Chausatthi Ghat

About Chausatthi Ghat
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Chausatthi Ghat, near Raj Ghat, Varanasi, UP.

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24X7

Entry Fees:

No entry fee

Duration:

30 minutes

Significance:

Pilgrimage, Architure & Chausatthi Devi Temple

The ghats of Varanasi are not only the landmark of the city but also a congregation destination of the pilgrims and the Hindu faithful to perform religious rituals. Out of 88 ghats of the city, the Chausatthi Ghat is one of the important ghats dedicated to Goddess Chauatthi. As the historical evidences point out, in early 16th century, King Pratapaditya of Bengal had built this ghat. But, it dilapidated over the years. In 1670 AD, the Chausatthi Ghat of Varanasi was re-built by the king of Udaipur, a historical kingdom in Rajasthan. The ghat gained fame due to being abode of an erudite Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Saraswati. It is known that Madhusudana Saraswati wrote Vedanta Kalpa Latika, Advaita Siddhi, commentary on Bhagvad Gita. Though he had philosophical conviction in Advait but was also apprised of the concept of Bhakti to Lord Krishna. With respect to Bhakti philosophy, he was more inclined towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s principles. The presently built structure of the ghat was constructed in 1807 AD and made ‘pucca’ by the government of Uttar Pradesh in 1965 AD. Two distinct portions of Chausatthi Ghat can be easily noticed - upper portion and lower portion. The lower portion of the ghat was built by King Digpatia of Bengal in 1830 AD. King Digpatia built a beautiful palace on the ghat. This palace is symbolic of aesthetics of Bengali art, architecture and designs. This is the reason, the lower portion of Chausatthi Ghat is also known as Digpatia Ghat. The first mention of the ghat & Chaunsath Yogini Temple is found in a Sanskrit scripture Girvaan Pad Manjari (गीर्वाण पद मंजरी). Nearby Chausatthi Ghat is located one of the famous ‘ashrams’ in Varanasi - Kashi Ashram, an abode of ascetics & a spiritual centre. The building of the ashram is noted for its exquisite architecture.

The stone-steps of Chausatthi Ghat lead to Chaunsath Yogini Temple. The idols of Goddess Kali and Goddess Durga are established in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The present Chausatthi Devi Temple was built after the earlier Chaunsath Yogini Temple in Rana Mahal got severely damaged. The Chaunsath Yogini Temple of Varanasi was similar to the temples of Chaunsath Yogini in Khajuraho, Jabalpur & Morena. The main idol of the Chausatthi Devi was placed in Rana Mahal till 18th century. Rana Mahal was a place near this ghat. But, later on, the statue was shifted to the present site. At the top of Chausatthi Ghat is located Chausatthi Devi Temple, adorned with ancient statues of Kali, Shiva, folk goddesses, Kartikeya and Ganesha. As per Hindu mythology, there are altogether 64 Yoginis. The Yoginis are considered as the ancient-most group of demigoddesses. Out of 64 idols, only 16 Yogini statues are remaining there in Varanasi. The Yoginis are the most ancient group of goddesses. Furthermore, out of these 16 idols, two are placed in the vicinity of the Chausatthi Devi Temple. These two idols are of elephant-headed Gajanan and peacock-headed Mayuri. These can be seen on the steps of the ghat.

The word Chausatthi is derived from the word Chaunsath which means number 64 in English. Chaunsatth is attributed to directional symbolism. It is suggestive of an association between the Mother Goddesses (8) and their assistant Goddesses (8). It is also interpreted as the division of space or the eight directions on Earth and their celestial realm. Hence, the archetype becomes 64. During the month of March / April or during the 12th dark half of Chaitra (a month in Hindu calendar), a large number of devotees visit Chausatthi Devi Temple to do worship. Taking holy dip into River Ganga on Chausatthi Ghat is a religious ritual and commonly seen. Another occasion when a large cache of pilgrims & devotees gather here is on the eve of Holi and pay homage rituals. Though the architecture of Chausatthi Devi Temple is normal but its religious significance is immense. The presiding deity of the temple is ‘Mahishasurmardini’. According to Kashi Khand, worship during Ashwin Navratri results in blessings of the goddess to satisfy the wishes of the devotees. The residents of Varanasi start celebrating Holi festival only after offering ‘abir-gulal’ to the goddess on Shukla Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi) of Phalgun month in Hindu calendar. There is a monument dedicated to King Pratapaditya near a Peepal tree at the top of the Chausatthi Ghat. This monument holds immense reverence among the Bengali populace. People of Bengali community come here frequently to perform several rituals, especially ‘Mundan Samskar’ of their sons.

The Chausatthi Ghat is located right next to Peshwa’s Raj Ghat. Entry into Chausatthi Ghat is free and one can visit and explore the ghat freely. Local people, public groups and the temple trusts take care of the maintenance of the ghat. The ownership of the Chousatthi Devi Temple lies with the Chousatthi Temple Trust. The municipal corporation of Varanasi is the body that has the ownership of the ghat.

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