Lalita Ghat

Lalita Ghat (Hindi: ललिता घाट) is one of the main ghats on the Ganges River in Varanasi. The ghat is named after Hindu Goddess Lalita and was built in early 19th century by King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah. The ghat houses the famous Nepali Mandir and Lalita Gauri Mandir.[1]

Lalita Ghat
Native name
Hindi: ललिता घाट
Lalita Ghat front view
LocationVaranasi
Coordinates25.310013°N 83.013276°E / 25.310013; 83.013276
Elevation73.9 meters
Founded1800-1804
FounderRana Bahadur Shah
Built19th century
Governing bodyVaranasi Nagar Nigam
OwnerVaranasi Nagar Nigam
Location of Lalita Ghat in Varanasi map

History
Rana Bahadur Shah, King of Nepal

King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah took exile in Varanasi from 1800 to 1804 and titled himself as "Swami Nirgunanda". During his exile, he decided to build a replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Varanasi. Construction of the temple commenced during his exile / stay in Varanasi. During the construction, Shah moved back to Nepal. On 25 April 1806, Rana Bahadur Shah was stabbed to death by his stepbrother, Sher Bahadur Shah. His son Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Deva undertook the construction of the temple (now called Nepali Mandir), a dharamshala and Lalita Ghat. The construction got over 20 years after the deadline.[2][3][4]

Significance and religious belief

The ghat is named after Hindu Goddess Lalita. Goddess Lalita is one of the group of ten goddesses of Hindu belief, collectively called Mahavidyas or Dasha-Mahavidyas. She is the foremost and the most important in Dasha-Mahavidyas. All other Mahavidyas concludes in her vidya i.e. Sri Vidya. Her consort is Maha Kameswara. She is the highest aspect of Goddess Adi Shakti. Parvati is the complete incarnation of Lalita Maha Tripura Sundari.

Affiliated to this site are the well known Lingam of Ganga Keshava; shrines of Gangatitya, Kashi Devi, Lalita Devi and Bhagirath Tirtha. It is a popular belief that a glimpse of Lalita Devi brings the same blessings as circumambulating the entire world. It is also believed that blessings of the Goddess Lalita eliminates problems and brings prosperity.[1][5]

Location

Lalita Ghat is situated on the bank of Ganges. It is 3.8 kilometers South-East of Varanasi Junction railway station and 100 meters South-West of Manikarnika Ghat.[6]

See also

References
  1. "History". Varanasi.org. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  2. "Nepali Mandir". ixigo.com. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  3. "A piece of Nepal in Varanasi". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  4. "This ghat of Goddess Lalita". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  5. "Ghats in Varanasi". Varanasi.nic.in. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  6. "Location". Google Maps. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
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