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Varanasi is symbolized by its
Ghats. There are as many as 81 Ghats in Varanasi for different
purposes. Some of them are related to particular deity while others
are simply to bathe. Some of the important Ghats of Varanasi include
Assi, Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Tulsi and Panch Ganga among others.
Tulsi Ghat is named after the famous 16th century poet Tulsi Das,
who spent many years on this Ghat composing the Ram Charit Manas. A
temple dedicated to Lord Ram stands on the Ghat. Another
historically important Ghat is Panch-Ganga Ghat. Panch -Ganga Ghat
as its name indicates, is where five rivers are supposed to meet.
Dominating the Ghat is Aurangzeb' s smaller mosque popularly called
Alamgir Mosque. Following are other important Ghats in Varanasi: -
Assi Ghat :
Assi is a clay-banked Ghat that stands at the southernmost part of
Varanasi where river Assi meets Ganges. This Ghat is the first when
you start walking from South towards the Manikarnika. It is
mandatory for the pilgrims to bathe at this Ghat before worshipping
at a huge lingam under a Peepal tree. There is another Lingam that
is worth visit. It is called Asisangameshvara or the "Lord of the
Confluence of the Assi". This has been placed in a small marble
temple just off the Assi Ghat.
Dasaswamedh Ghat :
Dasaswamedh Ghat falls second in line of the Panch-Tirtha Yatra.
When you start moving from Assi towards North then falls past the
plain, flat-roofed building that houses the shrine of Shitala. The
name of Dasaswamedh Ghat indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10
horses here. Conveniently central, it's one of the most important
and busiest ghats and therefore is a good place to linger and soak
up the atmosphere. Dasaswamedh is an extremely popular pilgrimage.
Manikarnika Ghat :
Manikarnika Ghat has a great significance not only in Hindu
mythology and way of life but also in the philosophies of life and
death. Manikarnika is basically a cremation Ghat. It is interesting
to know that cremation Ghats are usually placed outside the main
town, as they are considered inauspicious. Nevertheless this doesn't
stand true in the case of Varanasi where Manikarnika is situated
quite in the middle of town itself. This is precisely because the
entire city of Varanasi is considered a "Maha-Shmashan" or the Great
Cremation Ground. |
