DASHASHWAMEDH
GHAT
Introduction
Dasashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest, most spectacular, and significant ghats in Kashi, located on the Ganges near the old Vishwanath Temple. The Ghat (river front) of the ten sacrificial horses is the literal meaning of the Dasashwamedh (Das means 10, Ashawa means horse, Medh means sacrifice).
History & Significance
There are two legends regarding the ghat: the first is that Lord Brahma built the Dasashwamedh ghat to welcome Lord Shiva, and the second is that Lord Brahma slaughtered ten horses here in a yajna. In the year 1740 AD, Bajirao Pesava I restored the Dasashwamedh ghat. In the year 1774, it was renovated by the Queen of Indore (princess Ahilyabai Holkar).
The Bhara Shiva Naga monarchs are also thought to have performed the 10 horses sacrifice in the second century. This ghat is well-known for the Agni Pooja, which is performed here every evening by a group of priests dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ganges, Surya, Agni, and the entire world. The great and colorful riverfront view is available to visitors. At this ghat, a group of sadhus may be observed performing religious exercises.
When Ganga aarti is held here in the evening, it is amazing to behold the true beauty of this ghat. For years, this ghat has served as a sacred site for devotees, pilgrims, and tourists alike. It is historically regarded as the most popular and important ghat among Hindu worshipers. There are several religious sites and tourist attractions near the Dasashwamedh ghat.
Because of the ghat’s various religious significance, Hindu devotees flock in large numbers during major festivals. With the different Hindu God temples and holy locations, the ghat has maintained its charm. Pilgrims come here to participate in a variety of religious ceremonies and activities. The evening Ganga Aarti at this ghat draws a large gathering from all across the city. Some devotees come here every morning after taking a holy bath in the Ganga river to pay tribute to their Lord.
If one spends some time in this ghat, he will be filled with spiritual notions. Because of the gorgeous surroundings, safe atmosphere, and cold and fresh air, several individuals practice daily meditation at the ghat in the early morning. Spending time here makes one feel as if they are sitting in heaven. The sunrise and sunset images in the morning and evening, respectively, are breathtaking and add a unique tint to the Ganga sea.
How To Reach?
There are numerous ways to go to Dasashwamedh Ghat, based on your budget. You can take a rental vehicle or a private car.
By Auto Rickshaw: To get to Dasashwamedh Ghat from Varanasi Railway Station / Bus Stand, take an Auto Rickshaw for ‘Rathyatra’ and pay Rs 10, then change to another Auto Rickshaw for ‘Godaulia’ and pay Rs 10. Because no car is allowed beyond this limit, you can walk 5 minutes from Godaulia to Dasashwamedh Ghat.
By Car: You can hire a car from a bus stop or a railway station and have it drop you off in ‘Godaulia.’ From Godaulia, walk 5 minutes to Dashashwamedh Ghat because no vehicle is allowed beyond this point.
Distance:-
Dashashwamedh Ghat and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple – 650 M
Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat – 1 KM
Dashashwamedh Ghat and BHU campus – Approx 4 KM
Dashashwamedh Ghat and Varanasi Cantt railway station – Approx 5 KM
Dashashwamedh Ghat and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport – 26 KM
Dasaswamedh Ghat Aarti
Dasashwamedh ghat is known for the huge event known as Ganga Aarti, which takes place every evening after sunset. Thousands of earthen lanterns are plunged in the Ganga water as a floating lamp, which looks incredible and appears to be a major Hindu holy ritual. The Ganga aarti is a religious ceremony done by a group of young priests dressed in saffron robes, carrying a puja thali and a large brass aarti lamp on the banks of the Ganga River.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Evening Aarti timings
During Summers | 7:00 PM |
During Winters | 6:00 PM |
Total Duration | Approx 1 Hours |
The best time to visit Dasashwamedh Ghat is on KARTIK PURNIMA.
There is NO ENTRY FEE for any ghat in Kashi.
The Aarti begins right after sunset and continues for for 1 hour. Summers start approximately seven p.m. due to late sunsets, whereas winters begin around 6 p.m. This area has a sacred aura that you won’t find anyplace else, and it’s definitely a step closer to God.