दशाश्वमेध घाट

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most prominent and bustling ghat of Varanasi, located close to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The name of the ghat is rooted in mythology—“Dash” means ten, “Ashwa” means horse, and “Medh” means sacrifice. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed a yajna (sacrifice) of ten horses here to welcome Lord Shiva to Kashi. This mythological association makes it one of the holiest and most revered ghats in India.

The ghat is world-famous for hosting the grand Ganga Aarti every evening, which draws thousands of devotees and tourists. A group of priests, dressed in traditional attire, perform the synchronized ritual with large lamps, incense, flowers, and the sound of conch shells. The sight of rows of golden flames reflecting on the Ganga, accompanied by chants and bells, creates a spiritual atmosphere that is considered the highlight of a visit to Varanasi.

During the day, the ghat remains alive with pilgrims taking sacred dips in the river, performing rituals for ancestors, and offering prayers. It is also a hub for boat rides, providing stunning views of the ghats and the city’s skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset. On major festivals such as Dev Deepawali, Kartik Purnima, and Ganga Dussehra, Dashashwamedh Ghat becomes the epicentre of grand celebrations, with lakhs of lamps illuminating the entire stretch of the river.

The ghat’s proximity to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple enhances its significance, as many devotees first bathe in the Ganga here before proceeding to offer prayers at the temple. Dashashwamedh Ghat is not only a place of ritual and devotion but also a cultural landmark that embodies the living spirit of Varanasi.