Namaskar! Today you will know about Ramghat located in Pokhara.
Ramghat is a very sacred riverside area located between Pokhara 10,11and Pokhara-9, on the bank of the Shukla Gandaki (Seti) River. This river starts from the middle of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Himalayan ranges and flows south with its bright white water.Ramghat is important in many ways—religious, historical, geographical, and cultural.The river, the ghats, the temples, the legends, the evening rituals, the Saturday aarti, cremation area ,the history of floods, and the modern facilities all make Ramghat one of the spiritual centers of Pokhara.
Origin of Shukla Gandaki and the Ancient Legend
According to an old legend, the origin of the Shukla Gandaki River is connected to the great sage Kashyap. He was doing deep meditation at a holy place called Kesharanda. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Mahakaleshwar Rudra let pure white water flow from his matted hair (jata), which became the Shukla Gandaki River.That is why the river is also called Shukla Ganga.Local belief says that taking a bath in the Shukla Gandaki washes away sins, removes suffering, and brings peace and spiritual happiness—even if someone bathes only once.
The Naming of Ramghat
Around the year 1994 B.S., a yogi submitted a request to King Tribhuvan asking for land to build a small hermitage. After the government granted him land, he built a small hut and established an idol of Lord Ram. He maintained his life through alms while continuing religious activities. This became the foundation for the area’s religious identity, and from 1995 B.S. onward, the site came to be known as Ramghat. Slowly, it developed into Pokhara’s main religious and ritual site.
Geographical Features
The Shukla Gandaki (Seti) River flows with great force, cutting a deep Himalayan canyon. Many floods in history have changed the surrounding land. A huge flood on 23rd Baisakh 2059 cut away about 10 meters (65 feet) of land on both sides of the river. Because the river is extremely deep and fast, ordinary people cannot cross it. Even today, the river changes course every year and poses risk to the structures above the ghats.
Structure of the Ghats
Ramghat has several separate areas for religious and social rituals:Main Ramghat Tulsighat
,Shantighat (also called New Ramghat by some people)These ghats are used for funeral rites, shraddha, bathing, and various pujas.During the visit of Queen Aishwarya around 2042/43 BS, the local people requested improvements. Because of this, roads, cremation platforms, lighting, and other facilities were developed, making Ramghat safer and more organized.
Religious Sites
In 2075 B.S., the Akala Temple was built here, which is now the main religious center of Ramghat. There is also the old and locally revered Siddheshwar Shiva Temple. These temples make the environment of the ghats even more sacred.
Special Gurung Ritual (Performed at Night)
A unique and less-known cultural practice also happens at Ramghat. Gurung priests come to the ghats between 9 PM and 12 midnight with people who are sick, troubled, or facing problems.They perform special rituals, mantras, and sometimes sacrifice-based practices. One important part is the kharaani dhassne ritual (rubbing sacred ash), believed to remove negative energies, bad influences, or physical and mental suffering.This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.
Electric Cremation Machine
Ramghat now has a modern electric cremation machine.The body and firewood are placed inside the machine, and the smoke released is clean, white, and free from harmful chemicals.This process does not cause air pollution, bad smell, or public inconvenience.It also makes night-time cremation safer and more hygienic.Because of this, Ramghat is now seen as a modern, environmentally friendly, and organized cremation center.
Conclusion
Ramghat is not just a riverside for rituals It is a place where history, legends, meditation, river culture, temples, aarti, midnight rituals, flood stories, and modern facilities come together.The holy touch of Shukla Gandaki, the white water flowing from the Himalayas, the ancient stories of sages, the cultural rituals of local communities, and the improved modern management all make Ramghat a center of culture, faith, and spiritual identity in Pokhara.
References
Uttam Joshi, General Secretary, Ramghat Development Committee
Local resident: Aama Tulsi Paudel
नमस्कार!आज तपाईँहरूले जान्नुहुनेछ पोखरा स्थित रामघाटको बारे।
