Adi Keshava Ghat located in Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre. This ghat was referred to as Vedesvara Ghat in the Ghadavala inscription (c. C.E. 1100). It is believed to be the oldest and the original site of Lord Vishnu. Set on the banks of River Varana and River Ganga, the temple complex of Adi Kesava looks picturesque. According to the oldest puranic listings the Adi Keshava Ghat is stated to be the one of the oldest sacred places in the city. According to the Ghadavala inscription Adi Keshava Ghat was regarded as the most favourite holy site of the Gahadavala kings. The ghat was made concrete in 1790 by a Divan of Scindhia State.
Legend of Adi Keshava Ghat
The Adi Keshava Ghat is associated with many legends. According to a folk legend the five most sacred water spots represent the bodily parts of the Lord. Assi is the head; Dasasvamedha is the chest; Mani Karnika is the naval; Panchganga is the thighs; and Adi Kesava is the feet. It thus states that Lord Vishnu first placed his holy feet here in Varanasi. His foot prints are installed in the Adi Kesava temple. Another pair of foot ptints can be seen at Mani Karnika Ghat.
Temples in Adi Keshava Ghat
Devotees from different places visiting Varanasi come to bathe in the holy waters of the Adi Keshava Ghat and get rid of their sins. Between Prahalada and Adi Kesava Ghat i.e. from south to north almost ten water teerths can be seen lying along the bank. These are Sankha Madhava, Sasa, Laksminrsimha, Gopigivinda, Vindara Nrsimha, Yajna Varaha, Mara- Narayana, Vamana, Pranava and Dattatreyesvara. Again between Adi Kesava Ghat and confluence of the Varana there are twelve water teerths like Aditya Kesava, Ambarisa, Narada, Garuda, Mahalaksmi, Padma, Gada, Chakra, Sankha, Ksirabdhi, Svetadvipa and padodaka.
There is a Sangamesvara lingam installed in a temple in the vicinity of the Adi Kesava Ghat. It is believed that this lingam has been installed by Lord Brahma at this confluence. As per the Linga Purana bathing at confluence of the Varana and the Ganga and paying visit to Sangamesvara or the Lord of Confluence is of great religious merit. It is said that if a man takes a bath in the holy waters of Adi Keshava Ghat he shall be free from the cycle of birth and death. Being located close to the Adi Keshava, the courtyard of the Sangamesvara can be easily seen from the pavilion of temple. Close to it is the Brahmesvara lingam. It is a four faced lingam and is believed to have been established by Lord Brahma.
