Why is Kedar Ghat important?
Kedar Ghat is home to the Kedareshwar temple, one of the most revered Shiva shrines in Kashi. Tradition links it with Kedarnath in the Himalaya. The ghat has long been a centre for pilgrims from South India, and its red-and-white striped steps make it one of the most recognisable on the riverfront.
Kedar Ghat
- Location
- Southern riverfront, between Assi and Dashashwamedh, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- About 2.5 km (approximate)
On this page
Significance
A South Indian quarter
The neighbourhood around Kedar Ghat has long been home to pilgrims and priests from South India, and the temple's worship reflects southern traditions. Nearby maths and guesthouses serve South Indian pilgrims.
What to see
- The Kedareshwar temple above the ghat
- The painted steps and the small Gauri Kund
- Evening lamps and bathers at dawn
Best time to visit
Early morning, when the ghat is active and the light is soft.
How to reach
On foot along the ghats from Assi or Dashashwamedh, or by e-rickshaw to the lanes above the ghat. Combine with Tilbhandeshwar.
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
Is Kedareshwar at Kedar Ghat related to Kedarnath?
Tradition links the two: Kedareshwar in Kashi is held to be a manifestation of Kedarnath.
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
- Banaras: City of Light — Diana L. Eck (Knopf, 1982; Columbia University Press reprint) (opens in a new tab)
Columbia University Press — Scholarly source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- Assi GhatAssi Ghat guide: the southern end of Varanasi's riverfront, its tradition, the dawn programme and evening aarti, boat rides, cafés and nearby temples.
- TilbhandeshwarTilbhandeshwar Mahadev in Bhelupur, Varanasi: the Shiva linga that tradition says grows by a sesame seed each year, the temple's history and visiting tips.
- KedarnathKedarnath Jyotirlinga in the Garhwal Himalaya: its tradition, the seasonal opening, the trek from Gaurikund, registration and safety for pilgrims.
- Nepali TempleThe Nepali Temple (Kathwala Mandir) at Lalita Ghat: a carved wooden temple in the Nepali style dedicated to Shiva as Pashupatinath, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
- Best GhatsThe best ghats to visit in Varanasi and what makes each special — from Dashashwamedh and Assi to Manikarnika, Kedar, Man Mandir, Chet Singh and Panchganga.
- GhatsA guide to the ghats of Varanasi: what a ghat is, the most important ghats from Assi to Panchganga, bathing and cremation ghats, boat rides, etiquette and a walking plan.