The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Sakka Ghat

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

Location

-- 25º 19.233’ North and 83º 01.392’ East (Sakka Ghat, centre). -- 25º 19.271’ North and 83º 01.400’ East (Phuta Ghat, centre).

Exact location on a map

Sakka–Telianala and Phuta (Naya) Ghats

Area

0.045 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Considering the existence of the water-front sacred spot of Pranava Tirtha as described in the Puranic literature, this area was developed into a frame of a ghat in the late 18th century; later on, this ghat was called Sukka or Sakka Ghat. The ghat was made fully pucca by the irrigation department of the government of Uttar Pradesh in 1988. Close to this ghat is a Haridas Sevashram Trust (Mukimganj, A 7/ 22), which contains the image of Balacandreshvara Shiva. Except for the one, there is no significant temple or shrine. Most of the ghat is occupied by the washermen to clean dirty 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 perspectives.

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 benefit of 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 Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.