Assi Ghat

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Varanasi Junction): 8 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr

Place Location: At The Confluence Of Ganga & Assi Rivers

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 3 km from Dasashwamedh Ghat and 8 km from Varanasi Junction, Assi Ghat is one of the famous ghats on the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi. Situated at the confluence of Ganga and Assi Rivers, it is the southernmost ghat in Kashi and also one of the important Places to visit in Varanasi.

Assi Ghat has numerous references in the early literature of the Hindus including Agni Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana, Kurma Purana and Kashi Khand. According to the mythology, Goddess Durga had thrown her sword in Assi River after killing the demons Shumbha & Nishumbha. Assi Ghat is called as Assi Saimbeda Tirtha in Kashi Khand and is one of the five special ghats visited by pilgrims during the Panchtirtha Yatra.

Also known as Asi Ghat, the Ghat is renowned for a large Shiva Lingam placed under a Peepal Tree. This place also boasts one more ancient temple enshrining a Shiva Lingam famously known as Asisangameshwar Lingam. This was also the place where the renowned saint poet Tulasi Das completed the famous literary work Ramcharitmanas.

A holy dip in Assi River during the sacred month of Chaitra at this ghat is said to be highly auspicious. During solar or lunar eclipse, Probodhoni Ekadashi, Ganga Dussehra and Makar Sankranti, the place is visited by a large number of devotees and travellers.