Kashi, Varanasi, Benares – known by so many names is among the oldest living cities of the World. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu religion is virtually unparalleled ! Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus for ages. It is firmly belived that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi dates back to many centuries. The holy Ganges in Varanasi washes away the sins of mortals.
புனித காசியில் 84 காட் எனும் படித்துறைகள் உள்ளன. இவற்றுள் - அசிகாட், கேதார் காட், தஷ் அஸ்வமேத காட், மணிகர்ணிகா காட், பஞ்சகங்கா காட், ஹரிஷ்சந்திர காட், ஆதிகேசவ காட் பிரபலமானவை. மணிகர்ணிகாவிற்கும் ஆதிகேசவருக்கும் இடைப்பட்ட பகுதி விஷ்ணு காசி எனவும் மணிகர்ணிகாவிற்கும் ஆசி காட்டிற்கும் இடைப்பட்ட பகுதி சிவகாசி எனவும் வழங்கப்படுகின்றன. இது காசி விஸ்வநாதர் ஆலயம் அமைந்துள்ள சிவஸ்தலம்
A pilgrimage to holy Varanasi (Kasi) is complete with reaching the holy Ganges. There were around 84 bathing ghats in earlier times and with passage of time, there are around 30 – among them the most important could be : Harishchandra ghat, Manikarnika ghat and .. Dashaashwametha ghat where Ganga haarthi takes place daily. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the Ganges river. While most are ceremonial puja and bathing ghats, couple are cremation spots too. Most of the ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt in the 18th century under the maratha patronage. The patrons of current ghats are Maharajas of Benares, Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles and Peshwes (Peshwas). Then there is ‘Namo Ghat’
Namo Ghat is a newly constructed ghat in Varanasi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji laid the foundation stone for the project in 2018. The ghat is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is spread over an area of 21,000 square meters. It is a modern ghat with facilities for tourists, including a viewing deck, a cafeteria, and a parking lot. This riverfront’s main appeal are three huge sculptures in the form of folded hands depicting ‘namaste’ which showcases the idea of “atithi devo bhawah” i.e. welcoming the guests always and treating them with respect. Varanasi’s most famous Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Bridge passes near the Ghat.
Following an alarming rise in the water of the Ganga, the water level crossed the warning level of 70.26 metres in Varanasi and started inching close to the danger mark of 71.26 metres on Sunday morning. With the rise in the water level, the flood threat has started started looming large in low-lying areas, especially in the localities along the Ganga's tributary river, Varuna.
With continuous rise in the water level of the Ganga in Varanasi, a flood like situation has emerged in low lying areas along the Ganga and Varuna. Here is a pic of the submerged Namo Ghat. The flood affected areas are Chandan Shaheed, Sarai Mohana, Rajghat Bhadau Chungi, Konia, Vijayipura pipeline bridge, Kapildhara bridge, Khajuri Konia, Konia Tadikhan, Mangraha Veerbaba Temple, Maurya Basti, Saraiya Railway Bridge, Jalalipura via old bridge.
The previous pics were taken at Namo ghat during our recent visit in July 2024
-the one above is media pic of date.
Due to rise in water level, all the ghats have submerged and places of Ganga Arti have been changed. According to Sushant Mishra of Ganga Seva Nidhi, which organises Ganga Arti daily, the arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat has been shifted to higher place as the arti platform is submerged.
With regards – S Sampathkumar
16.9.2024
