8 Beautiful Ghats To Visit In Vrindavan

Vrindavan is one of the holiest places in India but why is that so? Hindu deity Lord Krishna had spent a major part of his childhood in this small, humble town next to Yamuna. Almost every street, monument, statue, and temple in Vrindavan is related in some way or the other to the Lord. Krishna devotees from around the world find peace and solace in this pious town where spirituality and religion meets history.

There are numerous temples dedicated to every aspect of Krishna in the form of various big, small, old, and new temples like Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari Temple, Govardhan Temple, and many more. Being situated close to the notorious Yamuna River, Vrindavan is also home to numerous Ghats. Along with temple visit if you take your time and explore the Ghats of Vrindavan, then check out these Ghats for a deeper and a more clear view into the history, legend, and mythological importance of Vrindavan this place holds in the life of Krishna devotees and explorers in general:

# Keshi Ghat

Keshi Ghat is the most famous and prominent bathing Ghats of Vrindavan. Gracing the banks of Yamuna River, Keshi Ghat is not only a significant spot for devotees to take a holy dip but also one of the prettiest and well-made Ghats here. Set against the backdrop of Madanmohan temple, the Ghat is made with incredibly detailed and finely carved out inlaid stone work which further beautifies the entire environment.

The Ghat is so important that anyone who sees it, takes a bath in it, drinks its water or even gets a whiff of the water here, is purified. The ghat is named after a legendary incident where Lord Krishna is said to have killed the demon Keshi by choking him with a lotus flower. The lord had then made his way to the spot where Keshi Ghat currently stands and had taken a bath purifying his soul.

# Radha Bagh Ghat

Every path, lane or establishment in Vrindavan, Mathura, and most of its vicinity reminds and deeply resonates with the historical and legendary past this place is associated with. Radha Bagh Ghat is one such historically significant Ghat located in the backyard of the Radha Rani Mandir in Barsana, a small holy town located in very close proximity to the main city of Vrindavan.

The place gives an otherworldly vibe because it is surrounded by not only the holy sthalams but also with lush green and age-old tree groves. The beauty of this place is amplified by the presence of numerous peacocks which is reminiscent of the lord since peacocks are associated with Lord Krishna. The Ghat is a beautiful place to just sit back, relax and watch the peacocks (associated with Lord Krishna) fly by.

# Sri Andhra Chat Ghat

Radha and Krishna are known for having loving fights and were very playful with each other. Many of their depictions show them running around and having a playful banter with each other. Vrindavan was the place where Lord Krishna grew up playing and fooling around with Radha.

Sri Andhra Chat Ghat is a small, lesser popular Ghat in Vrindavan where Radha and Krishna used to play hide and seek in and around the Ghat. This aspect of Krishna’s life forms a major part of his personality and offers the devotees a small glimpse into the glorious life of Kanha. The Ghat also functions as a Chhath Ghat during the holy occasion for the people of eastern India.

# Kaliya Daman Ghat

Kaliya Daman Ghat is another one of the most important and holiest of all Ghats in Vrindavan. A major historical event related to the life and time of Krishna had taken place on this very Ghat. The Ghat is named after a demon snake creature that the Lord had fought and subdued. The thousand hooded snake is said to have made the Yamuna River its new home and spit poison into the life-giving river source for the rest of the town of Vrindavan and had the snake continued doing so, it would have put the lives of several innocent locals in danger.

Krishna sat on the Ghat and fought the thousand-headed snake and ended up killing it and saving the lives of many. After the completion of the fight, the Lord himself was seen dancing on top of the demon snake’s head. While planning a trip to Vrindavan make sure to go to this Ghat and learn more about the incredible past of Krishna’s hometown.

# Sri Varaha Ghat

Varaha is a boar avatar of Lord Vishnu which is also depicted as the 3rd avatar in the Dashavatar form. Gracing the southwestern bank of Yamuna River that runs and fuels life in the lives of the locals in Vrindavan, Varaha Ghat Temple can be seen in the southwestern end of Sri Vrindavan, in the old Yamuna banks. The Ghat is named after the incident when Lord Krishna had transcended into the life form of a wild boar for every gopi’s pleasure.

Another story says that during the sat yug era, a demon had shaken the hard really violently which flicked the earth off its orbit and deep into the bottom of universe which meant impure conditions for the gods. During that time the wild boar a.k.a Lord Krishna picked up the earth from the deep trenches and back into its orbit.

# Cheer Ghat

Continuing the list of important Ghats in Vrindavan, Chir Ghat had to be mentioned. This prominent Ghat in Vrindavan is located very close to the iconic Keshi Ghat and very close to Radha Damodar Temple. If you are familiar with the story about Lord Krishna joking around with the Gopis taking a bath in the lakes of Vrindavan, then this is the place where it used to happen a major part of the time. The Kadamba Tree, where Krishna used to sit with the Gopi’s clothing can still be seen there. Devotees can be seen tying holy red colored clothes if they want their wishes to be fulfilled and for women it is believed that doing this will get girls good grooms for the future. Going to this Ghat will be a very eye-opening experience for many.

# Bihari Ghat

Bihari Ghat is named after the temple where the Ghat is located which is the Yugal Bihari Temple. Sri Yugal Kishore Ji temple is one of the oldest standing temples in Vrindavan which was built in 1627. Some credit for the creation of the temple and Ghat goes to the Mughal emperor Akbar, who had visited this temple during the 1500s and had ordered the temple to be built. The Ghat is also located so close to Keshi Ghat that it can be easily confused with Keshi. The story of the temple goes back to the time of Akbar rule when the Vaishnav community had asked the king for his permission to build the temple and instead of one he gave permission to build 4 temples.

# Surya Ghat

Located very close to Madan Mohan Temple is Surya Ghat and the city holds a very special space in the hearts of Krishna devotees. According to written records and ancient mythological writings, Lord Krishna spent a lot of time soaking up the sun in this Ghat. Especially after the Kaliya Daman Fight, Lord Krishna was soaking wet and he laid down on the Ghat to properly dry himself off. This was also the time when Surya Dev came out in full power in an attempt to completely and properly dry out the lord. This goes on to show the importance of this place and why devotees make their way here to offer their prayer to the Lord himself.