Have you ever looked across the Ganges to see a temple perched on the top of a ghat? The Chousatti Ghat in Varanasi is a very special place. This ghat is named after the 64 Yoginis, or goddesses, who worshipped the Hindu goddess Durga. They devoted their lives to her. The name “Chausatthi” means “sixty-four”, which refers to these divine beings. Legend says they were granted special powers by Durga. The Chousatti Ghat is considered a sacred site because of its connection with these formidable goddesses.
The Chousatti Ghat is known for its unique and ancient temple. It has carvings of Kali, Durga, Kartikeya, and Ganesha. These figures are from Hindu mythology. At the top of the Chousatti Ghat, you can find two statues. One of them is of an elephant with a human head, called Gajanan, and another one is a peacock with a human head, called Mayuri. These are two of the 16 Yoginis that are still worshipped in the temple.
On the ghat, locals perform rituals and take a dip in the Ganges to seek blessings and purification. But there is something else that makes the Chousatti Ghat special: the Holi festival. During this festival, people visit the Chousatti Devi Temple, located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. They honor the goddesses with colorful powder and celebrate the spirit of love and joy. The Chousatti Ghat in Varanasi is certainly not as famous as the Dashashwamedh Ghat, but it is a special and serene place for those who want to experience something authentic and spiritual.