The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Arka Vinayaka

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

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Location

25º 17.490’ North and 83º 00.385’ East (Tulasi Ghat, Pipal tree); 25º 17.510’ North and 83º 00.387’ East (Arka Vinayaka).

Exact location on a map

near Tulasi Ghat, and Bhadaini (old Lolarka) Ghat.

Area

Approx. 1.1ha (Asi Ghat, temple complex, Akhara, etc.); and 0.001ha (Arka Vinayaka)

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Arka Vinayaka protects the southeast edge of the sacred circuit. In the same compound, there is a small image of Bhadra Vinayaka. Returning west again, follow the lane. At the small turning on the left, the Amarnatha Shiva linga (Amareshvara) represents a replica of the famous ice-form linga in the Kashmir Himalaya. This is about 2m below the surface and can be seen from the lane.

Present state of conservation

The Sankat Mochan Foundation and the Ganga Cleaning Campaign (Swatch Ganga Campaign), supervised and headed by Mahant Veer Bhadra Mishra, are involved in such programmes. Still, there is no specific emphasis on conserving and preserving heritage properties. Adding new buildings that do not fit into the heritage landscape exemplifies a lack of civic sense, public awareness, and knowledge of the ancient rich heritage.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

No specific measures have been taken to conserve and preserve the Ghat area and the temple, except that the Sankat Mochan Foundation cares for and maintains the Ganga Cleaning Campaign (Swatch Ganga Campaign).

Ownership

Arka Vinayaka temple is owned by the individual trust and looked after by a local committee.