Panchganga Ghat – Confluence of 5 Rivers

Panchganga Ghat or Bindumadhav Ghat is a famous ghat located in Varanasi, India. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga river and is named after the five holy rivers that are said to confluence at this spot: Ganga, Saraswati, Dhupapapa, Yamuna, and Kirana.

Presently, only the Ganga remains visible, while the others are thought to have disappeared or transformed into ethereal manifestations.

Introduction

Panchganga Ghat Picture
Sitting area of Panchganga Ghat & Shri Math

Panch Ganga ghat is one of the 5 oldest and most important ghats in Varanasi and is believed to have been built by the sage Bhrigu during the time of the Mahabharat. Pilgrims visit this ghat to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga and offer prayers to the gods. It is believed that bathing in the waters of the Panch Ganga Ghat can wash away one’s sins and help attain salvation.

The Panch Ganga Ghat is also known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the river Ganga. The ghat is lined with rows of steps that lead down to the river, and it is surrounded by several grand old buildings and temples such as Alamgir Mosque, Bindu Madhav Temple, etc.

At the water’s edge, the ghat houses multiple shrine rooms, each containing a unique spiritual essence. These spaces, often adorned with shivlings and idols of deities like the reclining Visnu, offer space for meditation and devotion, subtly hidden beneath the footsteps of worshippers.

The soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at sunrise illuminates the ghat’s spiritual essence, honouring the sacred Ganga River. Festivals during Vaishakh (April-May) and Kartik (Oct-Nov) witness devotees, especially women, partaking in sacred baths. Special rituals on Ganga’s birthday and the offering of oil lamps to ancestors during Kartik month signify the depth of devotion upheld by the Ghatiyas (ghaṭ-priests).

History of Panchganga Ghat

The earliest mentions of the ghats are in an 11th-century text known as “Kashi Khand” from the Skand Puran. The Kashi Khand describes Panchganga as the second most important ghat after Dashaswamedh Ghat. Around the time of the Gahadavala dynasty(11th-12th century), the royal families preferred Panchganga over the Dashashwamedh ghat. It was known as Bindumadhav Ghat because of the glorious golden temple of Vishnu that was present at the Ghat.

Vishnu Temple or the Bindu Madhav temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and converted into Alamgir Mosque in 1673. The present temple was re-established on the right side of the mosque.

alamgir mosque old photo

Throughout history, different rulers added their touch to this special place. Centuries ago, a finance secretary named Raghunath Tandan made the steps sturdier by using stone. Others, like Bajirao Peshva-I and Sadashiva Naik, also helped fix and improve it. Amidst the newer temples that sprouted in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Rama Mandir of Kanganvali Haveli stands as a relic of the early 17th century, resonating with historical significance.

Alamgir mosque panchanga ghat
Alamgir Mosque

Prominent Figures Connected to Panchganga Ghat

The Panchganga Ghat has a strong association with several important figures in Hinduism, as well as other spiritual leaders. These individuals have made significant contributions to the religious and cultural heritage of India and are remembered for their teachings, wisdom, and influence.

Tracing its history, the ghat was once graced by the presence of a revered teacher of Vedanta, Ramananda, whose monastery still stands as a testament to his legacy. It was here that Kabir, the eminent reformist bhakti poet, found guidance under Ramananda’s tutelage, shaping the course of spiritual thought.

  1. Adi Shankaracharya – He was a Hindu philosopher and theologian who established the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. Shankaracharya is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed spiritual practices there.
  2. Tulsidas – He was a Hindu poet-saint and philosopher who wrote the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem in the Awadhi language. Tulsidas is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed rituals in honor of Lord Rama.
  3. Kabir – He was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint whose writings influenced Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Kabir is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and sang devotional songs in praise of the divine.
  4. Ravidas – He was a 15th-century Indian saint and poet whose devotional songs and verses are still popular among the people of India. Ravidas is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed spiritual practices there.
  5. Guru Nanak – He was the founder of the Sikh religion and is considered to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Indian history. Guru Nanak is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and meditated there, gaining spiritual enlightenment.
  6. Trailanga Swami– He was often seen sitting on the steps of Panchganga Ghat, meditating and offering blessings to devotees who came to see him. It is said that he would often disappear for long periods, only to reappear at the ghat when he felt called to do so.

These important figures have all left their mark on the Panch Ganga Ghat and are remembered for their teachings and wisdom. Their association with this site has helped deepen its spiritual significance and made it a revered place of pilgrimage for millions of people worldwide.

In addition to its religious and cultural importance, the Panch Ganga Ghat also offers a picturesque view of the river and the surrounding city. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Ganga to get a closer look at the ghats, or sit by the river and watch the river flow.

Despite the heavy influx of pilgrims and tourists, the Panch Ganga Ghat remains a peaceful and serene place, with the sound of temple bells and the gentle flow of the river providing a soothing backdrop to the activities taking place here. It is one of the cleanest and must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Varanasi.

How to Reach Panchganga Ghat

Panchganga Ghat is located just 6 minutes walking distance from the Burning Ghat. You can also take a walk from the Kachori Gali to Panchganga Ghat via the streets to explore the older part of the area. The ghat can also be reached via boat from any Ghat in the city.

Nearby Places

Shree Math
Alamgir Mosque
Trailanga Swami Ashram
Dhutpapeshwar Mahadev
Vindu Madhav Temple
Balaji Temple
Siddheshwari Temple
Kashi Dham Museum

Nearby Ghats

Bharma Ghat
Balaji Ghat
Jatar Ghat
Mehta Ghat

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