With a bright paint and a distinctive lay out, Niranjani Ghat has a vivid appeal contrasting to the general rustic atmosphere the ghats create. Four temples which has the footprints of Niranjani Maharaj Durga Gauri Shankar are located in this ghat, which was once part of the Chet Singh Ghat. These temples are adorned with an array of interesting pictures of Ganga as well. The ghat also has a historic connection with Naga Sadhus, the Himalayan ascetics, who created an Akhara (traditional wrestling arena)here in the 19th Century.
Pointing to a time when horse sacrifice was common, the translation of the name Dasashwamedh says 'the place where ten horses were sacrificed'. Hindu mythology says the creator Brahma did a sacrifice here to let Lord Shiva get back to Varanasi; and thus it is one of the most auspicious sites for Hindus all over the world. This is the site of the stunning Ganga Aarti, which is performed daily on the raised platforms on the ghat with seven priests doing choreographed ritualistic offerings to mother Ganga. Considered as the most important ghat along the banks of Ganga, a large number of guesthouses and restaurants are located around the area. The main burning ghat, Manikarnika is towards the north. One of the most ancient sites in the city, Dasaswamedh Ghat is a legendary sight filled with tourists and pilgrims.
Founded by Ruchika Mehrotra, a Master of Fine Arts degree holder from the esteemed Banaras Hindu University, Ruchika Art Gallery is truly a treasure trove of traditional Indian crafts. The talented artists recreates the breathtaking Varanasi ghats on her canvas, while also weaves magic with antique replicas and Ganesha models. The atmosphere at the gallery is quite welcoming and ambient, complete with soothing music being played in the background and the courteous staff bringing you a cup of tea as soon as you walk in.
The Sankata Ghat was once part of the Ganga Mahal Ghat until a split occurred which saw an important palace changing hands to the Ganga Mahal Ghat. Named after the intimidating Goddess Sankata which literally translates into 'Goddess of Dangers', the Sankata temple is not located right on the waterfront but further up in the alleys behind. Worshipers flock here to seek protection from their ten-handed 'Fierce Mother' who is believed to protect her devotees from harm.
The word Sankat Mochan translates to freer of troubles - and that's the tag devotees have put on the deity of this temple, Lord Hanuman. A busy religious sight in the holy city of Varanasi, the temple was restructured in the early 20th Century by the founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Inside the temple there are dual shrines of Hanuman and Shri Ram facing each other. The main offering here is the delicious Indian sweet Laddu. A must-visit location in Varanasi, Sankat Mochan temple is only minutes away from the popular Tulsi Manas Mandir and the stunning Durga Temple.
Traditionally this ghat represents the 64 yoginis (female mystics) of Hindu mythology who emerged from the primary goddess. The mystifying symbolic depiction of feminine power and its deep-rooted association with India's spiritual traditions that is lingering at the Chausatti Ghat is worth a study. This Ghat, on the banks of Ganges, has a temple dedicated to the yoginis. Renovated in the 17th Century, this is a major site of pilgrimage and many take a ritualistic dip in Ganga from here. With ceremonial ecstasy of colors, Holi, the color festival of India is celebrated here enthusiastically.