The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Ganesha Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Scindhia Ghat to Pancaganga Ghat
Location
[edit | edit source]25º 18.839’ North and 83º 00.890’ East (Agnishvara, Patni Tola).
Exact location on a map
[edit | edit source]Naya-Ganesha and Mehta Ghats.
Area
[edit | edit source]0.21 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
[edit | edit source]In puranic literature, this ghat is also called Vighneshvara Ghat. During 1761-72, Madhorao Peshva built the northern part of the Agnishvara Ghat pucca. In 1807, Amritrao Peshva further made extensive repairs, made the ghat fully pucca, and built Amrit Vinayaka Ganesha Temple. After the name of the temple, the ghat is called Ganesha Ghat. At the nearby bank exists the puranic water-front spot of Ikshvaku Tirtha. In the upper part, there are temples of Bhadreshvara and Nagesha Vinayaka. On the 9th dark half of Bhadrapada (August/ September), this ghat holds a unique religious fair as part of Ganesha's sacred bath and worship. The Maharashtian pilgrims dominate this. This is an active ghat where residents bathe daily, followed by the morning rituals.
Present state of conservation
[edit | edit source]Except for the temple organisations and the hospital taking care of their properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The temple trusts maintain their properties according to their own perspectives.
Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
[edit | edit source]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 befit to the society.
Ownership
[edit | edit source]The temple related and hospital properties along the ghat are owned by the respective trusts; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.