The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Gola Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prahalad Ghat to Raj Ghat

Location

-- 25º 19.184’ North and 83º 01.387’ East (Gola Ghat, centre). 25º 19.214’ North and 83º 01.390’ East (Nandishvara Ghat, centre).

Exact location on a map

Gola–Nandishvara–Sakka– Phuta Ghats

Area

0.075 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Since the late 12th century, Gola Ghat was a ferry point known for several granaries (gola), from where the name derived. However, the site lost its importance after opening the bridge at Raj Ghat in 1887. Over time, the ghat became deserted. The Municipal Corporation, with the support of the government's irrigation department of Uttar Pradesh, renovated and built this ghat pucca in 1988. At this ghat, a puranic water-front sacred spot exists, viz. Pishegila Tirtha. This ghat has no cultural or religious importance. Washermen use a portion of this ghat to clean the clothes.

Present state of conservation

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

It is expected that by the support of 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 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.