What to know before visiting Assi Ghat?

Some important facts you should know before visiting Assi Ghat.

·        Assi Ghat is the most important pilgrimage destination of the city Varanasi. It is located in the southernmost part of the city and is among the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. This river got its name because of the confluence of the Ganga and Assi River. 

·        It is a mythical saying that Goddess Durga killed the demon Shumba-Nisumbha and after that, her sword fell down and led to the emergence of a river and the Assi Ghat got its name, because of this. It is among the 5 pilgrims located in Varanasi and is known as the most authentic Ghats.

·       It is a saying that if a person has a bath in the Ghat, he will become free of all the sins and curses. A huge Shivling is located under a Peepal tree, where people pay their homage after having a bath. 

·        Tulsidas lived in a cave on Assi Ghat only, and created Shri Ramcharitmanas and rested in peace over there. 

·        This Ghat is a combination of societal, cultural, and religious importance. It is a symbolic point of interest for both Indians and foreigners.

·         People start crowding the place from dawn to dusk on a daily basis just because of the religious significance, so is prepared for the crowd, if you really want to visit the Ghat.

·        You can take a boat ride if you want to see the mesmerizing sunset in the evening.

·        The place is overcrowded at the times of ekadashi, purnima, and amavasya but in case you really want to take a dip in the river, be prepared for dealing with the crowd.

·       Mahashivratri is the best time to visit Assi Ghat; you can take a holy dip into the river and after paying homage to the huge shivling nearby.

The Assi Ghat is mentioned in many Hindu Holy Scriptures namely Karma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana and Agni Purana. People visit Assi Ghat for various reasons, to soak up the spiritual atmosphere, enjoy the famous night aarti and get a glimpse of the local culture. After twilight, the Ganga Aarti is breathtaking, with the echo of chants and spiritual giants performed by skilled saints (Pandas in Hindi). Birth, Mundan Sanskar, Upanayan, Marriage, Ganga Pujayya, and other rituals are performed. As a testimony, Manglik's works and other festival celebrations are done at this ghat.

Ways to reach Assi Ghat Varanasi
The total distance between Assi Ghat and Varanasi Railway Station is around 8 kilometers. If you drive with your own conveyance, it takes around 9 minutes. In case you are going to take a public conveyance or a cab, it’s totally dependable on you. By public conveyance or cab, it will take around 15-20 minutes.

The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur which is almost 28 km from the Ghat, and it takes about an hour to reach Assi Ghat from the airport.

Conclusion
if you really want to visit the Ghats of Varanasi and look for local culture, then distance does not matter. Everything that matters is your devotion and your willingness to get spiritual peace, as each and every Ghat and temple has a separate significance. Varanasi is a confluence of various ghats and temples and if you are visiting, visiting Assi Ghat is a must. You can enjoy mesmerizing sunsets, sitting on a boat in the middle of the river.

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.

Keep these in mind before visiting the New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of Hinduism's holiest sites in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Ahilya Bai Holkar initially established the current edifice of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi in 1780 after being reconstructed several times. 

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Varanasi temple - including Aarti times, security measures, clothing code, the best time to visit, and how to get there.

Brief history and significance of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi

The famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, one of Hinduism's holiest towns. This temple has been an essential part of Shaiva's philosophy for a long time. It is known for its gold-plated domes and spires and the statue of the Nandi Bull.

The current construction, destroyed and rebuilt several times, is near the ancient temple site. Hindus worldwide aim to visit the New Vishwanath Temple at least once in their lives, believing that a devotee will attain Moksha after receiving temple darshan and taking a bath in the Ganges.

When is the best time to visit?

From October to March, the winter months are the most fantastic time to visit Varanasi for temple darshan. However, cold in December and January, the weather is ideal for tourists because most of the sightseeing is done outside. If you don't plan on attending an Aarti, the best time to visit the temple is at 7 a.m. to avoid long lines.

Timings for Puja/Aarti

Every day at 2.30 a.m., the temple opens. Moreover, five Aarti are performed in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple daily.

• Mangala Aarti: 3–4 a.m.
• Sandhya Aarti: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• Shayana Aarti:  10:30 – 11:00 p.m.
• Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• Shringara Aarti: 9.00 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. 

Varanasi has a lot to offer

• Explore the Ramnagar Fort, built-in 1750 on the Ganga's eastern bank
• In Sarnath, go to the Dhamek Stupa
• The Gyanvapi Mosque, which shares a wall with the Kashi temple, is a must-see.
• The Sarnath Museum has archaeological artefacts going back to the third century BCE
• Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is famed for its proximity to the temple and its spectacular Ganga Aarti.

Procedures for ensuring the security

As you enter the temple, there are a lot of police checkpoints, and security protocols are carefully followed. Cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, and lighters are not permitted on the temple grounds. However, lockers can be rented for a small fee.

Learn about the dress code

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple does not have a specific dress code. However, there is a general dress code that is enforced. Visitors must cover their arms and legs when entering the temple. Traditional Indian attire is not required, and western clothing is permitted.

How to reach the temple?

Varanasi is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, train, and air as a significant pilgrim and tourist destination. Moreover, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is around 25 kilometres from the city centre.

Varanasi has three railway stations: 

• Manduadih Railway Station (about 4 kilometres away)
• Mughal Sarai Junction (approximately 8 kilometres away)
• Varanasi Junction

Some of the important trains that travel to Varanasi from all around India include the:

• Ganga Kaveri Express
• Howrah Jodhpur Express
• Lok Manya Tilak Varanasi Express
• Marudhra Express
• Rajdhani Express
• Sangamitra Express
• Secunderabad Patna Express
• Shivaganga Express
• Vibhuti Express

Kashi Banaras is not just a place; it is an emotion and the peacefulness of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi is unmatchable.