THE GHÂTS
Go there and contact
From the Place des Potiers, a street leads directly to the Hanumante River, a bathing and cremation ground known as Ram Ghat. Heading even further south, you leave the pure-caste quarter and - in keeping with traditional urban planning, which keeps all activities deemed degrading away from the center - descend to the ghats, the platforms where cremations are performed. On the other side of the river is the Surya Binayak sanctuary, dedicated to Ganesh. Take the street adjacent to the Bhairav temple, leaving it on the left. At the river's edge, an open-air shrine is dedicated to Bhadrakali, represented by a single stone. On the right, just before the bridge, temples, shrines and patti- shelters for travellers - line the waters. Beyond the bridge, the road is paved: this is the traditional route into Tibet. Through the countryside, it's easy to reach Hanuman Ghat, located at the confluence of two branches of the river. Soon, a very large linga-yoni sculpture (Hindu symbol of the universe and creation) stands before you, along with a statue of Hanuman draped in a red cape and an idol of Rama. Further south, behind a pilgrims' shelter(dharmasala), Ganesh and Buddha guard the entrance to a silver-covered linga. There are many such shelters where the sick and elderly await the end. When they die, their feet are dipped in sacred water and their bodies burned on one of the platforms lining the river.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on THE GHÂTS
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
