Why is Dashashwamedh Ghat famous?
Dashashwamedh is Varanasi's busiest and best-known ghat, about 1 km from Kashi Vishwanath. It hosts the city's most famous evening Ganga Aarti. Its name means 'ten horse sacrifices': tradition holds that Brahma performed ten ashvamedha sacrifices here. It is also the main starting point for boat rides.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Location
- End of Dashashwamedh Road, near Godowlia, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- About 1 km (approximate)
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Significance
History
The present stone ghat dates largely from the 18th century; historical accounts associate its rebuilding with Maratha patrons. The adjoining ghats include Rajendra Prasad Ghat and Man Mandir Ghat, where the palace of the Rajput rulers of Amber was fitted with an astronomical observatory by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century.
What to see
- The evening Ganga Aarti, performed daily around sunset.
- Morning bathers, priests under their umbrellas, flower sellers.
- The Man Mandir observatory next door (check opening hours).
Best time to visit
- Dawn for bathers and a boat ride.
- Sunset for the aarti — arrive 45–60 minutes early.
Relationship to the Kashi pilgrimage
For many pilgrims, a bath at Dashashwamedh begins the day of darshan at Kashi Vishwanath, a short walk away.
Nearby temples
Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna Devi, and Shitala Mata temple on the ghat itself.
Photography
The aarti is widely photographed; avoid flash towards priests and don't obstruct views. Ask before photographing individuals.
How to reach
Walk down Dashashwamedh Road from Godowlia crossing (about 10 minutes). Vehicles are restricted in the evenings.
Etiquette on the ghats
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where others do, near shrines and bathing areas.
- Ask before photographing people, especially those bathing or performing rites.
- Don't photograph cremations.
- Decline persistent offers politely; agree boat fares before boarding.
- Keep the river clean — no plastic or litter.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh?
Around sunset, lasting about 45 minutes — roughly 5:30–6 PM in winter and 6:30–7 PM in summer. Confirm locally.
How far is Dashashwamedh Ghat from Kashi Vishwanath?
About 1 km — a 10–15 minute walk.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Ghats in Varanasi (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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