The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Lakshminarayan Temple, Assi

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat

Lakshminarayana Pancaratna and Assi Sangameshvara temples

Location

25º 17.358’ North and 83º 00.356’ East (Lakshminarayana

Exact location on a map

At Asi Ghat, ascending about 20 steps to the right, is Lakshminarayana temple. By turning left in the lane, one meets the Asi Sangameshvara (Hariharbaba Ashram, No. B 1/ 75). 4.Area (in ha.) of proposed property: 0.01ha (Lakshminarayana temple); and 0.006ha (Asi Sangameshvara)

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Lakshminarayana Pancharatna Mandir: Close to the Asi Ghat, the Queen Dulari Radhakunvar of Surasand Estate, Bihar, who purchased the land in 1902 from the then king of Banaras Prabhunarayan Singh, has built Lakshminarayan Temple in the early 20th century. This 5-spired Vaishnavite temple is built on a ca 4m high platform and consists of a five-spire temple. The main temple consists of a mandapa (pavilion) and a semi-mandapa. The inner sanctum is rectangular and has three gates. The main gate faces to the east. At the entrance in the upper part there is an image of Ganesha. In the inner sanctum is an eight-metal image of Lakshinayayana, and at the four corners are images of Shiva, Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita and Lakshmana. There also is an image of Mayureshvara Shiva. In the medieval period, 11-12th century a tradition of Pancayatan style of inner sanctum has developed; according there should be images of Surya (sun-god), Ganesha, goddess Parvati, Vishnu, and at the centre Shiva. However, in this temple, the rule has not been followed on that line. According to a legend, before the final consecration of the spire, the queen died (27 June 1927); therefore, the kasha was not installed there.

Description and History

Present state of conservation

The temple trusts manages the temple. In 2012, there was no conservation plan or program.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

No specific measures are taken to conserve and preserve the temple except to continue and maintain the daily religious activities of the Pujari family living therein, and sometimes, some devotees donate for the cleanness and repair.

Ownership

Individual trusts and committees own the temples.