Narad Ghat Varanasi

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Nepali Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, U.P.

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24X7

Entry Fee:

No entry fee

Duration:

30 Minutes

Significance:

Religious shrines, traditional architecture & religious activities

Varanasi garners immense religious prominence for Kashi Vishwanath, one of the Dwadash Jyotirlingam, and Ganga, the holiest river. The city holds a unique charm among the tourists who reach here not only from all parts of India but also from various countries of the world. Known as the oldest living city of the world, Varanasi is the epitome of culture and heritage tourism for its temples, ashramas (monasteries), ghats, narrow alleys, higher learning, arts, crafts, historical monuments, cuisines and lifestyle. Ghats on the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi figure out in the long list of tourist attractions in Varanasi. Ghats are broad step stones where various cultural and religious activities are routinely performed. Hence, these are very sacred and mostly remain abuzz with local people, priests, Hindu devotees, globe trotters, photographers, tourists, travellers etc. Cremation and last rites are also performed on select ghats.

There are 88 ghats in Varanasi and Narad Ghat is one of them. It has been named after Narad Muni, a celestial Vedic sage. As per Hindu scriptures, Narad Muni is considered as Manas-Putra (born out of mind rather than body) of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. He frequently keeps reciting Narayan – Narayan, another name of Lord Vishnu. Regarded as one of the great masters of ancient musical instruments, Narad is seen carrying ‘Kartal’ & ‘Veena’ in pictorial, sculptural and literary depictions. Known for travelling long distances and the three ‘Lokas’ (realms– ‘Swarg Lok’, ‘Prithvi Lok’ & ‘Pataal Lok’) in a moment, Narad was the first messenger and a storyteller. He is believed to be exponent of Bhakti Yoga. Narad Bhakti Sutra is attributed to him.

Narad Ghat, previously known as Kuvai Ghat, was constructed by Dattatreya Swami in 1788 AD. Dattatreya Swami, a monastery chief, considered as the incarnation of Lord Shiva, he was the Adi-Guru of Adinath sect of the Nath Sampradaya of Shaiv tradition. He exhibited several traits of ‘Tantra Yaga’. There is a temple, called Naradeshvara (Shiva) Temple, at the Narad Ghat which houses four idols of Atrishvara, Naradeshvara, Vasukishvara, and Dattatreyaeshvar. In lighter public conversation, Narad Muni, the messenger, is sarcastically said to be backbiting. Since backbiting harms the relationships, therefore, a myth got associated with this ghat. It is believed that the couples should not take bath together at Narad Ghat as it may lead to differences and contentions among the spouses. But, it is widely believed that if holy dip is taken alone at this ghat, the devotee will attain ‘moksha’ (liberation).

Narad Ghat remains mostly crowded throughout the day. Since, the local civic body, Varanasi Mahanagar Palika takes care of the cleanliness, safety and up-keep, it can be visited any time. Reaching Narad Ghat is easy. No entry fee is applicable.