The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Kshemeshvara Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Chauki Ghat to Chausatthi Ghat

Kshemeshvara, Manasarovara and Narada Ghats

Location

25º 18.082’ North and 83º 00.397’ East (Kshemeshvara temple)

Exact location on a map

Kshemeshvara - Manasarovara and Narada Ghats

Area

0.147 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance

A 19th century temple of Shiva near the ghat is believed to contain the linga established by one of Shiva’s associate, Kshemaka Gana, that is how the name of the temple is Kshemeshvara which has been accepted as name of the ghat. Till the 19th century a sewer drain was meeting at this ghat, therefore the name Nala Ghat in earlier references, e.g. Prinsep (1822) and Sherring (1868). This drain has later been connected to the sewer pump station at the Cauki Ghat. The upper part of the ghat was purchased by the monastery of Kumarasvami in 1962 which has constructed a building with shrines and rest houses for pilgrims. In 1958 the government of Uttar Pradesh has built this ghat pucca. There is notable significance of this ghat with respect to religious and cultural performances. Present state of conservation

Except for the monastery and trust directly taking care of their properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The trusts maintain their properties according to their perspectives without specific plans.

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 respective trusts own the monastic properties along the ghat; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.