Also known as Benares, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism. The city has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and is closely associated with the Ganges. Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage.
Varanasi has 87 ghats, most of which are used for bathing by pilgrims and spiritually significant Hindu puja ceremony, while a few are used exclusively as Hindu cremation sites.
Most Varanasi ghats were built after 1700 AD, when the city was part of Maratha Empire. The patrons of current ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwes (Peshwas). Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. Morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is located close to Vishwanath Temple, and is probably the most spectacular ghat. A group of priests daily perform in the evening at this ghat "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganges, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.
Our pictures show Dashashwamedh, Munshi, Digpatia, Raja, Manasarovara, Narada, Kshameshwar, Kedar, Harish Chandra and Manikarnika Ghats. They were taken during a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges and also at the Dashashwamedh Ghat during the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Ganga Mahotsav 2015 festival.
The coordinates are from the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
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