दांडी घाट

Dandi Ghat carries a quiet strength — named after the “danda” or staff held by ascetics, it is a place where the river meets renunciation. This ghat is closely associated with the Dandi Swamis, monks of strict discipline who carry a single staff or stick.

The Dandi Ghat was built by a local businessman of Varanasi Lallu Ji Agarwal in 19th century in honor and comfort of the Dandi monks, who carry a stick. These Dandi Swamis or monks were the torch bearer of the Dharma - the governing cardinal principles of the universe. Since the place above the ghat was a monastery of stick holding ascetics, this ghat was on the banks of River Ganga was named Dandi Ghat. The ghat was rebuilt by the state

government of Uttar Pradesh in 1958. One can spot few holes in the step stones meant for Dandi Swamis’ sticks to be fixed up therein while they bathe.

To pause at Dandi Ghat is to feel the weight of a vow, the lightness of detachment, and the silence that comes when all questions end.