Dashashwamedh Ghat- Importance

Ganges Attraction- Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is Varanasi's main attraction in the Ganges. Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this is probably the most spectacular Ghat and is quite famous for Ganga Aarti. This is the best place to see Ganga Aarti. Dashashwamedh Ghat is almost in the middle of a long line of Ghats in Varanasi. To the north is Raj Ghat, where the city once thrived. To the south is Assi Ghat, very popular with bohemians. Dashashwamedh Ghat Banaras is also easiest to access by road, while most others are reached via narrow streets.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - History and Holy Significance

Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Brahma is said to have created this Ghat to welcome Shiva to this city that would always be known by his name.

It is also believed that Lord Brahma performed a special ritual of vengeance there in front of a sacred fire. The coming and going of the carnival is captivating, with a constant stream of pilgrims, Hindu priests, florists and beggars from morning till evening. You can sit and watch the views for hours without getting bored.

Literally, Dashashwamedh means 10 Ashwamedha Yagnas. Ashwamedha Yagna is a ritual performed by kings to establish their supremacy over the region.

In the past, Rani Ahilya Bai rebuilt Holkar from the Malwa ghat in the late 18th century.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - Alliance with Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and extensive.

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, there are two platform games in two different parts of the Ghat. Colorful pavilions adorned with flowers rise on each platform, which is attached to an electric light pole. On top of each platform is another small platform covered in saffron fabric that contains all the veneration objects: flowers, a copper-colored water pot, a damp cloth for heavy and hot metal diyas, and a mussel shell. The platforms are also illuminated by oil lamps that literally transport you to another area.

The central platform houses a small temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga with her anthropomorphic shape adorned with beautiful wreaths of flowers.

Ways to Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat

There are many ways to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat, to view Ganga Aarti. It is totally based on your budget. It is just 4.2 kilometers from Varanasi Railway Station and after that an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat easily. You can also take a flight and can reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport which is just 24.8 kilometers from Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Must Watch Attractions

• At the time of sunset, there is a live Ganga Aarti.
• Boat trips to all the surrounding Ghats.
• Watch pandits and locals praying for their deceased loved ones under a bamboo umbrella.
• A holy dip in the Dashashwamedh Ghat is said to have a cleansing effect.
• Walk through Vishwanath Gali to shop and enjoy street food and shops.
• Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple after taking a holy dip in the Ghat, is meant to give salvation.
• It is said that the Goddess Ganges will become happy if you pour milk into the river.

Brief Guide for Your Visit to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is a must-see for everyone visiting Varanasi on a pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the banks of the Assi River. Moreover, it is one of Varanasi's oldest Hindu sanctuaries, with thousands of pilgrims flocking to it every day.

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, also known as Sankat Mochan temple, is located in Varanasi's southern district. The temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, Hinduism's monkey God. The term 'Sankat Mochan' means 'all-problems-reliever.' The temple is mainly known for its dal and jaggery offerings distributed to tourists.

One of the essential features of this revered temple is Lord Hanuman's idol, which is facing Lord Rama, whom he worshipped with great zeal and devotion. Tulsidas is claimed to have written the Ramcharitmanas in this prominent tourist destination in Varanasi. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the number of followers doubles. Besan ke laddu (a sweet dish) is delivered to the Lord as a religious offering, and the idol is decked with a marigold flower garland.

According to legend, a visit to this well-known religious landmark in Varanasi is meant to grant believers' wishes. The larger group of monkeys is another sight you may expect to encounter within the temple.

What is the location of Sankat Mochan Temple?

The temple is near the Hindu University of Banaras (BHU). The temple is 11 kilometers from the railway station, and visitors can take a cab or a car to get there. Banaras Hindu University is around 3 km distant from the temple (BHU). Therefore, you can hire a vehicle from any part of Varanasi to go to the temple. The journey from the railway station to the temple takes 45 minutes.

When is the best time to go to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple?

Tuesdays and Saturdays are highly popular ceremonial days, with around 1000 guests expected on those days. In addition, a recorded music and dance festival is held inside the temple every April. For the past 88 years, the celebration has been a component of this shrine.

Many entertainers from all across the country come to this temple to participate in the festivities. The event also features several well-known performers. Numerous ceremonies will be done inside the temple during Hanuman Jayanti. From 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., the temple is open. At 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., rituals are performed.

What Should You See?

Visitors are given a free booklet, including Hanuman and Lord Ram chants. The Sankat Mochan Temple is home to a large number of monkeys. The main deity is positioned so that Lord Hanuman can gaze at Lord Ram, who is also housed in the same temple. Visitors are given a vivid orange powder as an offering. The offering is placed on the worshipper's brow. It is not required.

History of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

According to mythology, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was established on the site where Tulsi das saw a vision of Hanuman. It is an 18th-century temple, but little information on who built it is available.