Introduction

The Ganga Mahal Ghat is called after a palation structure built by the ex-Maharaja of Banaras to the north of Assi Ghat. In actuality, other from the beautiful sculptures depicting the Rajput and adjacent architectural magnificence of the 16th century, Ghat has little cultural value. The Ganga Mahal Ghat is one of Varanasi’s main ghats on the Ganges River. The ghat was built in 1830 CE by the Narayan dynasty and is located north of Assi Ghat. It was originally built as an expansion to Assi Ghat.

In 1830, the Narayan dynasty built a palace in Varanasi beside the Ganga. The palace became known as the “Ganga Mahal.” The ghat was given the name “Ganga Mahal Ghat” because the Mahal was built atop it. The two ghats are separated by stone stairs between Assi Ghat and Ganga Mahal Ghat. The lower floors of this palace house Hemang Agrawal’s design studio, while the upper floors are home to Karlstad University’s “Indo-Swedish Study Centre.”

History & Significance

Gwalior Maharaj Jayajirao Scindia bought the Ghat in 1864, paved it, and built a Grand Palace on it. This is known as Ganga Mahal Ghat because of the existence of a Mahal on the Ganga’s bank. The architecture and art of this Mahal are well-known. At the bank of the Ganga, two access gates are provided for the Mahal. The Radha-Krishna temple of Nagar Shaili is located within the Mahal, and it is here that festivals and celebrations commemorating Krishna Janmashtmi, Ramnavmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shivratri, and other major festivals are held.

A Krishna Leela is also held here, during which Brahmins are given alms and meals. Aside from it, the 18th-century Lakhsminarayan Temple is also located here. Ghat is currently clean and well-maintained. Despite the fact that it has of minor religious significance, people bathe in this Ghat. The Irrigation Department rehabilitated the Ghat with the support of the State Government. This Ghat is mostly used by locals to bathe. Near this Ghat, people from Gujarat and Maharashtra live.

How To Reach?

The ghat is located in Varanasi’s Shivala region, near Assi Ghat. The ghat is located 2.5 kilometers from the Hindu University of Banaras (BHU). 

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Ghat is the months of May-July and October-Mid December.

Things to do here

This ghat is known for having an antique Shiva sanctuary on the coast that is partially buried in the Ganga River. It is also known for the pyres used to burn the bodies of the dead. Enthusiasts arrive early in the morning to do contemplation and have an excellent experience. In these current circumstances, people travel from all corners of the country to the Ganga River to cleanse themselves of their previous sins.

Tourist Attractions In The Area

The Ganga Mahal Ghat never fails to pique the interest of first-time visitors to Varanasi’s sacred city. What else can one do but admire the magnificent stone brown edifice that soars into the blue skies, its fortress-like facade looking down benevolently on the Ganges, its bathing pilgrims, and the lovely boats? Keep an eye out for the intricate stone sculptures that resemble Rajput architecture.

Some Nearby Attractions include;

  1. Kashi Vishwanath temple

  2. Electric Crematorium

  3. Sankata Ghat

  4. Bhonsale Ghat

  5. Shri Siddh Hanumanji Nyas

  6. Scindia Ghat

  7. Dattatreya Paduka Mandir

  8. Peshwa’s Sree Ganesh Mandir.