Kedar Ghat
Spiritual Essence: Kedar Ghat is named after the famous Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas and is home to the ancient Kedareshwara Temple, which contains a replica of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. This makes it an important pilgrimage site, as devotees unable to travel to the high-altitude Kedarnath can offer their prayers here, fulfilling a similar spiritual vow.: Architectural Beauty: The ghat is known for its distinctive red sandstone steps and structures, which contrast beautifully with the water of the Ganga. The upper levels feature well-preserved buildings and smaller shrines, giving it a peaceful, traditional feel compared to the bustle of the central ghats.: Cultural Heritage: It is one of the ghats traditionally associated with South Indian pilgrims (Bengali Tola is nearby), resulting in a vibrant blend of cultures, visible in the styles of worship and the presence of various regional temples and Dharamshalas.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Ghat, Pilgrimage Site, TempleEntry Fees:
General Entry: Free to access and walk along the ghat. :
Temple Donations: While the temple entry is free, voluntary donations are accepted for the upkeep of the shrine and for sponsoring rituals and aartis. There are no formal tickets for d...General Entry: Free to access and walk along the ghat. :
Temple Donations: While the temple entry is free, voluntary donations are accepted for the upkeep of the shrine and for sponsoring rituals and aartis. There are no formal tickets for darshan.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours, as it is a public riverfront. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for a holy dip, or for the serenity of the sunrise, and late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to observe the evening prayers and ...Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours, as it is a public riverfront. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for a holy dip, or for the serenity of the sunrise, and late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to observe the evening prayers and the beautiful colors of the sunset reflecting off the red stone.Special Events:
Shivratri Celebrations: The festival of Shivratri is celebrated with special fervor, given the ghat's connection to Lord Shiva; the Kedareshwara Temple sees elaborate decoration, continuous chanting, and late-night processions. :
Local Bengali F...Shivratri Celebrations: The festival of Shivratri is celebrated with special fervor, given the ghat's connection to Lord Shiva; the Kedareshwara Temple sees elaborate decoration, continuous chanting, and late-night processions. :
Local Bengali Festivals: Due to the presence of the Bengali Tola community, festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja are celebrated here with unique regional rituals and decorations, providing a different cultural experience compared to the main Varanasi celebrations.Best Photo Spots:
The Red Sandstone Steps: Capture the symmetry of the broad, red steps leading into the Ganga, with the river and boats as the backdrop, especially effective in soft morning or late afternoon light. :
View from the River: The panoramic view of...The Red Sandstone Steps: Capture the symmetry of the broad, red steps leading into the Ganga, with the river and boats as the backdrop, especially effective in soft morning or late afternoon light. :
View from the River: The panoramic view of the entire ghat from a boat on the Ganga, capturing the contrast between the water, the red stone, and the older buildings on the bank, is highly recommended for landscape photography. :
Temple Architecture: Detailed shots of the 18th-century carvings and the unique facade of the Kedareshwara Temple. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Take a Holy Dip: Perform the ritualistic bath (Snan) in the holy Ganges at the steps, considered highly auspicious due to the ghat's association with Kedarnath. :
Observe the Aarti and Rituals: Though not as grand as the Dashashwamedh Aarti, the evening prayers and aarti ceremony held at Kedar Ghat are intimate and deeply spiritual; participate in the localized daily rituals. :
Visit the Kedareshwara Temple: Climb the steps to offer prayers at the main temple, paying respects to the Jyotirlinga and other subsidiary shrines in the complex. :
Explore the Bengali Tola Lanes: Walk through the narrow, winding lanes behind the ghat, which form the Bengali Tola neighborhood. This area is known for its traditional sweet shops, unique architecture, and cultural exchange, o...Take a Holy Dip: Perform the ritualistic bath (Snan) in the holy Ganges at the steps, considered highly auspicious due to the ghat's association with Kedarnath. :
Observe the Aarti and Rituals: Though not as grand as the Dashashwamedh Aarti, the evening prayers and aarti ceremony held at Kedar Ghat are intimate and deeply spiritual; participate in the localized daily rituals. :
Visit the Kedareshwara Temple: Climb the steps to offer prayers at the main temple, paying respects to the Jyotirlinga and other subsidiary shrines in the complex. :
Explore the Bengali Tola Lanes: Walk through the narrow, winding lanes behind the ghat, which form the Bengali Tola neighborhood. This area is known for its traditional sweet shops, unique architecture, and cultural exchange, offering an authentic glimpse into Varanasi's diverse community life and providing unique photo opportunities of street scenes and old houses. :
Morning Boat Ride View: Hire a boat from a nearby ghat (like Dashashwamedh) to view Kedar Ghat from the river at sunrise; the red sandstone facade is particularly beautiful and dramatic in the soft morning light, creating an iconic Varanasi visual.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Kedareshwara Replica: It is famous for housing the replica of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, allowing pilgrims to achieve the spiritual merit of visiting Kedarnath without the treacherous journey. This belief draws numerous devotees. :
Scenic and Ph...Kedareshwara Replica: It is famous for housing the replica of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, allowing pilgrims to achieve the spiritual merit of visiting Kedarnath without the treacherous journey. This belief draws numerous devotees. :
Scenic and Photogenic: Its picturesque red sandstone and the quieter atmosphere make it highly popular among photographers and those seeking a more tranquil ghat experience, often featured in postcards of Varanasi. -
Architecture:
Red Sandstone Construction: The ghat is primarily built using deep red sandstone, a material that gives it a striking appearance and excellent longevity against the river's erosion. The steps lead down to the water in a broad, stable fashion. :
...Red Sandstone Construction: The ghat is primarily built using deep red sandstone, a material that gives it a striking appearance and excellent longevity against the river's erosion. The steps lead down to the water in a broad, stable fashion. :
The Kedareshwara Temple: Located at the top, the temple itself is a notable example of 18th-century temple architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a structure that is modest yet spiritually imposing. It is often described as having a unique blend of local Kashi and South Indian architectural influences, which reflects the community that settled here. :
Physical Dimension: It consists of a long, stepped embankment, flanked by old residential buildings and small shrines, with the main temple complex rising visibly above the bank. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), approx. 25 KMS. Take a taxi to the main ghat area/old city. :
By Train: Arrive at Varanasi Junction (BSB), approx. 4-5 KMS. Take an auto-rickshaw to the nearest accessible ro...By Air: Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), approx. 25 KMS. Take a taxi to the main ghat area/old city. :
By Train: Arrive at Varanasi Junction (BSB), approx. 4-5 KMS. Take an auto-rickshaw to the nearest accessible road intersection, from where the ghat is a short walk through the narrow lanes. :
By Road: Accessible by auto-rickshaw to the Godowlia Chowk or Assi Ghat road, then a walk along the ghats or a cycle rickshaw ride through the busy old town's arterial roads. :
By Local Transport: The best way to reach is by walking from Dashashwamedh Ghat (approx. 1 KM) or by taking a boat ride that drops you off near the steps, as this avoids the most congested internal lanes. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best due to cool, comfortable weather, perfect for long walks along the riverbank. :
Daily Preference: Sunrise is the most sacred and visually appealing time to visit, witnessing pilgrims perf...Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best due to cool, comfortable weather, perfect for long walks along the riverbank. :
Daily Preference: Sunrise is the most sacred and visually appealing time to visit, witnessing pilgrims performing rituals and the warm light on the stone, followed by late afternoon for observing the relaxed evening atmosphere. -
Near Tourist Places:
Dashashwamedh Ghat (1 KM), Manikarnika Ghat (1. 5 KM), Harishchandra Ghat (0. 5 KM), Assi Ghat (2 KM), Durga Temple (3 KM), Tulsi Manas Temple (3 KM), New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) (5 KM), Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (4 KM), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1. 5 KM), Shivala Ghat (0. 8 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The steps can be slippery when wet; wear appropriate footwear. Be respectful of pilgrims performing rituals and maintain silence near the temple areas. :
Packing: Carry a small camera for the scenic views; consider removin...Health & Safety: The steps can be slippery when wet; wear appropriate footwear. Be respectful of pilgrims performing rituals and maintain silence near the temple areas. :
Packing: Carry a small camera for the scenic views; consider removing footwear when entering the temple precincts. Keep a small amount of cash for local purchases or donations. :
Accommodation: Numerous mid-range and budget hotels or guest houses are available in the adjacent Bengali Tola and Godaulia areas, offering an authentic local living experience. :
Other Tips: Negotiate the price with boatmen beforehand if taking a river cruise. Avoid touts offering guidance or forced donations.
Reviews
FAQs
Varanasi Itineray And Cost:-
Other Places In Varanasi :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Uttar Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Alamgir Mosque
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Annapurna Devi Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Assi Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Mata Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Durga Kund Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gyan Vapi Well
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Harishchandra Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kaal Bhairav Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kedar Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Man Mandir Ghat & Observatory
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Manikarnika Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Nepali Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
New Vishwanath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities