Lalita Ghat

Lalita Ghat Varanasi
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Lalita Ghat , near Mir Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, UP.

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24X7

Entry Fee:

No entry fee

Duration:

Approx 30 minutes

Famous For:

Lalita Devi Temple, Nepali Temple, Ganga Keshav Shrine & view of burning pyres at Manikarnika Ghat.

Festivals:

Navratri

Lalita Ghat is one of the religiously & historically important ghats of Varanasi. It is one of the popular ghats of the city and named after Goddess Lalita. Legend of Lalita Devi is related with opening of third eye of Lord Shiva, turning Kamadev into ashes, emergence of a demon called Bhand and the asura’s annihilation by a form of ‘adishakti’. In Hindu mythology, a group of ten godesses is collectively known as Maha Vidya or Dasha Mahavidya. Goddess Lalita is the most important goddess of that group. She is also the highest aspect of Goddess Adi Shakti. The complete incarnation of Goddess Lalita is Goddess Parvati. Also called Kameshwari, Goddess Lalita is Maha Tripur Sundari. Her consort is Kameshwar Mahadev. As per the legends, she is also known as Shrimad Raj Rajeshwari Devi and Lalitambika Devi. Being Adishakti, Lalita Devi is cause of everything.

Lalita Ghat is marked with several auspicious temples and historical buildings. Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple), Lalita Devi (Gauri) Temple, a dharmashala & a palace on top of Lalita Ghat are prime attractions. Rana Bahadur Shah, king of Nepal, built Lalita Ghat in early 19th century. Rana Bahadur Shah was on exile from 1800 AD to 1804 AD in Varanasi. During his period of exile, he titled himself as Swami Nirgunananda. He wanted to build a replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Varanasi. Pashupatinath Temple is a very famous and recognised temple of Nepal. He even started the construction during his exile period over there. But, before the construction of the temple was complete, the king had to move back to Nepal as his exile period was over. As he went back, he was murdered by his step brother, Sher Bahadur Shah and he could not complete the temple construction in Varanasi. So, the construction of the temple was taken over by his son, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah and he completed the temple. This temple is presently known as Nepali Mandir or Kathwala Temple. Since its walls also portray a large number of small-sized erotic sculptures, the Nepali Temple is also called as Mini Khajuraho. It is also built of the same wood that was used in Pashupatinath Temple of Nepal. The wood was brought from the forests of Nepal. The wood is totally termite free. Along with this, terracotta and stones are used for the temple construction. The temple is surrounded from all sides by Peepal and Tamarind trees. The Nepali Temple is a miniature replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The temple has some wooden figures. The doors of the temple are finely crafted. One can also find a lot of historical designs on the walls of the temple. Just right above Nepali Temple is a red coloured building, a ‘dharamshala’ (धर्मशाला) for the devotees to stay.

There is a highly venerated shrine of Vishnu, called Ganga Keshav, at Lalita Ghat. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here in the form of a ‘lingam’. Along with the shrine of Goddess Lalita, there are shrines of other deities like Kashi Devi, Gangatitya, Bhagirath Tirtha etc. Lalita Temple is quite famous among Hindu faithful. The devotees believe that having a glimpse of Goddess Lalita brings good luck, prosperity and happiness. Lalita Ghat is one of the most favourite ghats for the artists like painters & photographers. A lot of local and major festivals are celebrated at this ghat along with some personal festivities that people chose to celebrate here. Standing at Lalita Ghat, one can see the view of rising smoke from the pyres of Manikarnika Ghat. This ghat also has a water tank (कुण्ड).

Adjacent to Lalita Ghat is situated Lalita Palace, a two tier structure. Few shrines of 18th century and sculptures from 12th century are there in the palace. The palace also has an sculpture of Goddess Ganga. Her image is quite interesting as she is seen riding a crocodile. An interesting fact is that every year, the idol of Goddess Ganges submerges into the flood water.

The Lalita ghat is located close to Manikarnika Ghat. Its distance from Varanasi Railway Station is merely 4 km.

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