The "84 ghats" of Varanasi (Banaras) refer to the series of riverfront steps leading down to the Ganges River, which are among the most sacred places in the city. These ghats play an important role in the religious, cultural, and historical life of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Historical and Religious Significance:

1. Ancient Origins: The ghats of Varanasi are believed to date back thousands of years. Many Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas, refer to Varanasi as an eternal city, where bathing in the Ganges is believed to cleanse sins and offer liberation (moksha). Over the centuries, various dynasties and rulers have contributed to the development of these ghats.


2. Mythological Connection: According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva. The ghats are considered sacred due to their association with deities and religious events. For Hindus, performing rituals on these ghats, including cremation and bathing, has deep spiritual significance.


3. Religious Practices: The ghats are used for multiple religious purposes:

Bathing Ghats: Pilgrims bathe in the holy river, believing it purifies the soul.

Cremation Ghats: Ghats like Manikarnika and Harishchandra are used for cremation. It is believed that being cremated on these ghats ensures liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Ganga Aarti: This daily evening ritual, held at Dashashwamedh Ghat, is a spectacle of lights, chants, and rituals that draws thousands of visitors.



4. Cultural Importance: The ghats have been the setting for countless religious, philosophical, and literary discussions over millennia. They are also associated with art, music, and cultural performances, making Varanasi a hub for Indian classical music and dance.



Key Ghats and Their History:

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the oldest and most prominent ghats, it is said to have been created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. It is also associated with the legend of Brahma performing the "Ten-Horse Sacrifice" (Dashashwamedha) here.


2. Manikarnika Ghat: One of the most sacred ghats for cremation, this ghat has a strong connection to Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati. According to legend, Parvati lost her earring (Manikarnika) here, and the place became a site for eternal liberation.


3. Assi Ghat: This is located at the southernmost part of Varanasi, where the Assi River meets the Ganges. It's a prominent bathing ghat, especially for religious festivals like Makar Sankranti and Ganga Dussehra.


4. Harishchandra Ghat: Another cremation ghat, named after the legendary King Harishchandra, who is revered for his dedication to truth. It is believed that he worked at this ghat before being reinstated as king.


5. Panchganga Ghat: This ghat is where five rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutapapa, and Kirana—are believed to meet. It has significant religious and mythological importance.



Development and Restoration:

During the medieval period, the ghats saw significant patronage from various rulers, especially during the Mughal and Maratha periods. Many of the ghats were rebuilt or restored by Maratha rulers like Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Peshwas of Pune, and other Indian monarchs.

In the British period, some ghats fell into disrepair but were later revived post-independence, with ongoing efforts to restore and maintain them for religious and tourism purposes.

The "84 ghats" in Banaras remain a living testament to the city's rich cultural, spiritual, and historical legacy. Each ghat has its unique history, making the entire riverfront a sacred and vibrant symbol of the continuity of Indian religious traditions.