Dashashwamedh Ghat

Overview

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and busiest ghat of Varanasi, a flight of steps leading down to the Ganges. Hindu tradition says Brahma performed ten horse sacrifices here, which gives the ghat its name.

Pilgrims bathe at dawn, priests perform rituals through the day, and each evening the ghat hosts the Ganga Aarti. The present steps largely date from the eighteenth century.

What to look for

• Sunrise on the river from a rowing boat
• Priests under umbrellas performing rituals on the steps
• The line of ghats stretching along the river
• Flower sellers, boatmen and pilgrims at the water's edge

Visiting tips

• Hire a boat through a trusted guide at an agreed price.
• Carry small notes and keep valuables close in the crowd.
• Photography is not permitted at the cremation ghats; ask before photographing rituals.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes before the evening ritual for a good place.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Dhamek Stupa Ganga Aarti Manikarnika Ghat Sunrise Boat Kashi Vishwanath