Introduction

Dashashwamedh Ghat is by far Varanasi's most popular ghat with locals and tourists alike. A kaleidoscope of images greet visitors here every morning – people bathing, some doing the suryunamaskaar (invocation to the Sun god), others performing yoga, holy men sitting under huge umbrellas, others going about their daily chores, masseurs plying their trade and boats drifting by, away from the banks with tourists soaking in the sights and sounds. Start early to enjoy the morning scenes at the ghat. Begin with a darshan of Kashi Viswanath Temple. It is open for the better part of the day. Thereafter spend sometime at the ghat. After soaking up the sun and local way of life, head for a cup of steaming malaai-wali chai (rich, creamy tea) at Vishwanath Gali, and follow it up with a lavish platter of aloo kachori and jalebi.

This, however, isn't the end of your Dashashwamedh Ghat experience. In the evening the ghat once again becomes a hub of activity with the Ganga Aarti holding center stage.

The ghat draws its name from a complex series of sacrifices performed by Brahma to test King Divodasa. This 'ten horse sacrifice' was supposed to be beyond the king. However, the sacrifice was performed to perfection. Ever since, Dashashwamedh has become one of the most celebrated pilgrimage points in the country. And a bath here is deemed to absolve one from all sins.

The ghat was renovated by the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao in 1740 CE.

Special Attributes

An ideal place to observe the Banarasi way of life

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Well connected by boats and rickshaws

Enjoyed by

Culture buffs

Exposure

Keep a cap/umbrella handy

Avoidable Season

July, August

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Great location for photography

Type of site

Ghat (river bank)