Varanasi Panchganga Ghat: A holy place of Kashi.
Panchganga Ghat is one of the most important religious and mythological ghats of Varanasi. It has a special place among the Panchtirthas. Its specialty is that here along with the Ganges, four other invisible rivers (Kirna, Dhutpapa, Dharmanand and Saraswati) join their streams at the Panchganga Ghat of Kashi. Due to the confluence of these five rivers, it was named "Panchganga".
It is mentioned in religious texts about these rivers that a divine woman named Dhutpapa was cursed for some reason and turned into stone. In the form of stone, she had held the power of her father. But being a devoted wife, she transformed into Chandramani and merged with the moon and became a river and was named Dhutpapa (river of sin). After attaining siddhi by doing sadhna of Mangala Gauri, the Kirna river came into existence. The above three rivers Saraswati and Ganga together came to be known as 'Panchganga'. Which we now know as the holy place of Kashi, Panchganga Ghat.
Importance of Panchganga Ghat
In the month of Kartik, a special crowd of devotees gathers at Panchganga Ghat. Women light lamps on tall bamboos at Panchganga Ghat for the fulfillment or siddhi of their wishes. This tradition reflects the tradition of "Deep-Daan" of ancient India. A temple named "Sahasra Deep Daan" is situated above the steps of the ghat. The beauty of this temple glittering with lamps on the festival of Diwali is beyond description.
Historical and cultural importance
There used to be Madhav Rao's Dhaurahra on the north-eastern end of the ghat, which was once a center of attraction for travelers. But due to dilapidation over time, one of its domes fell and the other collapsed. There was a famous temple of Bindumadhav here, which was demolished by Aurangzeb and converted into a mosque.
According to folklore, the great saint Kabir Das had performed penance on the steps of this ghat to take initiation from Guru Ramanand. Pleased with his true devotion, Ramanand made him his disciple.
View of the Ghat
When viewed from above, the steps and narrow lanes of the Ghat appear to be floating on water. This view brings alive the spirituality and cultural richness of this place.
Panchganga Ghat is not just a religious place but a unique confluence of history, culture and spirituality. Every story, every tradition and every brick of this place tells the story of deep faith and devotion.
Panchganga Ghat is home to several religious monuments that are significant both spiritually and historically.
- Bindu Madhav Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the ancient temples found in Varanasi. It is a must-go place because of its great architecture and its quiet environment. People visit this place in order to worship and to get blessings.
- Alamgir Mosque: This mosque was constructed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the tomb of Beni Madhav and this mosque also known as Beni Madhav ka Darera, was built on the ruins of the temple. It gives an architectural tour of the structure in Hindu and Mughal architectural styles and historical turning points in the region.
Panchganga Ghat Location:
At a distance of 1.5 km from Manikarnika Ghat and 7 km from Varanasi Junction, Panchganga Ghat is another popular ghat along the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the cleanest ghats in Varanasi and among the popular Varanasi Tourist Places.
