Tulsi Ghat, located on the southern stretch of the Ganga in Varanasi, is named after the 16th-century saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas. He lived here while composing the revered Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa. Originally called Lolark Ghat, it was renamed in his honor when he resided and wrote on its banks. Tulsidas also established the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple nearby, which remains one of the city’s most visited shrines.
The ghat is closely tied to his final years, when he spent his time meditating and writing. It is also a site of rituals and festivals, including the staging of Krishna Lila during Kartika and ceremonies at Lolark Kunda, a nearby tank believed to bless devotees with health and progeny.
Very close by from the ghat, is the house where Tulsidas lived and eventually attained samadhi. This modest dwelling preserves relics connected to him, such as his wooden clogs, pillow, and the Hanuman idol he worshipped. Together, Tulsi Ghat and the poet’s residence offer visitors a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of India’s most influential mystics.
Picture Credits: Bhartendu Singh
