The Assi Ghat, where the Assi River meets the Ganges, is located in Varanasi‘s southernmost section. When beginning your journey from the south towards the Manikarnika, this Ghat is the first. The pilgrims must take a wash at this Ghat before offering obeisance at a massive lingam beneath a peepal tree. Another Lingam is worthwhile visiting. Its name means “Lord of the Confluence of the Assi,” and it is Asisangameshvara. This is located in a tiny marble temple not far from Assi Ghat.

It has been a long-standing custom for pilgrims to go on to the Lolarka Kund after that. The rectangular Lolarka Kund, also known as the tank of the “Trembling Sun,” is located 15 metres below the surface and is accessed by a set of stairs. Sadly, this tank has been abandoned recently and only comes to life at the Lolarka fair when throngs of people gather to ask the gods to grant them a son. Intriguingly, Lolarka Kund is thought to be the oldest location in Varanasi and one of the two sun-sites associated with the beginning of Hinduism. On the day of Buddha Purnima, pilgrims go to the Kund, which is compared to the sun’s twelve divisions. The Assi Ghat is one of the five sacred ghats that pilgrims are required to take a bath at in order while travelling the Panch-tirthi Yatra ceremonial route.