Darbhanga Ghat Varanasi : History, Timings, Entry Fee, Attractions

Darbhanga Ghat

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Darbhanga Ghat, near Ahilya Bai Ghat, Varanasi, UP

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24X7

Duration:

30 minutes

Significance:

Pilgrimage, Architecture & History

Darbhanga Ghat on the banks of River Ganga is located between Chausatthi Ghat and Babua Pandey Ghat. Darbhanga Ghat holds immense religious and historical significance in Varanasi tourism. The ghat is primarily dedicated to cremation and, therefore, various religious rituals related to the last rites during cremation are carried out on Darbhanga Ghat. It’s religious belief among the Hindus that death in Banaras and last rites on the ghats of Varanasi ensure salvation (‘moksh’- मोक्ष) and liberation (‘mukti’ - मुक्ति). On Darbhanga Ghat, not only cremation is carried out but also, rituals like ‘puja’ and immersion of ashes into Ganga are performed. Just like many ghats of Banaras city, Darbhanga Ghat too serves as an open crematorium. On top of Darbhanga Ghat is located a magnificent ancient building and a grand Shiva temple in Nilakantha area. There, one can also witness the shrine of Kukuteshwara. The Darbhanga Ghat is named after the royal family of Darbhanga. Darbhanga, presently a prospering district in Bihar, was, before India’s independence, a thriving and famous principality.

The steep and narrow structure of Darbhanga Ghat goes almost to the edge of the River Ganga. But, as soon as it reaches to Babua Pandey Ghat, it gets widened from that point. Huge buildings on top of Dashashwamedh Ghat & Rana Mahal Ghat are clearly visible from Darbhanga Ghat, as it is quite close to both of those ghats. Also, many religious activities performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat can also be easily viewed from here. Alongside Darbhanga Ghat is located a beautiful temple that has a huge Shiva Lingam. The premises of the ghat are quite friendly for the devotees as it offers all kinds of facilities for doing the rituals.

Darbhanga Ghat and the palatial building on top of it were built by Sridhara Narayan Munshi, finance minister of the state of Nagpur. That’s why, previously, it was called as Munshi Ghat. It was in 1915 AD, that the Brahmin king of Darbhanga, Bihar purchased & renovated this ghat. During the course of time, it started to be called as Darbhanga Ghat. It can also be said as an extended form of Munshi Ghat. The palatial building on the ghat is made of sandstones of Chunar. The building has beautiful porches along with some Greek pillars. There are some string steps on the roof. These string-steps were built in 1930 AD. Darbhanga Ghat area and buildings are known for beautiful and grand architecture. Darbhanga Ghat finds mention in ‘puranas’ as well. The Clarks Hotels Group had purchased Darbhanga Palace in 1994 AD. They have rechristened it as the Brajrama Palace. They have bought this with an aim to convert the palace into a 5 star heritage hotel. The work on this plan has started and half of the structure of the past has been modified as per the requirements of a hotel by now. This process is causing pollution issues which are also being addressed by the owner and civic authorities. Though the ghat area is looked after by Municipal Corporation, but, the religious people of the area also take part in its conservation.

The Darbhanga Ghat is located near the Ahilyabai ghat in the Bangali Tola area. It is approximately 300 metres from and exactly on the south of Dashashwamedh Ghat. Chousatthi Ghat is also nearby to Darbhanga Ghat. It is at a distance of 6 km from Varanasi Junction, main railway station.