Gangaa Aarti (गंगा आरती) Varanasi (also known as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi), is a North Indian city on the banks of the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh, India. Aarti also spelled arati, arathi, aarthi (from the Sanskrit word aratrika with the same meaning) is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered. #gangaaarti #ganga #varanasi #banaras #kashi #india #gangaghat #gangariver #varanasidiaries #rishikesh #haridwar #delhiboyashish #varanasighats #incredibleindia #travel #travelphotography #photography #assighat #mahadev #uttarakhand #uttrakhand #uttarpradesh #varanasiindia #ghatsofvaranasi #kashivishwanath #ganges #aarti #bhu #shiva #uttarakhandtourism (at Varanasi - Kashi - Banaras) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmRyYdehDjV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Manikarnika Ghat Kashi the place where salvation is attained, Manikarnika Ghat of Banaras has been described as the path of liberation. It is said that lighting a pyre at Manikarnika Ghat is a matter of good fortune. It is said that by performing the last rites at Manikarnika Ghat, a person attains salvation. Hence, there is no doubt that this place is considered as the holiest place for last rites among Hindus.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Here are some top tourist attractions in Varanasi:
Varanasi Ghats: The ghats along the Ganges River are the heart of Varanasi. See the spiritual rituals, take a boat ride at sunrise or sunset, and visit prominent ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this iconic temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. It attracts devotees from all over the world.
Sarnath: Located just outside Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum.
Assi Ghat: Known for its peaceful ambiance, Assi Ghat is a popular spot for yoga enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
Ramnagar Fort: Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, this 18th-century fort houses a museum showcasing vintage cars, royal artifacts, and weaponry.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Visit the sprawling campus of BHU, which houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the famous New Vishwanath Temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir: A unique temple dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of undivided India.
Book a Tempo Traveller on Rent in Varanasi for exploring these attractions comfortably.
There is no place like Banaras to experience eternal peace. The temples, people, shops, and most importantly the ghats are famous all over the world for their rich culture and tradition. The sacred city, Banaras is located on the banks of the river Ganga in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. All of the ghats hold immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus and are an integral part of the city's identity.
However, picking 5 ghats in Banaras will be helpful in guiding you through the streets of Benaras.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The oldest and most important ghat in Baranas is Dashashwamedh Ghat. Famous for the Ganga arti, the ghat is widely popular among tourists from all over the world. Every evening, people gather around the ghat to experience the blowing of conch shells, brass cymbals clanging, bells ringing, and veneration of the Ganga by the priest along with chanting mantras. The brass lamps are several tiers high, which create a magnetic illusion by the Ganga is very attractive. Ritualistic worship by the river will bring out the true essence of Banaras.
Assi Ghat
Situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers, Assi Ghat holds great religious significance. Visitors visit Assi ghat to seek blessings from the lingam of Lord Shiva, present beneath a peepal tree. During the worship of the lingam, priests chant mantras, and blow conches; spreading a spiritual flavour in the air. The Assi ghat is also famous for boat rides, early morning yoga sessions in Banaras, or just simply enjoying the morning breeze by listening to spiritual songs.
Manikarnika Ghat
Visiting the Manikarnika ghat in Benras will take give you a tour of Indian mythology. And if a cremation ghat can be a travelling site, it has to be the Manikarnika ghat. Near the Manikarnika ghat, a pond is present which says that Lord Vishnu dug it. So, Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti can bathe. A footprint near the pond signifies the foot of Lord Vishnu, where he meditated. As one follows the steps, one can see the famous Manikarnika well. The locals say that Goddess Parvati dropped her earring in the well and Lord Shiva dug a hole to find it. The depression is filled with water from the sweating of Lord Shiva.
Harishchandra Ghat
Located next to Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat is another significant cremation ground in Baranas. It is named after King Harishchandra, known for his unwavering truthfulness. It is believed that he worked as a cremator at this ghat as a result of a curse and eventually attained salvation. Based on this belief, people from different areas travel for hours to have their beloved cremated here. According to the atheist, cremating the dead in this ghat will get the dead person salvation like King Harishchandra.
Panchganga Ghat
Leaving Banaras without visiting the cleanest ghat in Banaras will be a crime. The Panchganga ghat is located at the confluence of 5 rivers; Ganga, Dhupapapa, Kirana, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Even though only one of the 5 rivers; Ganga remained on earth, there are five black stone idols that represent the five river goddesses. It is believed that bathing in the waters of this ghat can wash away sins and purify the soul.
Banaras has ghats more than any city can have. And all of the ghats carry the unique taste and essence of Vedas and Indian Mythology. Each ghat has its own unique history, mythology, and cultural significance, making Baranas a truly fascinating and spiritually vibrant destination. So, visiting the ghats in Banaras will be a one-time experience for any traveller.
Kashi 😍 ( Varanasi ) Beautiful sun rise with a beautiful person and the most beautiful place in the earth . . . . Morning at 5 this place is very peaceful you can feel ur positive side . . Ganga ji and the sun rise everyone want to see this moment but some lucky person get to chance to be there .. .. . @shraddha_vyas_4100 #sunrise #ganga #varanasi #ghatsofvaranasi #assighat #landscape #landscapelovers #photographe #followers #likeforlikes #instapic #instalike #photogenic #photowall #photos #photographs @shisti536 https://www.instagram.com/p/CdlZ7qCvmhe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Some important facts you should know before visiting Assi Ghat.
Assi Ghat is the most important pilgrimage destination of the city Varanasi. It is located on the southernmost part of the city and is among the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. This river got its name because of the confluence of Ganga and Assi River.
It is a mythical saying that Goddess Durga killed the demon Shumba-Nisumbha and after that her sword fell down and led to the emergence of a river and the Assi Ghat got its name, because of this. It is among the 5 pilgrims located in Varanasi and is known as the most authentic Ghats.
It is a saying that if a person takes a bath in the Ghat, he will become free of all the sins and curses. A huge Shivling is located under a Peepal tree, where people pay their homage after taking a bath.
Tulsidas lived in a cave on Assi Ghat only, and created Shri Ramcharitmanas and rested in peace over there.
This Ghat is a combination of societal, cultural and religious importance. It is a symbolic point of interest for both Indians as well as foreigners.
People start crowding the place from dawn to dusk on a daily basis just because of the religious significance so is prepared for the crowd, if you really want to visit the Ghat.
You can take a boat ride, if you want to see the mesmerizing sunset in the evening.
The place is overcrowded at the times of ekadashi, purnima and amavasya but in case you really want to take a dip in the river, be prepared for dealing with the crowd.
Mahashivratri is the best time to visit Assi Ghat; you can take a holy dip into the river and after paying homage to the huge shivling nearby.
The Assi Ghat is mentioned in many Hindu Holy Scriptures namely Karma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana and Agni Purana. People visit Assi Ghat for various reasons, to soak up the spiritual atmosphere, enjoy the famous night aarti and get a glimpse of the local culture. After twilight, the Ganga Aarti is breathtaking, with the echo of chants and spiritual giants performed by skilled saints (Pandas in Hindi). Birth, Mundan Sanskar, Upanayan, Marriage, Ganga Pujayya, and other rituals are performed. As a testimony, Manglik works and other festival celebrations are done at this ghat.
Ways to reach Assi Ghat Varanasi
Total distance between Assi Ghat and Varanasi Railway Station is around 8 kilometers. If you drive with your own conveyance it takes around 9 minutes. In case you are going to take a public conveyance, or a cab, it’s totally dependable on you. By public conveyance or cab, it will take around 15-20 minutes.
The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri international Airport in Babatpur that is almost 28 km from the Ghat and it takes about an hour to reach Assi Ghat from the airport.
CONCLUSION
if you really want to visit the Ghats of Varanasi and look for local culture, then distance does not matter. Everything that matters is your devotion and your willingness to get spiritual peace, as each and every Ghat and temple has a separate significance. Varanasi is a confluence of various ghats and temples and if you are visiting, visiting Assi Ghat is a must. You can enjoy mesmerizing sunsets, sitting on a boat in the middle of the river.