Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Dasaswamedh Ghat is probably the most ancient and magnificent of all the ghats located on the banks of river Ganga in Varanasi. Its history dates back to thousands of years.

Dasaswamedh means “sacrifice of ten horses”. Legend has it that Lord Brahma conducted a yagya here to call back Lord Shiva from his exile. It is not clear whether the ten horses were sacrificed as an act of penance during the yagna or to celebrate the return of Lord Shiva. According to legend, in the 2nd century, the same sacrificial ceremony was performed by Bhara Shiva Naga rulers.

Given its historic importance, it is considered to be the main ghat in Varanasi. It is also the largest and the most visited and venerated of all the ghats in the town. Aarti is performed by the priests every morning and evening. The sight is all the more mesmerising in the evenings when the Ganga aarti is performed with choreographed pyrotechnics and devotees light small lamps and float them on the water.