The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Sangameshvaran Temple

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

Lakshminarayana Pancaratna and Asi 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

Asi Sangameshvara: This temple (of “the Lord of the confluence of Asi”) is marked with a marble plaque to commemorate the site's puranic heritage. In the 14th century text, the Kashi Khanda this temple is eulogised vividly, especially concerning various pilgrimages like Pancakroshi, Nagara Pradakshina, Kedarkhanda, etc.. Built in the 19th century on a small square, the temple consists of only the inner sanctum and lacks the surrounding veranda for circumambulation. Of course, four gates are facing to all the directions. In the inner sanctum, there is also the Baneshvara linga; in the niches, there are images of Ganesha, Vishnu, Surya, and Annapurna. This is an example of a simple Nagara style of architecture. In November of 1987, the family members of (late) Mahabir Prasad Jhunjhunwala repaired and renovated the temple.

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.