The city is known for its ghats, which are an integral part of its religious and social life.
Key features of the Ghats of Varanasi:
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Sacred River Ganges: The ghats are situated along the banks of the River Ganges, which is considered holy in Hinduism. Pilgrims visit Varanasi to take ritual baths in the Ganges, believing that it cleanses them of sins and leads to salvation. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Ceremonial Activities: The ghats are vibrant with various religious ceremonies, rituals, and cultural activities. Rituals like the Ganga Aarti, where priests offer prayers to the river with lit lamps, incense, and chants, are performed regularly.
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Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat: These are two of the most prominent cremation ghats in Varanasi. According to Hindu belief, cremation along the banks of the Ganges is considered auspicious for attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the main and oldest ghats, Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for its vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremony that takes place every evening. It is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Assi Ghat: Situated at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Assi River, this ghat is known for its peaceful and serene environment. Pilgrims and tourists often visit this ghat for meditation and spiritual practices. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Pilgrimage Destination: Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and the ghats play a crucial role in making it a major pilgrimage destination. Thousands of devotees visit the city to perform religious rituals, ceremonies, and to seek spiritual solace. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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Cultural Significance: Apart from religious activities, the ghats also serve as a hub for cultural events, music, and various festivals. The lively atmosphere along the ghats showcases the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
The Ghats of Varanasi provide a unique and spiritual experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural traditions deeply rooted in the history of this ancient city. ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ข.
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