Panchaganga Ghat in Varanasi holds a unique place among the city’s revered riverfronts. Its name derives from the belief that five holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutapapa—once converged here, sanctifying it as a spiritual confluence even though only the Ganga flows physically through Varanasi today; the others are believed to join mystically.
Situated on the northern stretch of the ghats, Panchaganga has, for centuries, been a focal point for devotion, learning, and historical encounters. It figures prominently in religious texts and has long served as a center for spiritual practice, scriptural study, and pilgrimage.
The ghat’s most notable landmark is the Bindu Madhava Temple, one of Kashi’s ancient Vishnu shrines. Historical records indicate that the original temple faced destruction and reconstruction multiple times from the medieval period onward, notably during the raids of Turkish and later Mughal rulers. The 17th-century French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described seeing the impressive “Great Pagoda of Benares” here, a reference to the Bindu Madhava Temple. Under Emperor Aurangzeb (reigned 1658–1707), the temple was demolished and the Alamgir Mosque was built on its site. Today, a rebuilt temple stands close to the mosque, reflecting Varanasi’s intertwined layers of faith and history.
The idol of Bindu Madhava
The ghat is further immortalized by its association with the mystic poet-saint Kabir. Tradition holds that Kabir, born into a Muslim weaver’s family, sought initiation from the saint Ramananda. According to legend, Kabir lay on the ghat’s steps at dawn so that Ramananda, descending for his ritual bath, would inadvertently bless him. Startled, Ramananda exclaimed “Ram! Ram!”—words Kabir accepted as his mantra, marking his entry into spiritual life.
The site is also known for its unique rituals and for hosting the Akharas (monastic orders), intensifying its role as a hub of spirituality and resilience. The ghat symbolizes Varanasi’s spirit, where rivers, temples and mingling faiths come together to define the sacred city.
Image Credits: Neeladri Das, Asharul
