The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Narada Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Chauki Ghat to Chausatthi Ghat
Location
edit25º 18.082’ North and 83º 00.397’ East (Kshemeshvara temple)
Exact location on a map
editKshemeshvara - Manasarovara and Narada Ghats
Area
edit0.147 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
editAccording to legend the linga of Naradeshvara was installed by the great mythical sage Narada. Narada Ghat was mentioned as Kuvai Ghat by Prinsep (1822). This was constructed by Svami Sativedananda Dattatreya, a monastery chief of south India, in ca1888. The same Svami built the temple of Dattatreyeshvara, Dattatreya Math, and several nearby buildings. During the 19th century, the old shrine of Naradeshvara was renovated, and the ghat received the name Narada Ghat, as mentioned by Greaves (1909). The important images on the upper side are of Naradeshvara, Atrishvara, Vasukishvara, and Dattatreyeshvara. There is a huge holy fig tree under its roots, and fragments of images belong to the 12th-13th century. In 1965, the government of Uttar Pradesh repaired and built the ghat pucca.
Present state of conservation
editExcept 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
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 befit to the society.
Ownership
editThe 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.