The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Bhadaini Ghat

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

Bhadaini Ghat

Location

25º 17.511’ North and 83º 00.388’ East (centre of Bhadaini Ghat)

Exact location on a map

Bhadaini- Janaki and Anandamayi Ghats

Area

0.32 ha.

Historical/cultural/natural significance

By its location in the neighbourhood of Bhadaini, the ghat is called by that name. In 1907 a water supply pump was opened here by the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi, that is how the ghat is also called as Jalakala Ghat. The water Pump is still in working condition, of course a new water pump has been opened nearby. The slope of the water works towards the Ganga river was made of brick, and ghat area was left as natural ground. In 1997 the ghat was made pucca by the municipal Corporation. Historically, this ghat was part of an old ghat called Lolarka Ghat, which was eulogised in the puranic literature. In the earlier literature the area was known as Bhadra Vana (“forest of the Bhadra Tree”), characterised by two images, viz, Bhadreshvara Shiva and Bhadra Vinayaka (Ganesha). The latter two images are in the nearby shrines. At this ghat no religious activities is performed.

Bhadaini Water Pump, Varanasi

Present state of conservation

The trusts maintain its properties according to its own perspectives without specific plans.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

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

The trust owns the property along the ghat, and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.