Located in northern India on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is considered a holy city by Hindus worldwide. The city is filled with the chants of devotees, and the sight of all the temples and ghats appears magnificent. Traveling to Varanasi is like diving deeply into a religious culture that dates back hundreds of years. Varanasi is a holy city in the Hindu religion and is known for its many beautiful temples and the bustling life along the river. The ghats of Varanasi are an iconic symbol of the city. The beauty of the ghats of Varanasi is simply unmatched. Every Ghat along the Ganges River in Varanasi is beautiful in its own way. When the sun comes up in the morning and shines on the River Ganga, these ghats become a beautiful place to watch the sunrise.
Among all ghats, one of the famous ghat that attracts thousands of visitors is Assi Ghat. Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of River Ganga and Assi, on the southern end of Varanasi. This Ghat is known for its beautiful scenery and for being one of the most important ghats in Varanasi. Varanasi is known by different names, but the river confluence of the Varuna and the Assi is where the term “Varanasi” first appeared. Assi Ghat is a place with a lot of history, mythological importance, and mystical beauty that one should definitely enjoy.
Assi Ghat: Where Heaven Meets Earth
Assi Ghat is one of Varanasi’s oldest and most important Ghats. It is a popular destination for both visitors and pilgrims. Assi Ghat, which plays host to Subah-e-Banaras in the morning, gives visitors a breathtaking impression of the River Ganga. This Ghat is especially popular during the evening. At this time, devotees come and gather here to enjoy the visual spectacle and chant mantras in praise of the River. The aarti then takes place during the glowing evening sunrays, creating a magical beauty that can simply mesmerize anyone visiting this site.
The Assi Ghat is a popular spot for rituals and religious ceremonies, also it has long been a hub of cultural activities. During festivals, you can witness several cultural performances taking place near the ghat. If one is ever in the city of Varanasi, they must travel to the Assi Ghat. This is not only because of the mythological significance of the site, but also because it allows visitors to experience a more peaceful and charming side of the city.
Exploring the History of Assi Ghat of Varanasi
The history of Assi Ghat goes back thousands of years. There is a mythical tale that describes how the river Assi originated. It is believed that while the goddess Durga was fighting the demon Shumbha and Nishumbha, her sword struck the ground when she destroyed them, which resulted in the formation of a stream, which is today known as the river Assi. After achieving victory over the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, Durga went to rest at Durga Kund, which is located in close proximity to Assi Ghat. As a result of the ghat’s location on this bank of the Ganges, which is where the Assi River meets up with the Ganges, it was given the name the Assi Ghat.
The Assi Ghat also has mentions in Sanskrit literature such as Padma Purana, Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Agni Purana, and Kashi Khanda. Hindus think that Tulsidas died at Assi Ghat and went to heaven. After the bombing in Varanasi in 2010, the city provided more police to the Assi Ghat area to deal with any problems tourists might have.
An Incredible Journey to the Banks of Assi Ghat
One of the ghats that are frequently visited for relaxation and during celebrations is Assi Ghat. Every morning and evening devotees gather here in order to take a holy dip in the River Ganga. It is said that taking a holy bath in this ghat during the months of Chaitya and Magh in addition to some other significant events such as a solar or lunar eclipse, Ekadashi, or Makar Sankranti, may provide one the ability to rid themselves of all of their mortal sins.
There are a lot of restaurants and street sellers in this ghat that serve local foods that will make your mouth water. This place is also full of shops where you can buy gifts and valuable handicrafts. Hot lemon tea is given in many shops in the early morning. You can find a large lingam under a big peepal tree close to the ghat. People take a holy dip in the river, bring some water with them, and pour it over the lingam. At evening Assi Ghat looks gorgeous and impressive, making it worth the visit. People come from all over the world to see the amazing view at night, when the river is lit up by the bright aartis and busy with people.
The Stunning Landscapes of Assi Ghat
It is one of the 84 ghats in Varanasi and is also considered to be the southern gateway to the holy city. It is situated at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Assi. In the morning, more than 300 people visit the ghat every hour, and in the evening, more than 2500 people do the same. Assi Ghat is another place where Ganga Aarti is done. Even though it isn’t as well-known as the Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, people still come here to see it.
From the ghat, you can rent boats to see the sights. During the Ganga Aarti, it costs a lot to ride a boat. This ghat is also where the Ganga Aarti Ceremony is held early in the morning. This ghat also host early-morning yoga sessions. People who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the river in peace should go to this ghat. The region surrounding Assi Ghat is home to a number of monasteries, as well as “akharas” and temples. A shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath may be found right on top of the Assi Ghat.
Aarti Timing at Assi Ghat
The Assi Ghat Ganga Aarti is one of India’s most spiritually touching events. The beautiful Aarti is done with the help of singing, chanting, and the mesmerizing sounds of bells and drums. The air is filled with the smell of incense stick and dhoop. The glow in the night along with the entire atmosphere gives Goosebumps. Subah-e-Banaras, the morning aarti, is often regarded as the top way to begin a day in Varanasi. This was an effort that was started by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2014. The aarti is done here between 5:00 and 5:30 in the morning. Classical singers from the Banaras Gharana come out after the aarti and play ragas and other classical songs. In winter, the timing may have been different. However, in summer the evening aarti starts at 7 p.m.
Best Time to See the Splendor of Assi Ghat
Evenings saw a big rise in the number of people at the ghat. From time to time, different rituals and celebrations take place in this ghat. During the eclipse, a lot of people come to this ghat to take a holy bath. Some of the famous festivals celebrated in this ghat is mentioned below:
Shivratri: At the Assi Ghat, Mahashivratri is seen as one of the most important events. On this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married in a holy ceremony. On this day at morning, worshipers go to the Ganges River to take a traditional bath. There, they worship lord Shiva with thousands of other people.
Ganga Dussehra: Ganga Dussehra is an event that is held on the tenth day of the Hindu month called Jayeshtha. On the ghat, people gather to take a dip in the holy Ganga River and sing religious songs. People also put lamps in the river, which lights up the area filled with people.
Dev deepawali: Dev Deepawali is one of Varanasi’s biggest and best festivals. The Assi Ghat, like the others, is decorated with small clay lanterns meant to float in the river. The Ganga Aarti is done on the ghat in the evening, and the celebrations are finally concluded with the bursting of firecrackers later that night.
Holi: Assi Ghat also plays host to a number of other important annual events, including the Holi festival. The streets, sidewalks, and lanes are completely covered in Holi color. Everything including people faces looks colorful. Visitors can enjoy the gujiyas and thandai that will be served at the occasion.
How to Reach Assi Ghat
The Assi Ghat is situated in Varanasi near Shivala. It can be easily reached by both public and private transportation. However, the most suitable way is to take auto rickshaws or cabs to reach the ghat.
By Airways: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the nearest airport for reaching Assi Ghat which is about 35 km. The airport has strong connections to a number of different cities and towns in India, allowing for convenient access to flights. After leaving the airport, you will need to continue your trip using a form of public transportation such as a taxi or a bus in order to get to your destination.
By Roadways: You may be able to reach Assi Ghat by way of a road network that is both well-maintained and connected to major national highways, depending on where you are. Autos and rickshaws are available every time for this route.
By Railways: Assi Ghat can be easily reached from either the Manduadih Railway Station (MUV) or the Varanasi Junction (BSB). From Varanasi Junction, Assi Ghat is about 6.2 km whereas from Banaras station, it is 5.5 km. To continue your journey after leaving the train stations, you will need to use some form of public transportation such as a taxis, auto rickshaws, or ola cabs.
Nearby Places to Visit in Assi Ghat
There are many beautiful places as well as temples nearby the Assi Ghat. Once you are in this ghat you should visit the following places:
Sankat Mochan Temple: It is one of Lord Hanuman’s holy sites of Varanasi and the center of many religious and cultural events for Hindus. Goswami Tulsidas is said to have built the temple after seeing Hanuman in this site.
BHU: Banaras Hindu University or BHU was formed in 1916 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a college, and research university. The main building of Banaras Hindu University is on the southern edge of the city of Varanasi. The land for the main campus of BHU, which covers 1,370 acres, was given by Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh in 1916. The campus also has the newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Durga Kund: The Durga Mandir or Durgakund Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in Varanasi. It is close to the Assi Ghat. It is one of the most visited places of worship in Banaras and a must-visit for the devotees of Goddess Durga in Varanasi. DurgaMandir was built by a Bengali Maharani in the 18th century.
Rani Laxmi Bai Janmsthali: Rani Laxmi Bai Janmsthali is located near to the Assi Ghat. It is close enough to walk from the Assi Ghat. There is an idol of Rani Lakshmi Bai on a horse. Art about Manu’s life can be found there. The place is the birth spot of Rani Lakshmibai, there are no fees to get in.
Assi Ghat Photos
What a nice pic of the nature looks very natural and real caught early in the morning by the photographer at the ghat. This is the reality of the Varanasi where two living beings of the nature live together for each other.
Tourists are resting at the ghat where a small child is selling chana. What a nice scene of the ghat having peaceful and clean environment.
A pic of the ghat with the very clean and calm environment. A nice look of the Vishwa Sundari Pool is caught from the Assi ghat in the picture.
Such a beautiful snap of the nature where River Ganga, Varanasi city and the sky are looking to meet somewhere very far.
Amazing pic caught by our photographer in his professional camera. He has caught the scene of the Ramnagar fort from the Assi ghat.
Varanasi city looks very attractive and gorgeous between the Gange River and the sky. It seems that the Varanasi city is dividing the two nature means the river and sky.
Sailors are taking bath in the river early in the morning and preparing for their job of taking tourists from one side of the ghat to the other side.
Boats in the river have started floating in the water and waiting for the tourists at the ghat.
This is another side of the ghat where boats are reaching loading with the tourists. Some of the boats are standing at the side of the ghat.
Sailors are arranging their boats for receiving the tourists. One of the boats has started going for the water traveling having two to three tourists.
This is the early morning photo of the ghat where boats are still at the ghat. There are varieties of boats at the bank of the river Gange. Most of the foreign tourists like to travel in the open boat.