GHATS OF VARANASI

Considered one of the most notable pilgrim centers in the country Varanasi is located on
the River Ganga banks and therefore remains highly sacred one. Attractive architectures of
this place equally appeal to every visitor arriving at this place. Famous as the ‘City of
Temples’ Varanasi is located in the Uttar Pradesh state where renowned Kashi Vishwanath
Temple or the famous golden temple is located to attracts all devotees in the banks of the
Ganga River. This city is also denoted with its other name Benaras and so is it holy place
for the believers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The holiness of
Varanasi enhances due to the presence of Hindu temples in this region. Rest famous sites
of architectural attraction include its Ghats. Starting from Ghats many steps lead towards
temples, shops and tightly packed houses located at the narrow lanes. City’s architecture
remains incomplete without ancient Islamic architecture hence play pivotal role in its
architectural richness. Mughal emperor had constructed several mosques here during their
rule.
As the city of Varanasi has its existence since the period of Gautama Buddha the city is
therefore estimated to exist since three thousand years now. The city had once remained the
most notable architectural center then. By 12th century this region witnessed many changes
in its cultural hues while Mughal emperors took charge of it and therefore Delhi's Islamic
culture is best witnessed by the building of several mosques in this area. IT even bought
religious disharmony for certain extent that can be still analyzed here. Hindu feudal lords
captured this region during the 18th century hence the revival of this place began to turn it
a sacred place for Hindus once again. Today this city remains cultural and religious center
of more than ten lakh inhabitants.
As history describes a large portion of the Hindu architecture in Varanasi had been
destroyed once Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered for that. He had built two mosques on
the Ganges River bank which still exists there. Tiny Mughal styled mosque is said to have
been built on a site nearby one of the earlier temples. Other mosque is comparatively larger
one nearby famous Vishwanath Temple that exists today and often they become bone of
contention between the two communities. Stucco paintings look amazing here. Acting as
good landmark in the area mosque’s minaret is approximately seventy meters high from the
riverbank. As the mosque is located on the steep steps at the height from where the way to
Panchganga Ghat goes it remains notable in the area and so does symbolize vividly about
the influence of Muslim rulers in a place considered holiest for the Hindus. Other
attractions of architecture in this place include finely rendered stucco, stone and
polychrome works.
Architecture of the Temples of Varanasi
It was in 1780 that famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple had been constructed in Varanasi.
Sooner this temple emerged into one of the major Hindu religious centers in the country.
Likewise, it was in 18th century that another famous temple namely Durga Temple was
constructed here. Nagara styled architectures of these temples projected North Indian
cultural amalgamation. Amazing architecture of Sankat Mochan Temple equally appeal
with its outstanding appearance which is a mixture of old and modern styles. New
Vishwanath Temple was built in 1956 as old Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s replica having
similar such architectural richness. Currently existingarchitecturally rich buildings of
Varanasi had been constructed in 17th century which exists till date.
Architecture of the Ghats of Varanasi
The weave of religious spell is best observed through flocking of countless devotees on the
Ghats as much as the buildings and temples located in row in Ganga River’s bank. As river
bank is considered scared it has terraces or steps which have been built to ease movement.
All steps leading into river side is named Ghats and is popular as well. They are
undoubtedly most attractive places to see as enriched architectural locations. Immense
staircases at the Ganges River Ghats from one edge to the other look like connected to
sky’s edge. These Ghats stretch for even three kilometers or more than that and have been
named specifically. Dasashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous Ghats here. Peshwa
Balaji Rao had constructed it which has already become the holiest of Ganges holy bathing
Ghats today. You find it an unforgettable experience watching worshippers worshipping
the sunrise when they bath at dawn at this location.
The top portions of the Ghats have cremation grounds as well. Assi Ghat is located at the
southern end which connects to several other Ghats here until the extreme northern side’s
Adikeshva Ghat. Famous Tulsi Ghat is located nearby at which Goswami Tulsidas used to
live until death. Dead bodies are burnt round the clock at the Harishchandra Ghat which is
famous cremation Ghat. Mani Karnika Ghat is other and oldest of cremation Ghats here.
There is firm belief that luckiest persons die in the Varanasi city.
Architectural Sites at Varanasi
One of the Rajput architectural creations of Varanasi is witnessed in city’s Ram Nagar
Fort. It had been built in the 17th century on the river bank. It looks amazing parallel to
river banks standing in line to various ancient temples and palaces besides courtyards
making it special place surrounded by such ancient structures. Mughal styled arches of the
palace which faces its main courtyard is unique especially due to the
corbelled brackets blending there. Its construction projects the style of Mughal King
Akbar. An entrance gate is located at the side alongside the river hence many visitors
arriving by boat can have access to it. Grand bricks were used to build the exterior walls of
this structure. Use of intricate ivory carvings made its interior area architecturally rich. It is
here that one sees remnants of Maharaja of Benaras displayed by the transport department
which includes clothes as well. 
One more site nearby Varanasi is Sarnath that remains popular in the region for ancient
architectural richness. Presence of old Dhamekh Stupa which Emperor Ashoka had
renovated besides the famous Ashoka Column that shows four lions atop and which is also
country’s national emblem are some of the notable attractions in Sarnath preserved by
Archaeological Survey of India Museum here.
It can be well said that Varanasi is an important place where Hindu religious architecture
sustains. It is worth noting that several Muslim architectural creations equally appeal here.
Varanasi therefore remains a splendor of highly impactful mythological past plus
captivating architectural beauty.