Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedha ghat on the Ganga, Varanasi

Dashashwamedh Ghat (Hindi: दशाश्वमेध घाट) is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.[1]

Close to the ghat, overlooking the Ganga lies the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in the year 1737.[2]

Ganga aarti

Idol of "Ganga Maata" (Goddess Ganges) at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Evening Ganga Aarti, at Dashashwamedh ghat, Varanasi
Singer reciting prayer during Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

A group of priests daily in the evening at this ghat perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga (the Ganges), Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.

Stages in the aarti ceremony

2010 terrorist bombing

Main article: 2010 Varanasi bombing

On 7 December 2010 a low-intensity blast rocked the southern end of the aarti at the Sitla Ghat. This killed 2 people and injured 37 including 6 foreign tourists, and the Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility for it.[3][4]

References

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