The scent of incense and the rhythmic chanting of prayers fill the air as we stand before Badrinarayan Ghat. This ghat, one of the oldest in Varanasi, is named after a temple in its southern part, a replica of the famous Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand. The temple was built in the early 19th century by Rana Shamsher Bahadur, who also constructed a magnificent palace here. This palace was later purchased by Ramkrishna Dalmia for his mother who lived there until she passed away. Today, the palace houses a guesthouse and a school, a stark contrast to its former glory.
While the temple stands as a testament to devotion, the ghat itself is a symbol of the city’s intricate history. The northern portion of the ghat was constructed by Malavaji Narasimha Rao Shitole, a finance minister of the Gwalior state, in the early 19th century. His wife Balabai Shitole is credited for the construction of a section known as Balabai Ghat. The government made the entire ghat pucca in 1965.
Badrinarayan Ghat attracts tourists and devotees from all over the country, particularly from Nepal and South India. They believe that taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges here, followed by a visit to the temple, brings the same blessings as visiting the original Badrinath temple in the Himalayas. This belief is echoed by ancient texts that mention the spot as Nageshvara and Narayana Tirtha.
On full moon nights in December and January, the ghat comes alive with a vibrant festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple and its surrounding properties are owned by the Badrinath temple trust while the houses and buildings belong to residents. The ghat itself is under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation. So, as you stand amongst the multitude of pilgrims and devotees, remember that you are witnessing a timeless tradition – a place where faith and history intertwine amidst the swirling waters of the Ganges.