The
most distinguishing feature of Varanasi is its ghats, tall stone steps that lead down to the Ganges river. They are the hub of religious and social activity. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city each day - to bathe in the river, to make offerings to the gods, and to bask in the divine light that is said to come from the many temples that line the river.
There are 85 or so ghats that run for some four miles along the river. Different sections of the ghats are designated for different activities -- some for bathing, others for laundry, other for washing cattle, although many are used for multiple activities.
The Dashashamedh Ghat is the busiest and oldest ghat. According to myth, Lord Brahma (the creator in the Hindu trinity gods) performed the ten-horses sacrifice at this site.
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