Page 210 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

208  CENTR AL INDIA

Varanasi: Digpatiya Ghat to Mir Ghat
These centrally located ghats are the city’s most sacred,
and many of them were built under the patronage of India’s
erstwhile princely states, such as Darbhanga, Jaipur and
Indore. One of Varanasi’s two cremation ghats, Harishchandra
Ghat, lies just to the south. Behind the holy Dasashvamedha
Ghat meanders a winding lane known as Vishwanath Gali, lined
with a multitude of shops that sell all manner of religious Locator Map
Digpatiya Ghat to Mir Ghat
objects. It leads to the city’s principal shrine, the Vishwanath
Temple, said to be over 1,000 years old.
Chausatthi Ghat
Digpatiya Ghat Lessons in the scriptures take
place at this ghat, named after the
temple of the Chausath Yoginis or
64 female divinities.

Harishchandra Ghat

Rana Mahal Ghat
Munsi Ghat

Ahilyabai Ghat
Prayag Ghat

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Darbhanga Ghat
The towers and turrets of old
havelis, built in the early 1900s
by two princes of Bihar, dominate Dasashvamedha Ghat
this ghat. Some of the massive This centrally located ghat, Varanasi’s holiest spot, is named after
pillars in these havelis are the ten simultaneous horse sacrifices (dasashvamedh) performed
reminiscent of the Greek style. by Brahma the Creator. Rows of priests sit under bamboo parasols,
ready to perform ritual prayers for the pilgrims that swarm here.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p696 and pp708–709

208-209_EW_India.indd 208 26/04/17 11:44 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm