The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Bundi Parkota Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Durga Ghat to Phuta Ghat

Location

25º 19.028’ North and 83º 00.197’ East (Shitala Devi temple, K 20/ 19). 2. Exact location on a map: Bundi Parkota and Shitala Ghats are downstream from the river. 3. Area (in ha) of proposed property: 0.02ha (three separate properties)

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Formerly, this ghat was known as Adi Vishveshvara, as referred to in the Giravanapada-manjari in the 17th century, and later as Raj Mandir Ghat. In ca 1580, this ghat was partly made of stone, stepped by the king of Bundi (Rajasthan), Raja Rao Surajan ‘Hada’. The remains of the grand palace he built are still visible along the ghat. Again, in the mid-19th century, repairs were made, and a portion of the building was made of stone. Near the ghat is a temple of Vishveshvara, which gave the name to the ghat.

Till the early 20th century, the Bundi Parkota ghat extended up to Shitala Ghat, but later, the portion in close affinity to Shitala was named after her, i.e. Shitala Ghat. This extended part of the Bundi Parkota ghat was also built by King ‘Hada’ in ca 1580. Later on, in 1772, the ghat was repaired by Narayana Diskita. In the early 19th century, the king of Bundi, Raja Rao Pritam Singh, rebuilt and repaired this ghat.

Present state of conservation

Except for the temple trust and the local public organisations, which work in their own ways, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

It is expected that by supporting active people participation, awareness to save the age-old rich heritage, and development under the Master Plan (and its judiciary control), the ghat heritage will be protected and conserved for the better benefit of the society.

Ownership

Their Temple Trusts own the temple; the Municipal Corporation manages the ghat area.