The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Phuta (Naya) Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prahalad Ghat to Raj Ghat
Location
[edit | edit source]-- 25º 19.233’ North and 83º 01.392’ East (Sakka Ghat, centre). -- 25º 19.271’ North and 83º 01.400’ East (Phuta Ghat, centre).
Exact location on a map
[edit | edit source]Sakka–Telianala and Phuta (Naya) Ghats
Area
[edit | edit source]0.045 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
[edit | edit source]The earlier name of the Naya (“new”) ghat was Phuta or Phuteshvara Ghat, related to the shrine of Phuteshvara Shiva, which is still an active sacred place in the neighbourhood. It is said that during the 18th century, the ghat was deserted (Phuta), but later on, it was renovated and got a new (Naya) shape called Phuta, or Naya Ghat. Prinsep (1822) has also mentioned this ghat. In the early 20th century, Narsingh Japal, a wealthy resident of Chainpur (Bhabhua, Bihar), made it a pucca and constructed a mansion. Greaves (1909) mentioned this ghat as Naya Ghat. The government authorities made this ghat pucca in 1988.
Present state of conservation
[edit | edit source]Except for the temple organisation, which takes care of its properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The temple trust maintains its properties according to its 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 benefit of the society.
Ownership
[edit | edit source]The temple-related properties along the ghat are owned by the respective trust, the houses and other properties by the inhabitants, and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.