Why Harishchandra Ghat is Important in Varanasi

Harishchandra Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and is very important to both locals and visitors. Like Manikarnika Ghat, it is believed that being cremated here helps a person reach salvation. The ghat usually has a serious and peaceful atmosphere. At the bottom of the steps leading to the River Ganga, boats wait to take passengers across. You can also see smoke rising from the cremations, which makes you think about the temporary nature of life.

There is an interesting story about how the ghat got its name. It is said that King Harishchandra, a mythical figure in Varanasi, once worked at the cremation ground to uphold truth and justice. One day, a sage named Rishi Vishwamitra asked the king for a ritual fee called Rajsuya Dakshina. The king, known for his generosity, gave up everything he had, including his kingdom and wealth, but the sage still demanded more. Feeling helpless, the king went to Kashi. There, he sold his wife and son into slavery and gave himself up to bondage. He never saw his wife or son again.

Years later, his wife, exhausted and suffering, came to the cremation ground carrying the body of their son, who had died from a snake bite. She didn’t have enough money for the cremation. This was the final test of King Harishchandra, and he passed it with great strength and honesty. In the end, God rewarded him for his truthfulness and returned his throne, kingdom, and son. The story of King Harishchandra is still told today and is used to measure a person’s honesty and integrity. The ghat now also has an electric crematorium.

Popular Nearby Tourist Attractions

There are several places to visit located in close proximity to Harishchandra Ghat in Varanasi which you can visit with your friends and family.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Manmandir Ghat

• Nepali Temple

• Dhamek Stupa

• Assi Ghat

• Manikarnika Ghat

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Ramnagar Fort

• Chaukhandi Stupa

How to Reach Harishchandra Ghat

1. By Air:
   The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Harishchandra Ghat. From the airport, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the ghat.
2. By Train:
   Varanasi has a main train station, Varanasi Junction (also called Cantt Station), which is about 4-5 kilometers (2-3 miles) from the ghat. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to get to the ghat.
3. By Road:
   If you’re already in Varanasi or coming from nearby cities, you can take a local bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to Harishchandra Ghat. Just tell the driver to take you there.
4. By Boat:
   You can also take a boat ride along the Ganga River to get to the ghat. Boats are available from other ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat. The boat ride is a nice way to reach the ghat.