Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi

Dashashwamedh Ghat
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Dashashwamedha Ghat, Godaulia, Varanasi - 221001

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24x7

Entry Fee:

Free

Duration:

Approx 1-2 Hours

Cultural Celebrations :

Ganga Aarti, Budhva Mangal, Ganga Dashahara, Ganga Mahotsav, Dev Dipawali

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest and most beautiful ghat among all the ghats situated on the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi. Peshwa Baji Rao had constructed this ghat in 1735 AD. The history of Dashashwamedh Ghat is thousands of years old. Dashashwamedh Ghat means the sacrifice of ten horses. Dasashwamedh Ghat on the River Ganga in Varanasi is practically the central ghat in the city, and the only one which has a carriage approach to it there. It is not only central in position, but is a spot of great sanctity. In ancient texts, Dashashwamedha Ghat is mentioned as Rudra Sarovar Ghat and the Ganga, in front of it, is considered as Rudra Sarovar Tirtha. A holy dip in Rudra Sarovar Tirtha destroys all sins and ensures attainment of liberation from the cycle of birth & rebirth.

According to legends, Lord Brahma had organized a yajna to bring Lord Shiva back from exile. It is unclear that in this yajna, ten horses were sacrificed for calling Lord Shiva, or ten horses were sacrificed in joy on their arrival, after the yajna, Lord Shiva had returned or did not ... There is no description about it. Of course, there is a legend about this name, and it is of interest on account of its connection with the name of Divodas. Divodas is credited with having turned all the gods out of Benares, including Shiva. The story runs that Shiva and his consort Gauri were discussing the position of affairs between themselves as they abode together at Mandarachal. They decided to obtain the help of Brahma, who should go to Benares and see if he could not in some way or other mend matters. Accordingly Brahma mounts his steed, a goose, and is away to Benares. He cogitates how he can overthrow Divodas by involving him in some sinful act which will weaken his power, and thus open the way for the return of the ejected gods to Benares. The plan he adopted was to ask from Divodas the necessary materials for a special sacrifice, knowing that if any mistake were made in any detail Divodas would incur sin and thus be undone. Brahma makes his request and takes his seat at Dasashwamedh Ghat. The necessary materials for, not one but ten, sacrifices are duly sent, and are exactly right in every particular. Brahma then offers up the ten horse sacrifice. The ghat is thus consecrated forever, and henceforth to bathe here is as efficacious as bathing at the Tribeni in Allahabad. Brahma, unsuccessful in his original mission, is ashamed to return to Mahadeva, and settles down contentedly in Benares. At this ghat are two images, Dasashwamedheshwar and Brahmeshwar, the worship of which is supposed to secure deliverance from the necessity of future births.

According to legend, in the second century, the Bharshiv rulers took holy dip at this place after defeating Kushanas and performing Dashashwamedha yajna. Given the historical significance, Dashashwamedha Ghat is considered to be Varanasi's most prominent ghat. It’s the ghat that is most visited by the tourists. Most of religious festivals are organized and celebrated here. A grand ‘arti’ is organized here every evening. The arti offers a panoramic view and the audience gets amazing joy.

Religiously, culturally & historically most famous among ghats of Varanasi, the Dashashwamedha Ghat houses four architecturally small temples of Ganga, Kali, Ram Panchayatan and Shiva. Various Hindu samskars are performed on this ghat. After Durgapuja, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja and Ganeshotsava, the idols are immersed in the Ganga at Dashashwamedha Ghat. On Dev Dipawali, the ghat is decorated with traditional earthen lamps (diyas) which illuminate the ghats. Ganga Mahotsav, a classical music festival, is organized by the State Government in the Ganga in front of the ghats by constructing a grand platform by adding multiple boats. Another folk festival Budhva Mangal is also celebrated on Dashashwamedha Ghat.

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Destination : Delhi- Jaipur-Abhaneri- Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh

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