Ghats in Bhagalpur

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The Ghats in Bhagalpur in the Indian state of Bihar are a series of riverfront steps and embankments along the Ganges and its tributaries, primarily used for religious, cultural, and social purposes. Situated in eastern Bihar, Bhagalpur has historically served as a sacred and strategic city along the Ganges. The district's ghats are known for their role in daily Hindu rituals, major festivals like Chhath Puja, and cremation rites, as well as for their picturesque views and spiritual ambiance. There are nearly 46 prominent and minor Ganga Ghats in Bhagalpur City.

Many of these ghats have existed for centuries and are closely associated with ancient temples, local legends, and regional folklore. Their role in religious life, combined with their scenic beauty and cultural richness, makes them integral to Bhagalpur's identity.^[1][2][3]

The word “ghat” (Hindi: घाट) originates from Sanskrit and Prakrit linguistic roots. Its meanings have evolved over time but primarily refer to a series of steps leading down to a body of water—most commonly a river, lake, or tank—used for bathing, rituals, and cremation. Bhagalpur's name is likely derived from Bhagdatpuram, meaning "city of good luck". This name is associated with the ancient Anga kingdom, where Bhagalpur was a prominent city. Over time, the name evolved to Bhagalpur.^[4]

Barari Pul Ghat (Hindi: बरारी पुल घाट) is a prominent ghat located on the southern bank of the Ganga River in Bhagalpur. According to local administration reports, the ghat has handled 30,000+ devotees during major festivals like Chhath Puja.^[5][6]

Barari Sidhi Ghat is a well-known ghat located in the Barari locality of Bhagalpur district. It lies very close to Barari Pul Ghat, and is commonly used by local people for daily bathing and religious rituals. It is divided into two parts - Old Sidhi Ghat (Purani Sidhi Ghat) and New Sidhi Ghat (Nayi Sidhi Ghat) to accompany the crowd during festivals. Local priests conduct rituals for departed souls, especially during Pitripaksha. The Ghat holds cultural relevance among the Barari Zamindar families, who historically maintained this site. Adding to the spiritual ambience of Barari Sidhi Ghat is the presence of the Radha-Krishna Temple, an octagonal shrine constructed in 1905 by Zamindar Babu Braj Mohan Thakur. This temple, unique for its eight lotus-shaped domes surrounding a central dome, stands as an architectural rarity in Bihar.^[7]

Babupur Ghat is a developing riverfront located on the eastern edge of Bhagalpur city, in the area as part of Babupur village under Sabour block. With the expansion of Bhagalpur's urban limits, the ghat is now considered part of the city's active riverfront network. It gained prominence after the launch of the “Ganga Darshan” cruise service in 2024, which connects Babupur Ghat to Bateshwar Sthan in Kahalgaon, promoting ecotourism and cultural heritage on the Ganga. The ghat is situated near institutions like BAU and IIIT Bhagalpur, reflecting its growing civic importance. While not associated with ancient temples or religious architecture, Babupur Ghat serves as a key point for tourism and festival-based activities within the broader Bhagalpur region.^[8]

Budhanath Ghat lies adjacent to the revered Budhanath Temple, one of the ancient Shiva shrines in Eastern India. It is one of the few ghats on the bank of Uttarvahini Ganga . Located near Jogsar, Adampur locality of Bhagalpur, it is mentioned in the Shiva Purana and local traditions, the site is especially significant during Mahashivratri, Shravan month, and Chhath Puja. The ghat has been renovated under the Mini Riverfront Project by Bhagalpur Smart City Limited, featuring solar lighting, cemented steps, and beautification works.^[9][10]

Kuppaghat, located along the southern bank of the Ganga River in Bhagalpur, is a notable spiritual destination. The name "Kuppa" means a cave or tunnel, and "ghat" denotes a riverside landing—long associated with meditation and pilgrimage. The site is closely tied to the legacy of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, a revered saint of the Santmat tradition. Kuppaghat is both a place of worship and a peaceful meditative retreat. Open year-round, the ashram hosts daily prayer and occasional meditation sessions. Visitors describe it as a tranquil riverside sanctuary with spiritual ambiance and community service initiatives.^[11]

Khanjarpur Seedhi Ghat also known as SM College Ghat and sometimes referred to as Maharaj Ghat is an informal riverbank access point located beside Sunderwati Mahila College (SM College) in Choti Khanjarpur, Bhagalpur. The ghat lies on the banks of the Ganga River, along Koyla Ghat Road, and is used by locals for religious offerings, bathing, and small ritual practices. Although it is not officially listed among Bhagalpur's major festival ghats, it serves as an important local site, especially for residents and students in the area. Despite unsanitary conditions, residents identified it as one of the nearest river access points in south Bhagalpur, especially for religious purposes. It is often used for small rituals like arghya offerings and occasional Bolbam or Kanwar Yatra activities. Adjacent to SM College Ghat is a small temple known as Shiv Shakti Mandir. This temple is located on Koyla Ghat Road, close to the ghat and within walking distance from SM College. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and is regularly visited by local devotees.^[12][13]

Khirni Ghat retains a quiet, somewhat secluded vibe, even though it's within the urban spread of Barari. A local myth recounts a famed cobra serpent associated with an old temple near the ghat. The serpent was said to visit each year, and its death on Shivratri in 2004 the residents commemorated with rituals and erected a small shrine at the site of its passing. It is culturally significant riverbank site located in the Barari area of Bhagalpur district. Situated near the Choti Khanjarpur locality and close to the Barari police station, the ghat serves as a bathing and ritual site for local residents.^[14]

Hanuman Ghat is a modest yet culturally significant ghat located in the Barari locality of Bhagalpur, along the banks of the Ganga River. Named after the small Hanuman Temple situated adjacent to the riverside path, the ghat serves as a local hub for daily ritual bathing, shraddha ceremonies, and devotional activities, particularly during the month of Shravan and Chhath Puja. At the heart of the ghat is the Hanuman Temple, a humble shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, revered by local devotees as a guardian deity of the riverbank. It is one of the most peaceful ghats in Bhagalpur.^[15]

The Bhagalpur Riverfront Project is part of the Bhagalpur Smart City Mission, aimed at developing approximately 1.1 km of Ganga riverbank near Barari Pul Ghat into a public-access riverfront with enhanced amenities it includes the Barari Seedhi Ghat and Hanuman Ghat in the stretch . The planned infrastructure includes walkways, stepped ghats, safety railings, lighting, public plazas, and spaces for Ganga Aarti. The initiative also aims to integrate dolphins conservation due to the site being within the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. The estimated cost of the initial phase is around ₹102 crore. Construction work was halted in April 2022 when the forest department intervened, citing violations of the Wildlife Protection Act and lack of required clearance since the project area lies within a protected wildlife sanctuary. Development resumed only after securing necessary environmental approvals. A local update in 2023 reported that riverfront beautification was 48 % complete, including tiling of steps and erosion control using boulders, contractor access roads, CCTV installation, public seating, and proposed recreational features like jogging paths and kiosks.^[16][17]

• Bhagalpur
• Budhanath Temple
• Ajgaibinath Temple
• Ghats in Varanasi
• Baidyanath Dham