7/18 ☼ Exploring Temples, Caves, Ghats, and an Imambara: A 3000-Mile Adventure
Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat
Contents
Ganga Aarti
Ghats
Wonders of the world
Ganga Aarti
The Ganges River holds a sacred place in Hindu beliefs, where a dip is thought to cleanse sins. In the evening, large crowds of devotees gather for the aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, as well as at Assi Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. It is a mesmerizing experience that captivates all who witness it. Before visiting the ghat, don't forget to stop by Kashi Chat Bhandar for a delightful pet puja. This charming little eatery is known for its Indian street food, especially the chat. Despite its small size, Kashi Chat Bhandar is impeccably clean and worth a visit.
The hustle and bustle at Dashashwamedh Ghat quickly gives way to a hushed reverence as the aarti begins with the sound of a conch shell. The priests' synchronized worship of Goddess Ganga, complete with bells, chants, incense, and lamps, creates a captivating spectacle that holds the attention of all present. Despite the risk, the priests' skill and devotion ensure a safe ceremony that lasts for 45 minutes. To escape the crowds, we decided to reserve a boat ride and witness the aarti from a more secluded spot. The captain kindly offered to provide us with a detailed explanation of all the ghats following the aarti ceremony (have a look below).
The breathtaking scenery visible from the boat was truly remarkable.
Ghats
There are more than 80 ghats, the link explains very nicely all of them. I was truly amazed by the renowned Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the most famous cremation sites. It is named after a legendary king who used to oversee the cremation grounds in Kashi. In Hindu culture, it has become a tradition that if you want to attain liberation, you must die in Kashi. The reason behind this belief is that numerous enlightened beings come to bathe in the Ganga every day. By just catching a glimpse of them, they will assist you when your time is near. Even today, when people reach a certain old age, they travel to Kashi and wait there to pass away. Mass cremations take place on the river bank, and if you visit Manikarnika Ghat, you will witness a dozen bodies burning and a dozen more waiting in line. It may sound horrifying, but it holds great significance in this culture. The pyres at Manikarnika Ghat burn continuously, creating an atmosphere where multiple cremations unfold simultaneously.
Other wonders of the world?
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple near Manikarnika Ghar, known for its unique tilt towards the northwest, symbolizes the eternal debt one owes to their mother, as local legends suggest. Unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this temple leans at a remarkable 9-degree angle, surpassing the famous Italian monument. Despite its intriguing story and impressive tilt, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple remains relatively unknown within India, adding to its mystique and charm.
After immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the ghat, we headed back home, knowing that the following day held another exciting adventure in store for us. Our plan was to indulge in a refreshing dip in the holy Ganga, followed by a delicious breakfast at chachi ki dukaan. Stay tuned for upcoming posts.