Varanasi Ghats | Names, History, and Significance

Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Yatrapur

The Ghats of Varanasi are the main attraction here. The well-arranged steps leading from the mainland of the city to the river Ganges are called 'Ganga Ghat'. The number of ghats built along the Ganges is between 84 to 88. Apart from religious and historical importance, the Ganga Ghats of Kashi also hold a special place in tourism.

People come to these ghats to take holy baths and perform religious worship. For this, Pandits and Pujaris sit with their mats and umbrellas on the posts built on the banks of the ghat. Many ascetic saints (some may be frauds and imposters) are seen sitting here and meditating on God. Local people also come here to perform daily activities like bathing etc.

Local children come here early in the morning to learn and practice swimming. People are seen doing yoga and pranayam on the quiet ghats around Assi Ghat. An early morning boat ride on the Ganges along the ghats is a popular tourist attraction. Overall, life is visible here.

History of Ganga Ghats in Varanasi
Significance of Varanasi Ghats
Ghats of Varanasi: Complete List and Details

History of Ganga Ghats in Varanasi

The banks of the Ganges River have been places of pilgrimage for centuries. However, the construction of the iconic stone steps that we see today began primarily in the 14th century. Many of these early structures suffered destruction during foreign invasions, especially Mughal rule. The most significant period of construction and reconstruction of most of Varanasi ghats occurred after 1700 AD, when the city was part of the Maratha Empire. This was the period when many impressive palaces, temples and stepwells were built under the patronage of various Maratha rulers and influential families. Even today, many ghats are owned by the Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles and Peshwas. While many ghats are associated with legends or mythology, a significant number are also privately owned.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Varanasi Ghats

These ghats are used by Hindu pilgrims to take a holy bath in the Ganga and perform religious rituals, worship, etc. Most of the ghats are for bathing and worship, while two ghats, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, are used only as cremation sites. People also worship at the Assi Ghat for the peace of the soul of their deceased. For tourists, the Ganga Ghats provide an opportunity to explore the culture of Varanasi. The grand settlement and structure of Banaras can be seen from outside through boats plying on the Ganga from these ghats.

Ghats of Varanasi: Name, List and Details

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

Here is a detailed list of several major ghats of Varanasi:

Dashashwamedh Ghat

The most famous and central ghat, renowned for the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening. It's believed that Lord Brahma performed a sacrifice of ten horses here. While its mythological roots are ancient (linked to Lord Brahma), the current permanent embankment was built in 1302 and renovated multiple times. Its southern part was made "pucca" (permanent) by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1740 and later by Ahilyabai Holkar around 1774.

Assi Ghat

One of the southernmost and most popular ghats, known for its lively atmosphere, morning Aarti, and as a starting point for boat rides. It's believed to be where the River Assi meets the Ganga.

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the two main cremation ghats in Varanasi, considered highly auspicious for cremations, as it's believed to grant moksha (salvation) to the departed soul. The Manikarnika Ghat is mentioned in the Gupta inscription of the 5th century. The stone stairs were made in 1303, and rebuilt in 1730 under the patronage of Bajirao Peshwa.

Harishchandra Ghat

The other significant cremation ghat, named after the legendary King Harishchandra.

Panchganga Ghat

Believed to be the confluence of five mythical rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutpapa.

Darbhanga Ghat / Munshi Ghat

The imposing palace was built in the early 1900s by the royal family of Bihar, with Munshi Ghat (built in 1912) named after Sridhara Narayana Munshi, the finance minister of Nagpur. Known for its impressive architectural palace, now a heritage hotel. Munshi Ghat is an extension of Darbhanga Ghat.

Ahilyabai Ghat

Named after Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who contributed significantly to the city's development. She also rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Scindia Ghat

Features a partially submerged Shiva temple, believed to be sinking into the river. It's also believed to be the birthplace of Agni, the God of Fire.

Tulsi Ghat

Named after the poet-saint Tulsidas, who is believed to have composed the Ramcharitmanas here.

Man Mandir Ghat

Built in 1600 by Rajput Maharaja Man Singh of Jaipur, with an observatory added in the 1730s by Sawai Jai Singh II. It is famous for its Rajput architecture and an observatory, called Jantar-Mantar.

Chet Singh Ghat

Historically significant as the site of a battle between Maharaja Chet Singh and the British.

Jain Ghat

Dedicated to the Jain community, believed to be the birthplace of Suparshvanath, the seventh Jain Tirthankara.

Namo Ghat / Khirki Ghat / Khidkiya Ghat

Khirkiya Ghat is the old name of Namo Ghat in Varanasi. The name was officially changed as part of the redevelopment project under the Smart City initiative. While it may still be referred to as Khirkiya Ghat by some locals, its official and widely recognized name is now Namo Ghat. The word "Khirkiya" means "window", and it was believed that the ghat earned this name due to the presence of many small windows in nearby buildings that offered a view of the Ganges. However, with extensive modernization and the addition of new features such as "namaste" sculptures, the ghat was renamed Namo Ghat.

Ganga Mahal Ghat (I and II)

Constructed in 1830 CE by the Narayan dynasty (Maharajas of Banaras), as an extension to Assi Ghat.

Lalita Ghat

Built in the early 19th century by King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah, and houses the famous Nepali Mandir.

Bhonsale Ghat

Bhonsale Ghat was built by a Maratha king from Nagpur in 1780.

Bundi Parkota Ghat

In the 16th century (in 1580 AD), due to its manufacture by Raja Rao Surjan Hada of Bundi state, it was named Bundi Parkota Ghat. Apart from the remains of the palace built in Bundi style, there is also Annapurna, Sheshmadhav, Lakshmi Narsingh and Karnaditya temples. The ghat is mentioned as Adivishveshwar in the Girvana Padamanjari, a Sanskrit text.

At the time, the Bundi state consisted mainly of the current Bundi, Kota, Baran and Jhalawar areas. All these areas together were called "Hadoti", because there was the rule of Hada Chauhans here. This is the best ghat for photo shoots, as very beautiful paintings are made here, and there is also a wide open space.

Reference - wikiversity link

Other Notable Ghats

Adi Keshava Ghat
Anandamayi (Mata Anandamai) Ghat
Badri Narayan Ghat
Bajirao Ghat
Bauli/Umaraogiri/Amroha Ghat
Bhadaini Ghat
Brahma Ghat
Chowki (Chauki) Ghat
Chausatthi Ghat
Dandi Ghat
Digpatia Ghat
Durga Ghat
Ganesh Ghat
Gaya/Gai Ghat
Gola Ghat
Guleria Ghat
Hanuman Ghat
Hanumanagardhi Ghat
Jalasen (Jalasayi) Ghat
Janaki Ghat
Jatara Ghat
Juna Akhara Ghat
Karnataka Ghat
Kedar Ghat
Khori Ghat
Ksemesvara / Somesvara Ghat
Lal Ghat
Lali Ghat
Mahanirvani Ghat
Mangala Gauri Ghat (also known as Bala Ghat)
Meer Ghat
Mehta Ghat
Nandesvara / Nandu Ghat
Narad Ghat
Naya Ghat (various instances, e.g., Phuta/Naya Ghat)
Nepali Ghat
Nishad Ghat (Nishadaraja Ghat)
Niranjani Ghat
Panchkota Ghat
Pandey Ghat
Prabhu Ghat
Prachina (Old) Hanuman Ghat
Prahlad Ghat
Prayag Ghat
Raja Ghat (Bhaisasur Rajghat) / Lord Dufferin bridge / Malaviya Bridge
Raja Gwalior Ghat
Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Rama Ghat
Rana Mahal Ghat
Rewan (Reewa) Ghat
Sakka Ghat
Sankatha Ghat
Sarvesvara Ghat
Shivala Ghat
Sitala Ghat (Adi)
Telianala Ghat
Trilochan Ghat
Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
Vaccharaja Ghat
Venimadhava Ghat
Vijayanagaram Ghat
Vyas Ghat

Each ghat has its unique history, mythology, and significance, offering a glimpse into the vibrant spiritual and cultural life of Varanasi. Exploring these ghats is a quintessential experience when visiting the city.

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