The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Mahanirvani Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prabhu Ghat to Kedara Ghat
Location
edit25º 17.631’ North and 83º 00.400’ East (point between Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats).
Exact location on a map
editNiranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats
Area
edit0.65 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
editIn the northern part of the Niranjani Akhara is another group of akhara of the same sect of Naga Dashanamis, called Mahanirvani, which is the name of the ghat. Like Niranjani Ghat, this was earlier part of the royal compound of Chet Singh. In 1915, this akhara was established at this site. This ghat was made pucca first by the king of Pancakota in the same year. The Uttar Pradesh government repaired the upper part of the ghat in 1988. In the inner part of Akhara, there are four shrines built by the king of Nepal. According to oral sources, the mythic sage Kapila, ca 7th century, lived here. Folk legends say that the Buddha had once bathed at this site. During and after the Kumbha Mela, Dashnamis and Naga ascetics, take a rest and stay here. Nearby this ghat is the Mother Teressa Home, which supports and helps the poor, disabled, and sick people. Even today, an open sewerage drain is flowing near this ghat. This ghat has no religious or cultural significance.
Present state of conservation
editExcept for the monastery trust, which directly takes care of its ashrama, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The trust maintains its properties according to its perspective without formal plans.
Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
editIt 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 benefit of the society.
Ownership
editThe two respective trusts and the persons living there own the specific properties along the ghat, and the municipal corporation owns the ghat area.