South City Walk, The journey begins at Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat of Varanasi, located near Banaras Hindu University (BHU). A popular resting spot for university students and international travelers alike, Assi Ghat is known for its peaceful atmosphere and spiritual calm—an ideal place for those seeking solace and tranquillity along the sacred Ganges.

Moving along the river, we come to Harishchandra Ghat, one of the city’s two prominent cremation ghats—the other being the more widely known Manikarnika Ghat. Often referred to as Adi Manikarnika (the original cremation ground), Harishchandra Ghat holds immense spiritual significance. Hindus from across the country bring the bodies of their departed loved ones here, believing that cremation at this ghat grants liberation (moksha).

Further upstream lies Kedar Ghat, home to the revered Kedareshwar Temple. In the sacred lore of Kasi Kedara Mahatmya, it is said that Lord Kedareshwar of Kasi is spiritually equivalent to the Kedareshwar of the Himalayas. According to legend, the deity manifested here from a naivedya offering of green gram made by King Mandhata. The temple holds a unique distinction, as Lord Kedareshwar is believed to have left his fifteen kalas (divine powers) in Kasi, residing here with his sixteenth kala in full form.