The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Shivala Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prabhu Ghat to Kedara Ghat

Shivala Ghat

Location

25º 17.652’ North and 83º 00.410’ East (south point of the Gularia Ghat).

Exact location on a map

Shivala–Gularia and Dandi Ghats

Area

0.58 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance

Historically, Shivala Ghat was widespread over the nearby ghats, and by the mid-19th century, this area was divided into five ghats. First of all, the king of Banaras, Balwant Singh, had made this ghat pucca in 1767, and later, in 1770, Chet Singh extended it when his palace was under construction. One of the important palaces close to the ghat was built by King Sanjay Vikram Shah in the late 19th century, who also built a Shiva temple. For the well-being of the pilgrims from south India, the king of Banaras has built a monastery named Brahmendra Math. In the upper part of the neighbourhood are the shrine of Hayagriva Keshava and the temple of Svapaneshvari, Svapaneshvara and Hanuman. Till the mid-20th century, this ghat was part of the grand celebration of Budhva Mangal (“the old Tuesday”). On that occasion, the area between Chet Singh Ghat and Shival Ghat was full of decorated boats where different parties of musical concerts performed their art. This tradition is now no more. However, a few years ago, the cultural division of Uttar Pradesh started this festival at Rajendra Prasad Ghat and is more inclined to attract Western tourists. The present structure of the ghat was made in 1988 by the irrigation department of the government of Uttar Pradesh.

Present state of conservation

Except for the temple and monastery trusts, which directly manage their ashramas, 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 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 respective temples, trusts, and residents own the specific properties along the ghat, while the municipal corporation owns the ghat area.