kashibanaras

MAN MANDIR

GHAT

Introduction

The Man Mandir Ghat is as beautiful as it is massive. It is also known as Someswara Ghat, as it is located north of the Dashashwamedh Ghat and contains a lingam of Lord Someshwar (another form of Lord Shiva). Maharaja Man Singh of Amer constructed the ghat around 1600 AD, along with a splendid palace in near proximity. With its exquisite window carvings and other magnificent features, the palace is a notable tourist destination in and of itself. The Jantar Mantar, a royal observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 AD, is located on the roof of the palace. If you go to the northern half of the balcony, where there are stone balconies, you’ll be treated to some spectacular views over the city.

History & Significance

Raja Mansingh, the 16th century King of Amer (Rajasthan), built the Ghat, Mahal, and temple at Ghat. Ghat was named after Raja’s surname, Man temple Ghat. In the year 1831, James Prinsep was the first to mention this Ghat. According to Geevaarnpadmanjari, the ghat was previously known as Someshwar Ghat. Ghat was recognized by its previous name until the 18th century. This ghat is known for its large Artistic Palace and Nakshatra Vaidhshala, in addition to its religious and cultural significance. The palace is a magnificent example of the Mathura Govardhan temple and the Rajasthani Rajput Durga Shaili of the North Medieval Period. Raja Sawai Jai Singh, a descendant of Raja Maan Singh, established the Nakshatra Vaidhshala in the 17th century, and the map was prepared by Samrath Jagannath, a prominent Astrologer of Raja Sawai Jai Singh. Samrat Yantra, Laghu Samrat Yantra, Dakshiniottat Bhitti Yantra, Naadi Valay Yantra, Dishaang, and Chakra Yantra can all be found in Vaidhshala. The Mahal is currently being conserved by the Archaeological Department of India. Currently, Ghat is home to Adlameshwar Shiva temple, built by Raja Maan Singh, and Someshwar temple, built in the 19th century, as well as Rameshwar Shiv and Sthuldant Vinayak temples. Ghat is currently clean and being used by locals for bathing and other purposes. Even today, tourists from all over the world are drawn to its magnificent architecture. The Ghat was restored in 1998 by the Irrigation Department in partnership with the State Government.

How To Reach?

This ghat performs its purpose at a distance of 5 km from Varanasi Junction. The ghat is just beside Dasashwamedh Ghat, giving it a serene view to capture. 

Tourist Attractions in the Area

The ghat is littered with various temples, including Rameshwara Temple, Sthuladanta Vinayaka, and Someswara temples, and is located on the western side of the River Ga on. The Someswara Temple in Gujarat is an exact duplicate of the Someshwara lingam. Many Hindu devotees come to this Ghat to worship Someshwar. There are additional tourist attractions in Varanasi that you can visit and discover after visiting Man Mandir Ghat. A few of them are listed below;
  • Alamgir Masjid
  • Nepali Temple
  • Dhamek Stupa

Best Time To Visit

The optimum time to visit is in the early morning hours. 

The breathtaking vistas, especially at dawn and twilight, may tempt you to stay a little longer than normal. It is one of the most beautiful spots not only in Varanasi but also in India, as it is located on the banks of the Ganga.