HARISH CHANDRA
GHAT
Introduction
Harishchandra Ghat is also one of Varanasi’s oldest ghats, according to residents. It is greatly revered by both locals and visitors, and it is thought that, like Manikarnika Ghat, being cremated here leads to salvation. The ghat, like all such sacred sites, has a gloomy appearance most of the time. Boats waiting to transport travelers to the opposite side of the sacred River Ganga can be found at the bottom of the steps leading to it. Smoke rises with seriousness somewhere else before merging with the air above. The entire scene serves as a reminder of your mortality and how brief everything is.
History & Significance
The ghat was given the name Harish Chandra Ghat since it was here that King Harish Chandra performed cremation work for truth and compassion. As a result, the ghat was given the name Harish Chandra Ghat. People believe that because of Raja’s good deeds, God has rewarded him with his recovered lost throne and the return of his deceased son.
Harish Chandra is one of Kashi’s two cremation Ghats (the other being Manikarnika Ghat). Because it is believed that whoever is cremated here receives Moksha, people from all over the world bring the bodies of their loved ones to be cremated here. On this ghat, no definite day or hour for the start of cremation is mentioned. Shamshan’s presence at the time is attested by the presence of a century. According to Granths, those who die here are liberated from Bhairvi Yatna and are saved.
The Kedareshwar Antargrahi Yatra begins after having a bath at this ghat, according to Kedarmahatmya. At the moment, this ghat is only used for cremation. Before 1988, the ghat was a hub for sand sale and purchase; however, once the ghat was designated as pucca, this practice of sale and purchase ceased, and an electronic crematorium was created here, which functions alongside conventional cremation. On this ghat, there are three Shiv temples, the most important of which is Kamkotishwar temple (Shiv Mandir). This temple was built in the South Indian Sthapatya Shaili style.
How To Reach?
This ghat performs its purpose at a distance of 2 km from Assi Ghat and 6 km from Varanasi Junction.
Tourist Attractions in the Area
There are various sites to visit in Varanasi that are close to Harishchandra Ghat that you may take your friends and family to.
- Nepali Temple
- Manmandir Ghat
- Dhamek Stupa
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Ramnagar Fort
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
Best Time To Visit
The optimum time to visit is either in the morning or in the evening. However, due to high demand, finding boats early in the morning and by sunset is difficult. Winter is the best time to visit the Ghats because of the weather. The winter season commences in October and remains till March. The worst time to visit is during the peak monsoon season, which runs from July to August.
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