The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Janaki Ghat

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

Janaki Ghat

Location

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

Exact location on a map

Bhadaini- Janaki and Anandamayi Ghat

Area

0.32 ha.

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Earlier the present Janaki Ghat was a natural open ground, and known for the Hayagriva Keshva whose shrine was in the upper part. The built-up structure was first made by Rai Girdhara Lal in ca 1860, that is the ghat was given a name as Girdhar Lal Ghat. In 1870 queen Rani Kunvar of Sursand (Sitamarhi district, Bihar) purchased this ghat and made it partly pucca and also built a shrine containing an image of Janaki (Sita, wife of Lord Rama). Since then the ghat is called Janaki Ghat. In 1917 Thakur Asarphi Singh, a senior member of the Sursand estate made repairing and renovation. There are stone steps from ghat to the neighbourhood. In the upper part the queen has built two temples (house no. B 2/82 and B 2/ 85) dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. At this ghat too a little religious activities are performed.

Janaki Ghat, Varanasi

Present state of conservation

The trust maintains 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.