Kedar Ghat is among the oldest and most vibrant ghats of Varanasi, highly revered for its spiritual significance. It is named after Lord Kedareshwar (Shiva), and the ghat is home to the famous Kedareshwar Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds great importance for pilgrims who cannot travel to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, as worshipping here is considered equivalent to offering prayers at Kedarnath itself.

The ghat is particularly popular among South Indian pilgrims, as the temple follows South Indian architectural style and traditions. Its colourful façade, intricate carvings, and lively surroundings add to the ghat’s distinctive character. The temple enshrines a lingam of Lord Shiva, and devotees believe that taking a holy dip at Kedar Ghat before offering prayers purifies the soul and fulfils wishes.

Unlike the more crowded Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kedar Ghat retains a devotional yet relatively calm atmosphere. Pilgrims flock here during auspicious occasions like Mahashivaratri and Shravan month, when special rituals are performed. Daily worship and evening aarti at the temple further enhance the ghat’s sacred aura.

In addition to its religious significance, Kedar Ghat offers a picturesque view of the river, with steps leading directly into the Ganga. It is also known for its vibrant local culture, with priests conducting rituals, devotees chanting prayers, and the rhythmic sound of temple bells creating a spiritually uplifting environment.