shivala ghat varanasi

Varanasi is a fascinating town. One of the oldest settlements on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi or Banaras has a long history and is known as a holy city that has attracted all manner of tourists from all over the country.

The result of their intermingling and contributions is a city rich in custom, culture, religious ceremonies, and tourist attractions. Each year, it is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world and one of the main attractions is the many Ghats alongside the sacred river Ganga.

Why are there so many Ghats in Varanasi?

All in all, Varanasi has around 88 Ghats. Although there have always been some settlements along the river here for eons, most of these Ghats were built in the 14th century. In the 18th century, they were rebuilt and solidified under the city’s Maratha rulers for pilgrims to perform puja and for people to bathe in them to purify themselves.

Today, these Ghats overlook the majestic Ganga River in Varanasi and allow visitors interesting vantage points from where they can see the city. The Ghats in Varanasi have evolved as institutions in themselves and serve social, political, and civic roles as well as their traditional roles as holy places for performing rituals.

Two of these Ghats, Manikarnika, and Harishchandra, are used exclusively for cremation and end-of-life rituals while the others are open for bathing, submersion, and other ceremonies like the famous Aarti that is performed here every day.

One of the most famous of these Ghats is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is one of the most popular places in Varanasi and it is believed that lord Brahma himself performed ten Ashwamedha sacrifices here. Other famous Ghats in Varanasi include the Assi Ghat and Shivala Ghat.

What is Shivala Ghat?

The Shivala Ghat was constructed by King Balwant Singh in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. In the early 19th century, Nepalese King Sanjay Vikram Shah made a palace next to this Ghat. The Ghat, along with the palace and other buildings was taken over by the British after the rebellion of 1857.

The Shivala Ghat is very close to Assi Ghat, which is very popular because it is well connected to the city. Shivala Ghat is very neat and clean as compared to the other Ghats and has excellent arrangements and facilities for travelers. It is connected to the city through a network of charming back alleys and by-lanes and is a pleasure to explore and examine.

There are also some interesting things to see at Shivala Ghat and around it including the Shivala Ghat Temple, Brahmendra Math (a spiritual center), and the Haveli of King Sanjay Vikram Shah.  For tourists who do not want to be lost in the crowd, Shivala Ghat is the best place to witness the spirit of Varanasi.

Where to stay in Varanasi?

There are a few hotels near Shivala Ghat, Varanasi but the best amongst them is the Amritara Suryauday Haveli.  It is a luxury hotel that is located right on the banks of the river and even has some boats that are at the disposal of guests.

The hotel has comfortable rooms, good service, and great food and is the proffered address for those visiting Varanasi. The hotel is itself a heritage property and is strategically located to provide easy access to Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

                                                                         Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which Ghat is famous in Varanasi?

Ans. The most famous gat in Varanasi is Assi Ghat because it is connected to the city by a wide road and is easily accessible. Other famous Ghats include Shivala Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Q2. Which is the biggest Ghat in Varanasi?

Ans. The biggest Ghat in Varanasi is Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Q3. Which Ghat is famous for Aarti?

Ans. The best place to watch the Aarti ceremony in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Q4. What is the distance between Shivala Ghat and Assi Ghat?

Ans. The Shivala Ghat is very close to Assi Ghat. It is about 1.4 Km away and can be reached in 5-7 minutes by walking.