Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi | History, Aarti Timing & How to Reach

Situated on the Ganges River in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for its daily Ganga Aarti and provides a captivating experience with spiritual rituals, pilgrim activities, and a lively atmosphere. Every evening, Dashashwamedh Ghat hosts the famous Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony with priests performing rituals with brass lamps and hymns, drawing large crowds and creating a divine atmosphere.

In order to purify themselves, pilgrims visit Dashashwamedh Ghat and take ceremonial dips in the Ganges. A spiritual ambiance is created by the many shrines that adorn the ghat’s steps. Boat cruises on the Ganges provide visitors with a distinctive viewpoint of Varanasi and Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ghat is a major spiritual center in Varanasi because of its close proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which heightens its holy aura.

History of Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Previously known as Rudrasaras in Indian scriptures, Dashashwamedh Ghat literally translates to the Ghat of Ten Sacrificed Horses (Dash = Ten, Ashwa = Horses, Medh = Sacrifice). At Rudrasaras, Lord Brahma installed two Shivlings and offered ten horses as sacrifices. In honor of him, the location was later christened Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the earliest historically recorded location associated with the Bharasiva ruler of the Naga dynasty, according to another interpretation of the historical sources. Following their victory over the Kushan kingdom, the Bharatiya offered horse sacrifices at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in order to appease their god, Shiva.

Balaji Bajirao constructed the first pucca ghat in 1738–1740, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar restored it in 1765. Later, in 1965, the government erected the current steps.

Story of Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Hindus attach great religious significance to Dashashwamedh Ghat because of an incident that happened there that is described in the scriptures. King Devodasa ruled over Kashi when Shiva resided in Mandrachal or Mount Mandara. Until he ruled Kashi, he prayed to Lord Brahma to keep all gods and celestial creatures away from the city. On the condition that the king assist all residents and guests of Kashi in their religious endeavors, Lord Brahma consented to his requirements. Devodasa was an extremely benevolent and devout monarch who made Kashi one of the world’s happiest cities.

However, Lord Shiva was disappointed that he was unable to travel to Kashi and made the decision to make the king make a mistake. Shiva despatched 64 Yoginis to cause trouble in the town, but when they arrived in Kashi, the Yoginis were so enthralled by the city’s splendor that they believed it to be a portion of heaven. The Yoginis chose to settle in Kashi after a period of time in the city, but they were unable to complete the mission assigned to them.

After learning of the 64 Yoginis’ failure, Shiva became irate and dispatched Surya to Kashi. In order to weaken King Devodasa’s resolve and allow Shiva to return, Lord Surya traveled to Kashi to cause chaos. By posing as a scholar, a Brahmin, a businessman, etc., Surya attempted to test the king, but he was unable to identify any weaknesses in the Devodasa. He chooses to settle in Kashi out of fear that Shiva won’t like it when he tells him about the failure.

After a while, Shiva despatched Lord Brahma to finish the job after realizing that Lord Surya had also failed. When Lord Brahma visited the monarch in disguise as Old Bhramin, he expressed his want to execute Ashwa Medha Yagya and asked for the necessary supplies. The King consented, and Lord Brahma was able to carry out 10 Ashwa Medha Yagra at Rudrasaras/Rudra Sarovar with his assistance. Even Lord Brahma was unable to complete this mission, and the Rudra Sarovar was transformed into Dashashwamedh Ghat by the king.

Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Every morning and evening, on the banks of the sacred Ganges, a significant ceremony known as Ganga Aarti is performed on a large scale. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the priests conduct the Aarti. The holy light that permeates the entire Ghat becomes intensely apparent. Large brass lights are lit with oil throughout the beautiful ceremony, and the priests recite sacred chants that echo throughout the entire space.

How to Reach Dashshwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Vishwanath Gali is only five minutes away from Dashashwamedh Ghat. It has good road access to the bus stop, airport, and all train stations. Dashashwamedh Ghat is a 5-minute walk from Godowlia, which may be reached by taxi or shared autorickshaw. Another option is to go to the Dashashwamedh Ghat by boat from any ghat.