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Ghats of Varanasi

Of the innumerable practices that Hinduism includes, it places great importance on water. The term Hindu itself is derived from Hind, the Persian translation of the river Indus. The infinite cycle of birth and rebirth until one has fulfilled their destiny and karma, is central to this religion. The means to get out of this vicious cycle of being born and reborn based on your deeds is to attain purity and eventually moksha. Thus, water has been integrated into many rituals and practices within Hinduism.

It only makes sense that Varanasi, the city of ghats on the river Ganges is perhaps one of the most sought after places for cremations. It is believed that if dipped in the river at the ghats of Varanasi, one rids oneself from all their sins, thus attaining moksha.

There are almost 100 ghats in Varanasi along the river Ganges that are mainly used for puja rituals and bathing. Of the 100, around 25 are widely popular among tourists. The ghats adorn the edges of the river like an intricate necklace. While the city is flooded with a constant crowd of locals, tourists, foreigners and students, Assi Ghat provides a place of peace and tranquility, away from the heart of the city. It is the southernmost ghat situated at the confluence of river Assi and Ganges. Worshippers of Lord Shiva bathe here and offer their prayers to the lingam erected in His name.

The Manikarnika Ghat, or simply put the burning ghat, is solely for this purpose. Throughout the day a thick black smoke rises from here as bodies are burnt and cremated continuously. Two thirds of the total number of cremations is held here, while the rest are held at the Harishchandra Ghat. A sight of this tradition truly makes one see life coming full circle, and how common an event death is.

Dasaswamedh Ghat is the heart and soul of all ghats. It comes to life every evening when a vibrant crowd makes its way towards the ghat for the daily Ganga aarti. It is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma ‘created’ Lord Shiva and welcomed him. And it is here, as is believed, that Lord Brahma sacrificed horses as part of a yagna to the sacred fire.

However, there is another side to Varanasi beyond its religious significance. The Darbhanga Ghat is the most photogenic of all, and also responsible for the commercialisation of the city. It is one of the most visually appealing and architecturally superior in the fray. The royal family of Bihar got it constructed in the early 1900s, along with a beautiful palace, which has now been converted into a hotel.

Each of these ghats has an interesting history attached to it. One of them is the Chet Singh Ghat. It was the battle ground for the war waged between Maharaja Chet Singh, ruler of Varanasi and the first British governor of India, Warren Hastings. Unfortunately, he was defeated by the British and had to resort to escaping.

Every ghat of Varanasi has a story attached to it, these are only a few. They breathe life into this vibrant and chaotic city; Varanasi wouldn’t be Varanasi without its ghats.

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Why is Assi Ghat called so

As the sun rises on the river Ganges, the ghats of Varanasi witness hordes of people making their way to the holy river, in order to pay their respects and conduct their daily puja. Although the city is chaotic and busy, the ghats offer a serene view over the water body where one can be at peace with themselves.

Of the 100, or so, ghats that are home to Varanasi, one of them is called the Assi Ghat. The city of Varanasi is known by many other names, but this particular name originated from the confluence of two rivers, Varuna and Assi. The birth of the river Assi has a mythological story behind it. It is believed that when Goddess Durga was fighting the demon Shumbha- Nishumbha, her sword struck the ground when she destroyed him, resulting in the inception of a stream, now known as the river Assi. The ghat, which came to be on this edge of the river, where the river Assi joins the Ganges, was thus named the Assi Ghat.

The ghat is situated near the Shivala in Varanasi. Although it may not be the most popular ghat amongst the many that the city has, it sees at least 300 people every morning and the number multiplies many folds during Mahashivratri and other auspicious Hindu festivals. It serves as a special favorite for a lot of people since it is situated in the south of the city, a little far away from all the hustle and bustle, providing a place of peace and tranquility while the river flows in front as the sun sets.

It is believed that a holy dip here, in the months of Chaitya (month of March/April) and Magh (month of Jan/Feb) — as well as some other significant events like solar/lunar eclipse, Probodhoni Ekadashi and Makar Shankranti — grant one the power to get rid of all their mortal sins. The Assi Ghat also sees mentions in Sanskrit literature such as Matsya Purana, Agni Purana, Kurma Purana, Padma Purana and Kashi Khanda.

The Asisangameshwar lingam, set up to pay respect to the lord of confluence is enshrined in a small marble temple. And it is here that Tulsi Das, a realized soul and saint, Hindu poet, penned down the Ramcharitmanas.

If one ever does visit Varanasi, one must go to the Assi Ghat, not purely for its mythological significance but to experience a more quiet and quaint aspect of Varanasi.