The ghat finds mention in mythology and historical records. As per the mythology, the first few batches of Shiv Ganas sent to Kashi basically failed to return. Thereafter, Lord Shiva sent again a few more batches of his ‘ganas’ from Mandarachal Parvat (mountain) to Kashi. These Shiv Ganas too decided to stay at Kashi and installed Shivlingam to be known as Kshemeshwar. As per another version, there was a ‘gana’ (गण) of Lord Shiva, named Kshemak or Kshemesh. Kshemak was a demon. Kshemak installed ‘shivalingam’ and, therefore, is called Kshemeshwar Lingam. The 55th chapter of Kashi Khand states that one who worships Kshemeshwar Mahadev gets cleansed from the sins and attains bliss, happiness and prosperity in his / her life. The devotees are allowed to worship but without touching Kshemeshwar Lingam.
Kshemeshwara Ghat in Varanasi is located near Mansarovar Ghat. On the occasion of Mahashivratri and Nag Panchami, a large number of devotees land at ghat to have a holy dip in the Ganga before doing worship in the temple. In normal days, it is not frequented by the pilgrims. Among the regular visitors of Kshemeshwar Ghat are the people of Gaur caste (locally called Bhuja - भूजा) residing nearby. It is at a walking distance from Kedar Ghat. Entry to Kshemeshwar Ghat is free. The ghat is a stone-built staircase. The stone-steps are quite wide and work as a podium for religious rituals and platform for ablution and bath. It is open to visitors all the time.