp.
Gange aarti begins with the pounding of conch shells, followed by aarti with giant flame lamps and the chanting of mantras and aarti songs. The whole environment is filled with the light of lights. People start arriving at their destination at 5 pm in order to find a suitable seat to enjoy the view of Aarti. Some people, including tourists, enjoy watching Aarti from a boat on the river. The Maha Gange Aarti at Ghat, Kartik Purnima draws an incredible crowd.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi Aarati timings
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi Aarti Timings start at 07:00 PM to 07:45 PM in the summer season and in the winter season start at 06:00 PM to 06:45 PM
Facts worth knowing about Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi
- You can see a lot of ceremonies and activities at the ghat in the early morning.
- There are many different rites and religious practices that pilgrims carry out here.
- Soon after nightfall, the Ganga Aarti begins and lasts for around 45 minutes.
- Every morning, a few followers gather here to honour their Lord after taking a holy bath in the Ganges.
- Historically, Hindu devotees have regarded this ghat as their favorite and principal ghat.
- You can observe a lot of Hindu worshipers here during the festival.
- A coordinated ritual honouring Goddess Ganges is performed by a group of priests every evening. To see the event, thousands of pilgrims and numerous tourists flock to this ghat in the evening. In Varanasi, it is a significant location for photography.
- Near the ghat, there are many well-known temples and tourist destinations.
- One of the main tourist attractions is boating from the ghat. It is thought that boating during sunrise and sunset is more beautiful.
- It is believed that taking a ghat bath in the morning will wash away sins. The ghat is frequently filled with people taking baths.
- The ghat will host special ceremonies on Tuesdays and during holidays.
- It is believed to be a pious act to pour milk into the river from the ghat. Many worshippers may be seen adding milk to the river
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Accommodation Near Ghat:
There are numerous budget and luxury hotels found near Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi.
- Brijrama Palace
- Balaji Atithi Ashray
- Diamond Hotel
- Hotel Ganges Inn
- Sri Omkar palace
- Hotel SLE residency
Dashashwamedh Ghat Photos
For the evening Gange aarti, foreign tourists are heading to the Dashashwamedh ghat. On the boat, they are closer to the ghat. At the ghat, some boats are waiting to pick up passengers.
What an exquisite percent of the Dashashwamedh ghat stuck through our photographer inside the early morning. Everything is calling yellowish shadeation inside the morning due to the ghat lights. The sky seems of the actual natural herbal blue shadeation. Local devotees are coming to the ghat for bathing and reminiscent of their God.
How to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi?
There are several methods to go to Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi depending on your budget, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a private car.
By Auto Rickshaw: To get to Dashashwamedh Ghat from Varanasi Railway Station or Bus Stand, take an Auto Rickshaw for “Rathyatra,” which will cost you Rs. 10, then switch to another Auto Rickshaw for “Godaulia,” which will also cost you Rs 10. You can walk for 5 minutes from Godaulia to Dashashwamedh Ghat because vehicles are not permitted past this point.
By Car: From the bus or train station, you can rent a car that will take you to “Godaulia,” from which you must walk for five minutes to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Famous locations nearby to visit
- Dr Rajendra Prasad Ghat 1 minute away
- Ganges River 2 minutes away
- Abhay Varanasi Cruise 2 minutes away
- Banaras Ghats 3 minutes away
- Banaras Lanes 2 minutes away
- Man Mandir Ghat 3 minutes away
- Varanasi Remembrances 5 minutes away
- Varanasi City walk 2 minutes away
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple 2 minutes away
- Shakti Classical Music Center 4 minutes away
Location:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: Open 24 hours, daily
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