The glory of these ghats of Prayagraj is boundless; redemption comes with a single dip. Apart from Triveni Ghat, built at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, there are dozens of other ghats here where devotees from far and wide come throughout the year to perform rituals and earn merit through bathing and alms-giving. Particularly during special festivals, a large number of devotees gather.
In the pilgrimage city of Prayagraj, there are numerous sites of historical and mythological significance scattered around. Besides Triveni Ghat, constructed at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, there are dozens of other ghats here where, apart from the locals, devotees from outside come to perform rituals and earn merit through bathing and alms-giving throughout the year. The number of devotees swells significantly during special festivals, reaching millions during the Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, and Magh Melas.
Sangam or Triveni Ghat
The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is known as Triveni or Sangam Ghat. Due to its religious significance, crowds of bathers gather here throughout the year. The numbers increase substantially during special festivals. Because of the sacred confluence of rivers, people’s faith is associated with this ghat. Devotees wish to take a dip here.
Major Ghats of the Ganges
Rasulabad Ghat
This ghat is located on the banks of the Ganges in the Rasoolabad locality in the northern part of the city. A solid ghat has been built here where people bathe and perform last rites. Due to the historical significance of this ghat, where the final rites of many famous personalities, including the immortal martyr Chandrashekhar Azad, are performed.
Shankar Ghat
Near Rasoolabad, in the Teliyarganj locality, Shankar Ghat is situated on the banks of the Ganges. There are temples of Nageshwar Mahadev and other deities here, including Hanuman, Ganesha, and Goddess Durga. People from rural areas across the Ganges also come here to bathe.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Located on the Ganges in front of the Dara Ganj locality, Dashashwamedh Ghat holds special significance. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed ten Ashwamedha Yajnas in this area. The establishment of the Dashashwameshwar Shiva is also noted. Due to mythological beliefs, bathers come here throughout the year. During the month of Sawan, a large number of Shiva devotees from all around come here to collect water from the Ganges for Lord Shiva’s Jalabhishek.
Draupadi Ghat
Located in the Cantt Thana area, this ghat is situated on the banks of the Ganges. Bindu Madhav, one of the 12 Madhavs in Prayagraj, is located here.
Ram Ghat
This ghat is situated on the Ganges in the Sangam area. One can reach here directly from Kali Sadak in the Triveni area. Daily bathers gather the most at this ghat.
Shivkoti Ghat
Near Teliyarganj, in the Shivkuti locality, this ghat is situated on the banks of the Ganges. Nearby are Narayan Ashram Ghat, Sitaram Dham, and Koteshwar Mahadev Ghat, where crowds of bathers gather during the Teej festival.
Daraganj Shamshan Ghat
This ghat is located between the Eastern Railway Bridge connecting the city to Varanasi and Shastri Bridge. People usually do not bathe here but perform last rites.
Major Ghats of the Yamuna
Balua Ghat
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the old city, this ghat has paved stairs leading to the river. There is also a temple of Yamuna Ji here. The beauty of the Baradari Ghat here adds to its charm. A fair is also held here during the Kartik month, during which a large crowd of bathers gathers.
Gau Ghat
This ghat is located on the banks of the Yamuna River near the railway bridge on the Delhi-Howrah railway line. Local people come here for bathing throughout the year. There is also a boat club nearby where people enjoy boating. The Triveni Mahotsav is also organized here.
Saraswati Ghat
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River near Akbar’s fort, this ghat has a scenic park nearby. People come here not only for bathing but also for boating. Boats are available here at all times to go to Sangam. There is also a temple of Manikarneshwar Mahadev near this ghat.
Taking baths and making donations brings merit
According to the Chief Priest of Prayagraj and the Grand Minister of the Prayagwala Sabha, Rajendra Palival, there is religious significance in bathing and donating on the ghats built on the divine rivers of Prayagraj. Hindus and adherents of other religions come here to perform religious rituals and earn merit. Prayagraj is called the king of pilgrimages, so bathing and donating on any ghat here yields multiplied benefits. The Sangam and Dashashwamedh Ghats are particularly magnificent. It is believed that just by taking a dip here, people can attain salvation.