The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Manasarovara Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Chauki Ghat to Chausatthi Ghat
Kshemeshvara, Manasarovara and Narada Ghats
Location
[edit | edit source]25º 18.082’ North and 83º 00.397’ East (Kshemeshvara temple)
Exact location on a map
[edit | edit source]Kshemeshvara - Manasarovara and Narada Ghats
Area
[edit | edit source]0.147 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
[edit | edit source]As a natural site of bathing and sacred spot the ghat has been mentioned in the Giravana-padamanjari (early 17th century). During late 17th century Raja Man Singh, the king of Amber (Rajasthan), has built a water pool (kunda) called Manasarovara Kunda in the nearby area and made the ghat pucca. The importance of the water pool has been eulogised that it gives the same merit like that of Manasarovara Lake in Tibet. With this perception the ghat is called Manasarovara ghat. Late again in 1805 the king family has repaired the ghat and renovated the area. However, in passage of time with the urban sprawl and population expansion the water pool was transformed into a well, called Manasarovara Kupa, presently existing into Andhra ashram. The ghat was deserted during the early 20th century; however in 1958 the government of Uttar Pradesh has re-built and made it fully pucca.
Present state of conservation
[edit | edit source]Except for the monastery and trust directly taking care of their properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The trusts maintain their properties according to their perspectives without specific plans.
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 respective trusts own the monastic properties along the ghat; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.