Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi: Aarti Timings, Location, Entry Fees, and More

Varanasi, the oldest city of India, is also known as Kashi and Banaras. It is prominently known for its cultural and religious roots. The Ganga River and ghats located along its banks are considered sacred according to Hindu folk tales. 

Regarding the ghats, the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which has a mythical connection to Lord Brahma, stands out as the most prominent in Kashi’s history, attracting thousands of devotees every year. 

Therefore, if you are planning to visit this hallowed ground, let’s delve into this article and find out all possible information related to it, so that you can plan accordingly. 

Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi: A Sacred Place of Spirituality and Serenity

Located on the divine, sacred bank of the Ganga River, this site is known as Dashashwamedh Ghat, which holds immense significance in Hindu religious beliefs. 

Its peaceful atmosphere, majestic surroundings, and the positive vibes deliver a heavenly and pure divine experience to the devotees. 

Furthermore, the evening Ganga aarti is the biggest highlight of this place, where thousands of visitors come to witness the glory of devotion and affection towards Lord Shiva. 

Also, they offer their prayers with pure emotions, holy fire, and sacred mantras. 

Notably, this hallowed ground is one of the most beautiful places in India, which you must visit before dying. 

The Mythological Tales of Dashashwamedh Ghat

According to ancient Hindu mythology, the name “Dashashwamedh” translates to “the ghat of ten sacrificed horses,” which holds one of the most important stories in Hindu mythology.

With such a name, legends believed that Lord Brahma had performed the grand ritual known as the Dashashwamesh Yajna at this place. 

In this ceremony, he did ten Ashwamedha Yagyas and sacrificed the lives of ten strong horses to welcome Lord Shiva after he killed one of the most dangerous demons and saved the world from his torments. 

The Historical Significance of Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi

Historically speaking, the current structure of this religious place was built in the 18th century by the 8th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. However, it was later rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1774 with additional modifications. 

Along with this, the Bharashiva Naga kings performed the same Dashashwamesh Yajna in the 2nd century AD at this spot. They did ten Ashwamedha Yagyas and sacrificed ten horses to signify their power after their victory over the Kushans. 

Therefore, with such a fascinating legacy, the Dashashwamesh Ghat has been a prominent cultural hub for centuries. 

Notably, it is located near one of the 12 must-visit Shiva temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath temple, making it one of the popular attractions of Varanasi.

How to Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi? 

In this section, let’s find out the location and an easy way to reach this holy place through the different modes of transport. 

Dashashwamedh Ghat Map Location: 

1. By Air: The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), situated approximately 25 km from the ghat. From here, you can take a direct taxi or bus or hire a private car, according to your budget. 

2. By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) station is the nearest railway station, about 3-4 km from the Dashashwamedh Ghat, from where you can take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to Godowlia Chowk. It will take you less than a 10-minute walk to reach the ghat. 

3. By Road: Reach Godowlia Chowk, and take a 10-minute walk by strolling around the market area to reach the ghat.

Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti Time and Entry Fee

The Ganga aarti is the daily ritual performed by the priest, offering prayers and gratitude to the Goddess Ganga. Below, we have mentioned its timing slot. Take a look. 

Morning Aarti
4:30 AM to 5 AM

Evening Aarti (Duration: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour)
Summer	Starts around 7 PM
Winter	Starts around 6:30 PM

Remember, there is no entry fee or any other sort of charges required to attend. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat to Attend Ganga Aarti?

As we have aforementioned, the Ganga aarti takes place twice a day (morning and evening) on the ghat. But evidently, every season of the year delivers a different experience and is majestic in its own way. 

Thus, let’s examine the pointers below to understand this more precisely. 

1. Summer (April-June): If you are planning your trip during this time of year, try to attend an early morning aarti to experience the soothing experience and save yourself from intense heat. 

2. Monsoon (July-September): At this time, the ghat is not crowded, making it an ideal chance to experience the Ganga Aarti with fewer distractions. However, the rain may affect the water level of the rivers and impact boat rides. 

3. Winter (October-March): With the pleasant weather, the ghat is absolutely perfect for attending morning/evening aarti and taking a holy dip, making it one of the best places to visit in October in India. 

4. Evidently, festival days like Dev Deepawali, Ganga Dussehra, Chhath Puja, and Maha Shivaratri feature breathtaking views and celebrations that cannot match any other time of the year. 

Some Important Points to Consider Before Attending Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Apart from timings and location, there are several things that you should consider before planning your trip to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Here, we have listed them for you. Give a good look. 

1. The Ganga aarti happens twice a day on the ghat, but the special aartis are only held on Tuesday and on festive days like Dev Deepawali, Maha Shivratri, Holi, and Chhath Puja. 

2. During aarti, the ghat becomes overcrowded. Be aware of the pocket pickers and take care of your belongings. 

3. A Maha aarti only happens on Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali), which often comes in October or November.

4.  There is no entrance fee or any other charges to attend the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga aarti. 

5. We suggest you reach the ghat 30 minutes before the aarti to reserve the best spot for aarti darshan and your photoshoot sessions.

What Happens During the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti?

Witnessing the Ganga aarti is one of the mesmerizing moments where you can actually feel the connection with God and experience a pure, brief moment of devotion and blessing.

Thus, examine the pointers below and comprehend how exactly people perform the Ganga aarti. 

1. The seven young brahmins who have learned the Vedas and Hindu mythologies in Kashi offer aarti to Goddess Ganga, wearing the same outfit: dhoti, kurta, and a saffron stole.

2. They lighten the brass sticks, incense, and recite Vedic mantras, offering their prayers to Lord Shiva (Shri Vishwanath) and Lord Vishnu, facing the river, symbolizing the Sapta Rishi. 

3. Along with the holy fire and Sanskrit mantras, the priest worships the Ganga River by blowing the conch shell and singing different bhajans to seek blessings. 

4. There is a fixed sequence for performing the aarti. Firstly, the priest offers the flowers and incense to the Goddess Ganga. 

5. After this, they light up several long brasses with the small ones placed around them and move them in a clockwise direction rhythmically, chanting Sanskrit shlokas and “Har Har Mahadev”. 

6. Lastly, the fresh, beautiful flowers are offered to the Ganga River in the respect of Goddess Ganga.

In a nutshell, this grand celebration of pilgrims and a way to show their love and belief in God is no less than experiencing heaven on earth. Also, there is an old saying that whoever attends this Ganga aarti, Lord Shiva forgives his/her sins and blesses them with happiness. 

What are the Best Things to do at Dashashwamedh Ghat? 

Visiting the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a complete package of experiencing spirituality, nature’s beauty, and a peaceful break from the city’s hectic schedule. 

Whether you are a devotee who wants to seek blessings from Lord Mahadev or a tourist out there to explore the cultural and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone, for sure. 

So, examine the pointers below and know what you can do to make the most of your trip. 

1. Take a Holy Dip in the Ganga River

According to Hindu folk tales, taking a bath in the water of the Ganga River is one of the sacred, pure activities. It apparently will free the soul from past sins, bondages, and clear their path for Moksha. 

So, start your day by performing this religious gesture and experience the peace of mind, while enjoying the beauty of the sun and the river altogether. 

2. Attend Morning/Evening Ganga Aarti 

After freshening up and changing clothes, attend the morning aarti and find yourself lucky and blessed to witness such a divine moment. 

The air of this place is filled echo of mantras, the voice of constantly reciting “Har Har Mahadev”, the bells’ rhythm, making the entire atmosphere majestic that one cannot afford to miss. 

Also, reserve your timings for the evening aarti too, which is a completely different experience from the morning one. 

3. Perform Pooja at the Ghat 

No matter whether you are a devotee or tourist, performing pooja at the banks of the river should be on your to-do list during your vacations. 

Locals believe that just by folding your hands and lighting a diya in front of the Ganga River will give you an immense sense of peace and calmness at the core of your heart. 

So, don’t miss this opportunity to experience the spiritual and the divine presence of God this close. 

4. Go For the Boat Ride 

Early in the morning or when the sun is about to set, go for a boat ride that costs from ₹150 to ₹500, depending on the boat type and duration. After boarding, explore the panoramic visuals of the Ganga River waves, on which sunlight beautifully shimmers. 

Along with this, you can also witness the fascinating spectacle of Siberian migratory birds that only appear in winter. 

Moreover, take some fresh flowers with you to worship the Goddess Ganga and seek blessings from her in the middle of the water. You can also take the fish food with you and have a playful moment with them. 

5. Soak in a Peaceful, Relaxing Atmosphere 

Don’t rush anywhere, sit and spend your time on this heavenly ghat to take a brief break and treat your soul with something that actually delivers calm and relaxation. 

You can sit near the Ganga River and meditate, spend your time admiring the beautiful waves, talk to locals so you know more about Lord Shiva, and enjoy street food. 

In short, spending your day at Dashashwamedh Ghat will not only be one of the great experiences of your life but also make you desperate to come back again.

Popular Attractions Near Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi

To savor every moment of your trip, consider staying in Varanasi for at least 3 to 4 days. Also, try visiting the following places after attending the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. 

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara), who is considered the main deity of Varanasi. Visit this temple at 7:00 AM and witness the divine power of Lord Mahadev. Notably, the Dashashwamedh Ghat to Kashi Vishwanath temple distance is approximately 3.7 km (around a 21-minute drive). 

2. Assi Ghat: Located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers, this ghat is one of the prominent and historic places, which is known for its calming atmosphere and Ganga aarti. You can easily spend the entire day here, doing meditation, yoga, attending aarti, enjoying boating, and tasting street foods. Moreover, the Dashashwamedh Ghat to Assi Ghat distance is around 3.7 km (approx 21-minute drive). 

3. Tulsi Manas Temple: This sanctuary is dedicated to Tulsidas and the writing of the Ramcharitmanas. Here you can experience the beauty of Hinduism and know more about the spirit and teachings of Lord Rama. 

4. Kathwala Temple: It is also known as the Nepali Mandir. If you are looking for something distinct, this sacred space is perfect to wander through. Here you can explore the beautiful architecture, click photos, and learn about Nepali religion. 

5. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: This art gallery is located within the Banaras Hindu University campus, and accumulates a vast collection of unique art and antiques.   

Additionally, you can also go to further popular attractions like Manikarnika Ghat, Kal Bhairav Temple, Vishalakshi Temple, and the rest, making your trip an unforgettable experience. 

Famous Nearby Dashashwamedh Ghat Hotels and Food Joints 

After learning about popular attractions, let’s move forward to accommodations and eatery sections, so that you can plan everything and avoid any sort of inconvenience during the trip. 

1. Popular Food Joints to Check Out

Below, we have mentioned the names of the top three eateries located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Take a look. 

1. Kashi Chat Bhandar

   

   The place is neat and clean, and widely recognized for serving a variety of spicy snacks and Indian dishes for the last 60 years. It is widely popular for its authentic Banarasi chaat, and also for its signature Tamatar chaat.

   Image	Special Dishes	Starting Price
   	Dahi Puri	50/-
   	Pani Puri	30/-
   	Tamatar Chaat	50/-
   	Banarasi Chat	50/-

2. V T Café

   

   After doing darshan at Kashi Vishwanath temple, dine at this eatery, which is located just in front of it. Here you can treat your taste buds with the delicious street appetizers like masala dosa, mushroom soup, and the rest. 

   Image	Special Dishes	Starting Price
   	Masala Dosa	50/-
   	Mushroom Soup	60/-
   	Noodles	60/-

3.  Dakshin Kashi

   

   A budget-friendly food joint that serves several delicious dishes at a moderate price. You can enjoy the Banaras special dishes like kachori sabzi, lassi, and thandai, without spending much. 

   Image	Special Dishes	Starting Price
   	Onion Uttpam	140/-
   	Cheese Masala Dosa	180/-
   	Lemon Rice	120/-

Additionally, you can try street stalls to taste the local specialities and enjoy the aroma of the city.

2. Affordable Stay Recommendation Around Dashashwamedh Ghat

Here, we have illustrated the best Varanasi Dashashwamedh Ghat hotels around, which are not only budget-friendly but also take care of everything for you to make your trip comfortable and memorable. Check them out. 

1. Wander Station | Rooms & Dorms

   

   Travelling solo or with friends, staying at this Bengali-themed sharing hostel is the best way to have a luxurious stay at an appropriate price. This place features a kitchen, restaurant, library & terrace sit-out, making your entire stay comfortable and memorable. Notably, this place has a 4.6 Google rating on its GMB profile. 

   Pricing Details

   ₹ 2,017 + ₹ 232 taxes & fees/Per Night (For 2 Adults)

2. Kashi Villa

   

   With a 4.8 Google rating, this property is ideal for families and people who prioritize luxury and comfort over money. Located at a distance of 1.3 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this place offers almost every amenity that you might need during your vacation, food included. 

   Pricing Details

   ₹ 2,431 + ₹ 320 taxes & fees/Per Night (For 2 Adults)

3. Aadarsh P. Guest House

   

   Situated just 3-min walking distance from the Kashi Vishwanath temple, this place is one of the convenient choices for the family and people who are planning for a long stay.

   Pricing Details

   ₹ 1,314 + ₹ 150 taxes & fees/Per Night (For 2 Adults)

Empyrean Dashashwamedh Ghat Photos Gallery 

After knowing everything about this amazing place, it’s time to take a look at its some amazing glimpses that will surely leave you stunned with its beauty. 

Bottom Line 

Wrapping Up! Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi is not just a riverbank; it’s a place full of life, faith, and deep spiritual vibes. From the grand Ganga aarti and echo of mantras to the vibrant atmosphere and peaceful morning boat rides, everything feels magical here. 

Additionally, just like the 5 Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, here you can visit the 12th Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath, and seek blessings from the deity of Hindus, Lord Shiva. 

Lastly, if this divine aroma brings calm and peace to you, try visiting the other sacred places like Shri Mahakaleshwar, Sri Kabbalamma Temple, and Shri Ghati Subrahmanya.