Ganga Ghats
Spiritual life in Varanasi revolves around the ghats, a very special type of embankments that are actually long flights of wide stone steps leading down to the holy river Ganga on its western bank where people can take a holy dip. Varanasi is symbolized by its chain of more than 80 Ghats and each holds some special significance of its own. Most are used for bathing but there are also 'burning ghats' used for cremation. However, there are more to these Ghats than just bathing and cremating. Several ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while many ghats are privately owned. Different ghats reveal unique architectural styles as these were built by different dynasties or patrons belonging to different regions. Viewing the Ganga Ghats from a boat during sunrise presents a spectacular view and offers an unforgettable experience to the visitors. A casual walk through the length of the ghats introduces fascinating mixture of people who come to the Ganga not only for a holy dip or perform rituals, but also for various other activities like wash clothes, do exercise and meditation, offer blessings, buy and sell flowers, teach and learn philosophy, render and receive body-massage, play cricket, wash buffaloes or simply hang around. In fact, the ghats of Varanasi unveil a traditional India with all its colours and zest.
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Manmandir Ghat (A Hall in Man Mahal) |
Lalita Ghat |
Lalita Ghat (Stone Throne) |
Jalashayi Ghat |
Manikarnika Ghat |
Manikarnika Ghat (Alwar Temple) |
Manikarnika Ghat (A Hunting Scene in Alwar Temple) |
Manikarnika Ghat (Another Hunting Scene in Alwar Temple) |
Manikarnika Ghat (Two Winged Female Figures with a Male Figure in Alwar Temple) |
Manikarnika Ghat (Kichaka in Alwar Temple) |
Sindhiya Ghat |
Sankatha Ghat |
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