Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the Ganga River. A “ghat” is a northern-south Asian name referring to a series of steps leading down to a body of water and Holy River. Located close to Vishwanath Temple and one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dashashwamedh Ghat is thought of as the world’s most spectacular.
Dashashwamedh Ghat has attracted pilgrims, devotees and tourists for many years, who come to perform a variety of religious and rituals activities. Historically it is considered to be a favourite of all ghats and is of enormous religious significance with many coming to view or join in the Agni Pooja, the Worship to Fire with a dedication made to Lord Shiva and the whole universe. These take place each evening after sunset with special “aartis” religious rituals of worship, where thousands of earthen lamps are plunged into the Ganga water by a group of young priests draped in their distinctive saffron coloured dress. Then the blow of a conch, large flaming lamps and the chant of mantras starts this spectacular service. A popular way to view this is by boat on the river. Close by the Ghat and overlooking the Ganga is the “Jantar Mantar”, an observatory built in 1737 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Rajput ruler of the kingdom of Amber which was later called Jaipur.
Varanasi Airport serves Dashashwamedh Ghat, about 25 kilometres away. The bus stop for the area is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, cars, taxis and rickshaws are available from the airport, the nearest drop off point being a five-minute walk from the attraction as no vehicles are allowed beyond this limit. It’s a good idea to pick up a small guide/map for easier orientation of the many small streets and alleyways.
Two myths associated with this iconic landmark include stories that the Dashashwamedh Ghat was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva and the second that the Lord Brahma forfeited ten horses in a “yajna” ritual sacrifice here. The Dashashwamedh Ghat was reconstructed by the Queen of the Indore, the princess Ahilyabai Holkar, in 1774.