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" ADITYA DWIVEDI"
Geography and climate
The Ganges at sunrise at Varanasi
The Ganges at dawn (2008)
Location in India
Being located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India, the land is very fertile because low level floods in the Ganges continually replenish the soil.[48] Varanasi is often said to be located between two confluences: one of the Ganges and Varuna, and other of the Ganges and Assi, although the latter has always been a rivulet rather than a river. The distance between the two confluences is around 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), and religious Hindus regard a round trip between these two places – a Pancha-kroshi Yatra (a 8-kilometre (5 mi) journey) ending with a visit to a Sakshi Vinayak Temple – as a holy ritual.
Climate
Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cwa) with large variations between summer and winter temperatures.[49][50] The dry summer starts in April and lasts until June, followed by the monsoon season from July to October. The temperature ranges between 22 and 46 °C (72 and 115 °F) in the summers. Winters in Varanasi see very large diurnal variations, with warm days and downright cold nights. Cold waves from the Himalayan region cause temperatures to dip across the city in the winter from December to February and temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) are not uncommon. The average annual rainfall is 1,110 mm (44 in). Fog is common in the winters, while hot dry winds, called loo, blow in the summers.[51] In recent years, the water level of the Ganges has decreased significantly; upstream dams, unregulated water extraction, and dwindling glacial sources due to global warming may be to blame.[52][53]| [hide]Climate data for Varanasi | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 19 (67) |
24 (76) |
31 (87) |
37 (98) |
38 (100) |
36 (97) |
32 (90) |
31 (88) |
31 (88) |
31 (87) |
27 (81) |
22 (71) |
29.9 (85.8) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 8 (47) |
12 (54) |
17 (62) |
22 (72) |
25 (77) |
27 (80) |
26 (78) |
26 (78) |
24 (76) |
21 (70) |
15 (59) |
11 (51) |
19.5 (67) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 19.3 (0.76) |
13.5 (0.531) |
10.4 (0.409) |
5.4 (0.213) |
9.0 (0.354) |
100 (3.94) |
320.6 (12.622) |
260.4 (10.252) |
231.6 (9.118) |
38.3 (1.508) |
12.9 (0.508) |
4 (0.16) |
1,025.4 (40.37) |
| Source: [54][55] | |||||||||||||
Administration
Politics and law
Varanasi is governed by a number of bodies, the most important being the Varanasi Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation) and the Varanasi Development Authority, which is responsible for the master planning of the city. Varanasi is represented in the Parliament of India by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.Healthcare
Sushruta, the great surgeon and author of the Sushruta Samhita, the Sanskrit text of surgery lived in Varanasi. The city grew as a place for Authentic Ayurveda and Panchkarma treatment. Many Ayurvedic centres are here.[56] It has several hospitals, Varanasi Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Heritage Hospital, Varanasi, Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital, Sir Sundar Lal Hospital, Rajkiya Hospital, Mata Anand Mai Hospital, Ram Krishna Mission Hospital, Marwari Hospital, and a Cancer Institute.[57] The largest is Varanasi Hospital, established in 1964 by Dr. Baijnath Prasad.[58] The hospital, which in 2012 had 66 beds, serves Varanasi and surrounding districts and states, many of which rely on it for surgery.[58] Although the hospital suffers from a lack of funding, it has facilities such as X-ray, Ultrasonography, Echocardiography and a Pathology Lab.[58]The urban portion of Varanasi District had an infant mortality rate of 70 per 1,000 live births in 2010–2011.[59]
Public maintenance
Due to the high population density and increasing number of tourists, the state government and international NGOs and institutions have expressed grave concern for the pollution and pressures on infrastructure in the city, mainly the sewage, sanitation and drainage components.[60] Between 1985 and 1990, the Ganga Action Plan saw a Rs. 430.5 million renovation of five sewage pumping stations along the ghats and the installation of sewage treatment plants.[60] The sewage problem is exacerbated by the role of the Ganges in bathing and in river traffic, which is very difficult to control.[60] Varanasi's water supply and sewage system is maintained by Jal Nigam, a subsidiary of Nagar Nigam. Power supply is by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. The city produces about 350 million litres per day[61] of sewerage and 425 tonnes per day of solid waste.[62] The solid wastes are disposed in one landfill site.[63]Demographics
See also: List of cities in Uttar Pradesh
According to provisional data from the 2011 census, the Varanasi
urban agglomeration had a population of 1,435,113, with 761,060 men and
674,053 women.[64]The population of the Varanasi urban agglomeration in 2001 was 1,371,749m with a ratio of 879 females every 1,000 males.[65] However, the area under Varanasi Nagar Nigam has a population of 1,100,748[66] with a ratio of 883 females for every 1,000 males.[66] The literacy rate in the urban agglomeration is 77% while that in the municipal corporation area is 78%.[66] Approximately 138,000 people in the municipal area live in slums.[67]
Transport
Varanasi Junction, the largest station serving the city
Cycle rickshaws in a busy street in Varanasi
Varanasi Junction railway station
Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is approximately 26 km (16 mi) from the city centre in Babatpur.[68] The airport inaugurated a new terminal in 2010, and it was granted international airport status on 4 October 2012.[69][70] Air India, Buddha Air, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights from Varanasi to Delhi, Gaya, Kathmandu, Khajuraho, Sharjah, Lucknow, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata.[71] Over 330,000 passengers pass through the airport each year.[69]
Varanasi Junction, commonly known as Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, is the city's largest train station; more than 3.6 lakh passengers and 240 trains pass through each day.[72]
Economy
Banarasi sari
Selling chickpeas in Varanasi
Among manufacturing workers, 51% work in spinning and weaving, 15% work in metal, 6% work in printing and publishing, 5% work in electrical machinery, and the rest work in a wide variety of industry sectors.[76] Varanasi's manufacturing industry is not well developed and is dominated by small-scale industries and household production.[74]
Silk weaving is the dominant manufacturing industry in Varanasi.[77] Weaving is typically done within the household, and most weavers are Momin Ansari Muslims.[78] Varanasi is known throughout India for its production of very fine silk and Banarasi saris, brocades with gold and silver thread work, which are often used for weddings and special occasions. The production of silk often uses bonded child labour, though perhaps not at a higher rate than elsewhere in India.[79] The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer-generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk traders.[74]
In the metal manufacturing sector, Diesel Locomotive Works is a major employer.[76] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, a large power equipment manufacturer, also runs a heavy equipment repair plant.[80] Other major commodities manufactured and traded in Varanasi include hand-knotted Mirzapur carpets, rugs, dhurries, brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys, handicrafts, gold jewellery, and musical instruments.[77] Important agricultural products include betel leaves (for paan), langra mangoes and khoa (solidified milk).[76][81]
DLW manufactured locomotives hauling load across the nation.
Tourists shopping for jewelry in Varanasi
The prominent malls and multiplexes in Varanasi are IP Mall in Sigra, IP Vijaya Mall in Bhelupur, PDR in Luxa and JHV Mall in the Varanasi Cantonment area. The city has several banks, including the Corporation Bank, State Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Andhra Bank, Allahabad Bank, and the Central Bank of India.[86]
Main sights
Ramnagar Fort.
Museums in and around Varanasi include Jantar Mantar, Sarnath Museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan and Ramnagar Fort.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar observatory (1737) is located above the ghats on the Ganges, much above the high water level in the Ganges next to the Manmandir Ghat, near to Dasaswamedh Ghat and adjoining the palace of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Compared to the observatories at Jaipur and Delhi, it is less well equipped but has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person.[87]Ramnagar Fort
The Ramnagar Fort located near the Ganges River on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh with creamy chunar sandstone. It is in a typically Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. At present the fort is not in good repair. The fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Benares. It has been the home of the Kashi Naresh since the 18th century. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh who is also known as the Maharaja of Varanasi even though this royal title has been abolished since 1971.[88][89] Labeled "an eccentric museum", it has a rare collection of American vintage cars, sedan chairs (bejeweled), an impressive weaponry hall and a rare astrological clock.[89] In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten manuscript by Goswami Tulsidas. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers are also part of the collections. Because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges, it is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for films. The film titled Banaras is one of the popular movies shot here. However, only a part of the fort is open for public viewing as the rest of the area is the residence of the Kashi Naresh and his family. It is 14 kilometres (9 miles) from Varanasi.[88][89]
A view of the Ghat of Varanasi from the River Ganges
Ghats
Main article: Ghats in Varanasi
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha control. Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwas stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation sites. A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction. The extensive stretches of ghats enhance the river front with a multitude of shrines, temples and palaces built "tier on tier above the water’s edge".[20]
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varansi located on the Ganges, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Brahma created it to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa -Ashwamedha yajna performed here. Above the ghat and close to it, there are also temples dedicated to Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, Ganga (the Ganges), and Bandi Devi which are part of important pilgrimage journeys. A group of priests perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.[92]
The Manikarnika Ghat is the Mahasmasana (meaning: "great cremation ground") and is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. Adjoining the ghat, there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals. It is said that an ear-ring (Manikarnika) of Shiva or his wife Sati fell here. According to a myth related to the Tarakesvara Temple, a Shiva temple at the ghat, Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead. Fourth-century Gupta period inscriptions mention this ghat. However, the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in 1302 and has been renovated at least three times.[92]
Temples
Main article: Hindu temples in Varanasi
Among the estimated 23,000 temples in Varanasi,[43] the most worshiped are: the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva; the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple; and the Durga Temple known for the band of monkeys that reside in the large trees nearby.[95][96][12]
Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most important temple in Varanasi.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the sacred temples of the Hindu god Hanuman situated by the Assi River, on the way to the Durga and New Vishwanath temples within the Banaras Hindu University campus.[100] The present temple structure was built in early 1900s by the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University.[101] It is believed the temple was built on the very spot where the medieval Hindu saint Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman.[102] Thousands flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays, weekdays associated with Hanuman. On 7 March 2006, in a terrorist attack one of the three explosions hit the temple while the Aarti was in progress when numerous devotees and people attending a wedding were present and many were injured. However, normal worship was resumed the next day with devotees visiting the temple and reciting hymns of Hanuman Chalisa (authored by Tulidas) and Sundarkand (a booklet of these hymns is provided free of charge in the temple).[101] After the terrorist incident, a permanent police post was set up inside the temple.[103]
18th century Durga Kund Temple, also known as "Monkey temple", overlooking the kund..
While the Annapurna Temple, located close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, is dedicated to Annapurna, the goddess of food,[96] the Sankatha Temple close to the Sindhia Ghat is dedicated to Sankatha, the goddess of remedy. The Sankatha temple has a large sculpture of a lion and a nine temple cluster dedicated to the nine planets.[96]
Kalabhairav Temple, an ancient temple located near the Head Post Office at Visheshar Ganj, is dedicated to Kala-Bhairava, the guardian (Kotwal) of Varanasi.[96] The Mrithyunjay Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is situated on the way to Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple. A well near the temple has some religious significance as its water source is believed to be fed from several underground streams, having curative powers.[96]
The New Vishwanath Temple located in the campus of Banaras Hindu University is a modern temple which was planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas.[96] The Tulsi Manas Mandir, nearby the Durga Temple, is a modern temple dedicated to the god Rama. It is built at the place where Tulsidas authored the Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the life of Rama. Many verses from this epic are inscribed on the temple walls.[96]
The Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to the national personification of India, was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. It has relief maps of India carved in marble. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists, antiquarians and nationalist leaders, donated funds for its construction.[96]
Mosques
In the order of their importance the mosques in Varanasi are the Gyanvapi Mosque, the Alamgiri Mosque, the Ganj-e-Shaheedan Mosque and the Chaukhamba Mosque which cater to the prayer needs of 25% of the Muslim population out of total population of about a 1 million. Muslims have been residing in Varanasi since several generations starting from the rule of the Delhi Sultanate.Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan
Shri Guru Ravidass Park at Varanasi
It is the birthplace of Guru Ravidass. It was this city where two great saints of Bhakti Movement i.e. Satguru Kabir and Satguru Ravidass were born. The Janam Asthan Mandir of Guru Ji at Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi has now acquired the status of Begumpura (serenity) for Guru Ji’s followers and has become an Ultimate Place of Pilgrimage for them. Every year during birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass, the Mandir attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad.
Culture
Wall paintings, Varanasi, 1974
The main newspaper is Aj, a Hindi-language nationalist newspaper first published in 1920.[107] The newspaper was the bulwark of the Indian National Congress and today is still a major newspaper of Hindi northern India.[107]
Art lovers and historians like Rai Krishnadasa, his son Anand Krishna, musicians Omkarnath Thakur, Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi, Siddheshwari Devi, Lalmani Misra and his son Gopal Shankar Misra, Thakur Rajbhan Singh, N. Rajam, Anokhelal Mishra, Samta Prasad, Kanthe Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Gopi Krishna, Kishan Maharaj,[108]Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Chhannulal Mishra and numerous others have kept the city alive to the spiritual aspect of fine arts in addition to their ability to entertain. Numerous festivals are celebrated that preserve traditional styles of classical and folk culture. All night, open music concerts like those organised at Sankat Mochan Temple, Hori, Kajari, Chaiti Mela, and Budwa Mangal, are annual features that draw connoisseurs from near and far.
Varanasi is the hub of arts and crafts, particularly silks and brocades with gold and silver thread work, carpet weaving (with a carpet-weaving centre at Bhadoi), wooden toys, bangles made of glass, ivory work, perfumes, artistic brass and copper ware and a variety of handicrafts.[109][110] The former cantonment graveyard during British Raj is now the location of Varanasi’s Arts and Crafts.[111]
Religion
People performing Hindu ceremony at Kedar ghats of Varanasi.
Hinduism
Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations.[112] It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities (Sapta Puri), considered the giver of salvation (moksha).[113][114] Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses.[113] Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus come here to die.[115]As the home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga, it is very sacred for Shaivism. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peetha, where the temple to goddess Vishalakshi stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess Sati's earrings fell.[16] Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti.[116] Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here,[117] leading to the great Hindu revival.
In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of Varanasi District.[118]
Islam
Construction of the Mosque of Aurangzeb near the bank of the Ganges River at Varanasi.
Jain Ghat, Varanasi.
Others
At the 2001 census, persons of other religions or no religion made up 0.4% of the population of Varanasi District.[118]Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Jains along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the birthplace of Suparshvanath, Shreyansanath, and Parshva, who are respectively the seventh, eleventh, and twenty-third Jain Tirthankars and as such Varanasi is a holy city for Jains. Shree Parshvanath Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra (Digambar Jain Temple) is situated in Bhelupur, Varanasi. This temple is of great religious importance to the Jain Religion.
Sarnath, a suburb of Varanasi, is a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism.[119] The Dhamek Stupa is one of the few pre-Ashokan stupas still in existence, though only its foundation remains.[120] Also remaining is the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorating the spot where Buddha met his first disciples in the 5th century.[31] An octagonal tower was built later there.
Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for Shivratri in 1507 and had an encounter which with other events forms the basis for the story of the founding of Sikhism. Varanasi also hosts the Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi, and has an insignificant Jewish expatriate community. Varanasi is home to numerous tribal faiths which are not easily classified.
Dalits are 13% of population Of Varanasi city.[121] Most dalits are followers of Guru Ravidass. So Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan is important place of pilgrimage for Ravidasis from all around India.[122]
Religious festivals
On Mahashivaratri (February) – which is dedicated to Shiva – a procession of Shiva proceeds from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.[95]Dhrupad Mela is a five-day musical festival devoted to dhrupad style held at Tulsi Ghat in February–March.[123]
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti (March–April), the birthday of Hanuman with great fervour. A special puja, aarti, and a public procession is organized.[124][125] Starting in 1923, the temple organizes a five-day classical music and dance concert festival titled Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in this period, when iconic artists from all parts of India are invited to perform.[95][126][127][128]
The Ramlila of Ramnagar is a dramatic enactment of Rama's legend, as told in Ramacharitamanasa.[8] The plays, sponsored by Kashi Naresh, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days.[8] On the last day, the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king Ravana.[8] Kashi Naresh Udit Narayan Singh started this tradition around 1830.[8][129]
Bharat Milap celebrates the meeting of Rama and his younger brother Bharata after the return of the former after 14 years of exile.[95] It is celebrated during October–November, a day after the festival of Vijayadashami. Kashi Naresh attends this festival in his regal attire resplendent in regal finery. The festival attracts a large number of devotees.[129]
Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day music festival organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, held in November–December culminating a day before Kartik Poornima (Dev Deepawali). On Kartik Poornima also called the Ganges festival, the Ganges is venerated by arti offered by thousands of pilgrims who release lighted lamps to float in the river from the ghats.[95][123]
Annually Jashne-Eid Miladunnabi is celebrated on the day of Barawafat in huge numbers by Muslims in a huge rally coming from all the parts of the city and meeting up at Beniya Bagh.[citation needed]
Education
Main article: Educational institutions in Varanasi
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi is an Institute of National Importance in Varanasi
Schools in Varanasi are affiliated with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), or the U.P. Board.[citation needed] The overall "state of education in Varanasi is ... not good."[138] Schools in Varanasi vary widely in quality, with private schools outperforming government schools.[138] In government schools, many teachers fail to come to class or to teach children.[138] Some government schools lack basic equipment, such as blackboards and sufficient desks and chairs for all students.[138] Private schools vary in quality, with the most expensive conducting lessons in English (seen as a key to children's success) and having computers in classrooms.[138] Pupils attending the more expensive private schools (with tuition around 300 Rs./month in 2001–2002), tended to come from upper-class families.[138] Lower-cost private schools (with tuition around 50 Rs./month in 2001–2002) attracted children from lower-income families or those lower-income families with higher education aspirations.[138] Government schools tend to serve lower-class children with lower education aspirations.[138]
Music
Main article: Music in Varanasi
Saint Goswami Tulsidas Awadhi Hindi Poet and prorogator of Bhakthi music in Varanasi
Apart from the vocal music singers, Varanasi is also associated with many great instrumentalists like Ustad Bismillah Khan an iconic Sehnai maestro,[139] Pandit Ravi Shankar, the famous sitar player and musicologist who was given the highest civilian award of the country, the Bharat Ratna.[141]
Sport
Gate at Dr Sampurnanda Stadium
The Physical Education Faculty of Arts of Banaras Hindu University offers diploma courses in Sports Management, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology and Sports Journalism.[145]
Gymnastics is also popular in Varanasi, and many Indian girls practice outdoors at the ghats in the mornings which hosts akhadas, where "morning exercise, a dip in the Ganga and a visit to Lord Hanuman" forms a daily ritual.[146] Despite concerns regarding water quality, two swimming clubs offer swimming lessons in the Ganga.[147]
The Varanasi District Chess Sports Association (VDCSA) is based in Varanasi, affiliated to the regional UP Chess Sports Association (UPCSA).[148] Udai Pratap Autonomous College is also famous for its world class athletes like Prashanti Singh.[149]
NICE GHAT IN VARANASI--
List of ghats----
Chet Singh Ghat in Varanasi.
Kedar Ghat in Varanasi.
Jain Ghat in Varanasi
On The River Benares, 1883
- Mata Anandamai Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Ahilya Ghat
- Adi Keshava Ghat
- Ahilyabai Ghat
- Badri Nayarana Ghat
- Bajirao Ghat
- Bauli /Umaraogiri / Amroha Ghat
- Bhadaini Ghat
- Bhonsale Ghat
- Brahma Ghat
- Bundi Parakota Ghat
- Chaowki Ghat
- Chausatthi Ghat
- Cheta Singh Ghat
- Dandi Ghat
- Darabhanga Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Digpatia Ghat
- Durga Ghat
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (I)
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (II)
- Gaay Ghat
- Gauri Shankar Ghat
- Genesha Ghat
- Gola Ghat
- Gularia Ghat
- Hanuman Ghat
- Hanumanagardhi Ghat
- Harish Chandra Ghat
- Jain Ghat
- Jalasayi Ghat
- Janaki Ghat
- Jatara Ghat
- Karnataka State Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Khirkia Ghat
- Shri Guru Ravidass Ghat[5]
- Khori Ghat
- Lala Ghat
- Lali Ghat
- Lalita Ghat
- Mahanirvani Ghat
- Mana Mandira Ghat
- Manasarovara Ghat
- Mangala Gauri Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Mehta Ghat
- Meer Ghat
- Munshi Ghat
- Nandesavara Ghat
- Narada Ghat
- Naya Ghat
- Nepali Ghat
- Niranjani Ghat
- Nishad Ghat
- Old Hanumanana Ghat
- Pancaganga Ghat
- Panchkota
- Pandey Ghat
- Phuta Ghat
- Prabhu Ghat
- Prahalada Ghat
- Prayaga Ghat
- Raj Ghat built by Peshwa Amrutrao
- Raja Ghat / Lord Duffrin bridge / Malaviya Bridge
- Raja Gwalior Ghat
- Rajendra Prasad Ghat
- Ram Ghat
- Rana Mahala Ghat
- Rewan Ghat
- Sakka Ghat
- Sankatha Ghat
- Sarvesvara Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Shivala Ghat
- Shitala Ghat
- Sitala Ghat
- Somesvara Ghat
- Telianala Ghat
- Trilochana Ghat
- Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
- Tulsi Ghat
- Vaccharaja Ghat
- Venimadhava Ghat
- Vijayanagaram Ghat
- Samne Ghat
Popular ghats
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat
Two legends are associated with Manikarnika Ghat.[citation needed] According to one, it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu dug a pit with his Chakra and filled it with his perspiration while performing various penances. While Lord Shiva was watching Lord Vishnu at that time, the latter's earring ("manikarnika") fell into the pit. According to the second legend, in order to keep Lord Shiva from moving around with his devotees, his consort Goddess Parvati hid her earrings, and asked him to find them, saying that they had been lost on the banks of the Ganges. Goddess Parvati's idea behind the fib was that Lord Shiva would then stay around, searching forever for the lost earrings. In this legend, whenever a body gets cremated at the Manikarnika Ghat, Lord Shiva asks the soul whether it has seen the earrings.According to ancient texts, the owner of Manikarnika Ghat bought King Harishchandra as a slave and made him work on the Manikarnika at Harishchandra Ghat. Hindu cremations customarily take place here, though a majority of dead bodies are taken for cremation to the Manikarnik Ghat. According to other sources that Manikarnik Ghat is named after Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibhai.
Scindia Ghat
Early morning meditation on a Ghat on the Ganges, Varanasi
Varanasi Ghat at sunrise.
Maan-Mandir Ghat
Mana-Mandir Ghat: Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur built this Ghat in 1770, as well as the Jantar Mantar equipped with ornate window casings along with those at Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, and Mathura. There is a fine stone balcony in the northern part of the ghat. Devotees pay homage here to the lingam of Someswar, the Lord of the Moon.Lalita Ghat
Lalita Ghat: The late King of Nepal built this Ghat in the northern region of Varanasi. It is the site of the Ganges Keshav Temple, a wooden temple built in typical Kathmandu style,The temple has an image of Pashupateshwar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Local festivals including musical parties and games regularly take place at the beautiful Assi Ghat which is at the end of the continuous line of ghats. It is a favorite site of painters and photographers. It is here at the Assi Ghat that Swami Pranabananda, the founder of Bharat Sevasharam Sangh,attained 'Siddhi' (fulfilment/success) in his 'Tapasya' (endeavor) for Lord Shiva, under the auspices of Guru Gambhirananda of Gorakhpur.Other
Man Singh of Amber built Maan-Sarowar Ghat. Maharaja of Darbhanga built Darbhanga Ghat. Tulsidas wrote Rāmacaritamānasa at Tulsi Ghat. Devout Jains visit Bachraj Ghat in particular because it has three Jain temples near the river's banks.The headquarters of the Sri Kashi Math Samsthan, a spiritual school followed by the Konkani speaking Goud Saraswat Brahmins, is located in Brahma Ghat.
Cremation on Ghats
Cremations in progress at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
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