OpenLLM-France/wikimedia huggingface dataset:
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Lakshminarayan Temple, Assi

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Lakshminarayana Pancaratna and Assi Sangameshvara temples

### Location

25º 17.358’ North and 83º 00.356’ East (Lakshminarayana

##### Exact location on a map

At Asi Ghat, ascending about 20 steps to the right, is Lakshminarayana temple. By turning left in the lane, one meets the Asi Sangameshvara (Hariharbaba Ashram, No. B 1/ 75). 4.Area (in ha.) of proposed property: 0.01ha (Lakshminarayana temple); and 0.006ha (Asi Sangameshvara)

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Lakshminarayana Pancharatna Mandir: Close to the Asi Ghat, the Queen Dulari Radhakunvar of Surasand Estate, Bihar, who purchased the land in 1902 from the then king of Banaras Prabhunarayan Singh, has built Lakshminarayan Temple in the early 20th century. This 5-spired Vaishnavite temple is built on a ca 4m high platform and consists of a five-spire temple. The main temple consists of a mandapa (pavilion) and a semi-mandapa. The inner sanctum is rectangular and has three gates. The main gate faces to the east. At the entrance in the upper part there is an image of Ganesha. In the inner sanctum is an eight-metal image of Lakshinayayana, and at the four corners are images of Shiva, Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita and Lakshmana. There also is an image of Mayureshvara Shiva. In the medieval period, 11-12th century a tradition of Pancayatan style of inner sanctum has developed; according there should be images of Surya (sun-god), Ganesha, goddess Parvati, Vishnu, and at the centre Shiva. However, in this temple, the rule has not been followed on that line. According to a legend, before the final consecration of the spire, the queen died (27 June 1927); therefore, the kasha was not installed there.

### Present state of conservation

The temple trusts manages the temple. In 2012, there was no conservation plan or program.

### Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

No specific measures are taken to conserve and preserve the temple except to continue and maintain the daily religious activities of the Pujari family living therein, and sometimes, some devotees donate for the cleanness and repair.

### Ownership

Individual trusts and committees own the temples.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Ganga Mahala Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat

### Location

25º 17.396’ North and 83º 00.377’ East (centre of Ganga Mahala Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Ganga Mahal, House No. B 2/ 1

#### Area

0.54 ha.

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

This is the extended part of the Asi Ghat, characterised by the stately building made in ca 1830 by the patronage of the king of Banaras, Prabhunarayan Singh. A stone steps between Asi and the palace separates the two ghats. The architectural style of this palace is a beautiful mixture of the Rajput style and the local traditional style.
Ganga Mahala and Rivan Ghats
A little further down, an extension was made by adding another palatial house called Rivan Gha

### Present state of conservation

Except for the royal trust looking after the Ganga Mahal, the Banaras Hindu University, and the local public organisations that work in their ways, no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats exist. The two institutions maintain their properties according to their perspectives. However, foreign organisations look after the Ganga Mahal better.

### Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

It is expected that, with the support of active people's 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 betterment of society.

### Ownership

The Ganga Mahal Palace is owned by the Maharani Trust of the king of Banaras, the Rivan Mahal Palace is owned by the Banaras Hindu University, and the Municipal Corporation owns the Ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Arka Vinayaka

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Assi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat

### Location

25º 17.490’ North and 83º 00.385’ East (Tulasi Ghat, Pipal tree); 25º 17.510’ North and 83º 00.387’ East (Arka Vinayaka).

##### Exact location on a map

near Tulasi Ghat, and Bhadaini (old Lolarka) Ghat.

#### Area

Approx. 1.1ha (Asi Ghat, temple complex, Akhara, etc.); and 0.001ha (Arka Vinayaka)

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Arka Vinayaka protects the southeast edge of the sacred circuit. In the same compound, there is a small image of Bhadra Vinayaka. Returning west again, follow the lane. At the small turning on the left, the Amarnatha Shiva linga (Amareshvara) represents a replica of the famous ice-form linga in the Kashmir Himalaya. This is about 2m below the surface and can be seen from the lane.

### Present state of conservation

The Sankat Mochan Foundation and the Ganga Cleaning Campaign (Swatch Ganga Campaign), supervised and headed by Mahant Veer Bhadra Mishra, are involved in such programmes. Still, there is no specific emphasis on conserving and preserving heritage properties. Adding new buildings that do not fit into the heritage landscape exemplifies a lack of civic sense, public awareness, and knowledge of the ancient rich heritage.

### Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

No specific measures have been taken to conserve and preserve the Ghat area and the temple, except that the Sankat Mochan Foundation cares for and maintains the Ganga Cleaning Campaign (Swatch Ganga Campaign).

### Ownership

Arka Vinayaka temple is owned by the individual trust and looked after by a local committee.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Bhadaini Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Bhadaini Ghat

### Location

25º 17.511’ North and 83º 00.388’ East (centre of Bhadaini Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Bhadaini- Janaki and Anandamayi Ghats

#### Area

0.32 ha.

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

By its location in the neighbourhood of Bhadaini, the ghat is called by that name. In 1907 a water supply pump was opened here by the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi, that is how the ghat is also called as Jalakala Ghat. The water Pump is still in working condition, of course a new water pump has been opened nearby. The slope of the water works towards the Ganga river was made of brick, and ghat area was left as natural ground. In 1997 the ghat was made pucca by the municipal Corporation. Historically, this ghat was part of an old ghat called Lolarka Ghat, which was eulogised in the puranic literature. In the earlier literature the area was known as Bhadra Vana (“forest of the Bhadra Tree”), characterised by two images, viz, Bhadreshvara Shiva and Bhadra Vinayaka (Ganesha). The latter two images are in the nearby shrines. At this ghat no religious activities is performed.

### Present state of conservation

The trusts maintain its properties according to its own 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 befit to the society.

### Ownership

The trust owns the property along the ghat, and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Janaki Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Janaki Ghat

### Location

25º 17.511’ North and 83º 00.388’ East (centre of Bhadaini Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Bhadaini- Janaki and Anandamayi Ghat

#### Area

0.32 ha.

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Earlier the present Janaki Ghat was a natural open ground, and known for the Hayagriva Keshva whose shrine was in the upper part. The built-up structure was first made by Rai Girdhara Lal in ca 1860, that is the ghat was given a name as Girdhar Lal Ghat. In 1870 queen Rani Kunvar of Sursand (Sitamarhi district, Bihar) purchased this ghat and made it partly pucca and also built a shrine containing an image of Janaki (Sita, wife of Lord Rama). Since then the ghat is called Janaki Ghat. In 1917 Thakur Asarphi Singh, a senior member of the Sursand estate made repairing and renovation. There are stone steps from ghat to the neighbourhood. In the upper part the queen has built two temples (house no. B 2/82 and B 2/ 85) dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. At this ghat too a little religious activities are performed.

### Present state of conservation

The trust maintains its properties according to its own 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 befit to the society.

### Ownership

The trust owns the property along the ghat, and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Anandamayi Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat

### Location

25º 17.511’ North and 83º 00.388’ East (centre of Bhadaini Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Bhadaini- Janaki and Anandamayi Ghat

#### Area

0.32 ha.

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Earlier mentioned Imaliya ghat after passage of time called Ananadamayi Ghat. This ghat was made pucca by Rai Baldeo Sahai in ca 1942. In 1944 the noted female ascetic Mata Anandamayi has purchased this ghat and developed the upper part for her ashrama. Later in 1945 the lower portion was made pucca by Shiv Prasad Gupt. Anandamayi built two important buildings on the upper part of the ghat. The one runs as Ananadamayi Ashram (no. B 2/ 291), and contains the temple of Annapurna and Shiva, and also a big hall of yajna. The other attached one used as Anandamayi Kanyapith (no. B 2/ 294), a residential school for girls to have occult and spiritual education together with general education

### Present state of conservation

The trust maintains its properties according to its 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 befit to the society.

### Ownership

The trust owns the property along the ghat, and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Nishadaraja ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Nishadaraja and Pancakot Ghats

### Location

25º 17.618’ North and 83º 00.408’ East (Nishadaraja Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Nishadaraja Ghat

#### Area

0.25 ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Till early 20th the Nishadaraja Ghat was part of Prabhu Ghat, but dominance of the inhabitants of the caste of boatmen and further opening of a temple (house no. B 3/ 78) in commemoration of the boatmen-king, Nishada,. in 1970s have resulted to give this name. Nishada was a mythical hero of fishermen of the Ramayana period who had helped lord Rama to go across the Ganga river. About twelve thousands boatmen live in the neighbourhood. With the support of Boatmen Organisation this ghat was made pucca in 1946. This ghat has no religious and cultural significance. This ghat was built up by the king of Pancakota Eastate of Bengal in 1915, that is how the name has been given to the ghat. In fact, earlier this was part of the Shivala ghat which after passage of time get divided into five ghats. Entering from the ghat side one finds a huge compound of the wall, which contains a garden and a palace; and in the garden there are two temples, dedicated to Shiva and Kali. The queen of the estate, Vidyadevi lives in the palace. This ghat has no religious and cultural significance.

### Present state of conservation

Except by the temple trust and Pancakota Maharani Trust which are directly taking care of their, there are no specific action plans, programmes and strategies for conservation and preservation of the ghats. The trusts maintain their properties according to their own 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 specific properties along the ghat are owned by the respective trusts and the persons living there; and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Pancakota ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Pancakota ghat

### Location

25º 17.618’ North and 83º 00.408’ East (Nishadaraja Ghat)

##### Exact location on a map

Nishadaraja Ghat

#### Area

0.25 ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

This ghat was built up by the king of Pancakota Eastate of Bengal in 1915, that is how the name has been given to the ghat. Earlier this was part of the Shivala ghat which after passage of time get divided into five ghats. Entering from the ghat side one finds a huge compound of the wall, which contains a garden and a palace; and in the garden there are two temples, dedicated to Shiva and Kali. The queen of the estate, Vidyadevi lives in the palace. This ghat has no religious and cultural significance.

### Present state of conservation

The tancakota Maharani Trust, takes care but are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghat. The trusts maintain its propertiy according to their its 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 befit to the society.

### Ownership

The trust and the residents own the specific properties along the ghat, and the municipal corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Vaccharaja Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Vaccharaja and Jain Ghats

### Location

25º 17.578’ North and 83º 00.398’ East (Jain temple, Jain Ghat)

#### Area

0.26 ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

It is believed that a rich merchant of Varanasi has built this ghat in 1790 and in his memory the ghat is named Vaccharaja Ghat. The present structure was made by the government of Uttar Pradesh in 1965. From the bank of the Ganga towards the upper side there are stone steps. In between the upper part and the bank, there are layers of platforms containing the temples of Shiva and Ganesha. In 1931 Babu Shekhar Chanda had made repairing and also built a shrine of the goddess Ganga. On the upper part there are temples of Gopal Mandir (built in 1968 by Anandamayi) and Akrureshvara Shiva. Rarely some special festivities performed here, except daily bathing.

### Present state of conservation

Except by the temple trusts directly taking care of the three properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes and strategies for conservation and preservation of the ghats. The trusts maintain their properties according to their own perspectives without specific plans.
B- 3/15 Jain Ghat. Not only the ground floor illegal construction (stated as illegal and demolished at Serial no. 46 in the VDA affidavit dated 2 Dec 2012 and 24 Jan 2013) but the whole building is illegal and the owners reconstructed the building after it was punctured, illegally re-constructing all floors.

### 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 specific properties along the ghat, and the Municipal Corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Assi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site
⇒ Index
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Chet Singh Ghat and Palace

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prabhu Ghat to Kedara Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat and Palace

### Location

25º 17.621’ North and 83º 00.380’ East (entrance point at the Ghat).

##### Exact location on a map

Chet Singh Ghat, Shivala area.

#### Area

0.47ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

Chet Singh (1770-1781) built the palatial building of Chet Singh Ghat in mid the 18th century as a small fortress, which witnessed the fierce battle between the troops of Warren Hastings and Chet Singh in 1781 that resulted to the defeat of Chet Singh. Thus this fortress went under the control of British. In late 19th century the King Prabhunarayan Singh had again took the possession of this fort. The northern part of it was donated to Naga group of ascetics who late on built their monasteries and ghats, called Niranjani Ghat and Nirvani Ghat.

### Description and History

This palace has been his principal residence. This building composed of (a) a palace with pavilions, built on the terrace overlooking the Ganga, (b) a group of buildings for the women (demolished), and (c) a Mughal garden with darbar and water tower. The palace has a particularly favoured relationship to the Ganga. It opens out onto the ghat which are a continuation of the palace and reached by means of a monumental gateways. The gateway houses a stairway, which gives access to the terrace. There, a central pavilion stands looking out over the Ganga, on which the Maharaja appeared for glimpse. The terraced level is defined at two corners by two massive structures tapped by octagonal domed pavilions. There are three state temples of Shiva in the compound, built in 18th-19th century.

### Present state of conservation

Lack of knowledge of the ancient rich heritage, resulted to several ugly construction, and repairing. The ascetics living there, or the incharge looking after the temple-monastery are conservative people and never listen to others. Moreover, taking benefit of loose rules and loopholes so many addition in built area added which threaten the aesthetics and ancient glory of heritage.

### Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property

No specific measures are taken to conserve and preserve the palace and its compound, except that once or twice in an year for some celebrations the palace is allotted and on that very occasions cleaning, white washing and some repairing are done.

### Ownership

The Kashiraj Trust of the Maharaja, own this palace and area like other properties of the estate.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Niranjani Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Prabhu Ghat to Kedara Ghat
Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats

### Location

25º 17.631’ North and 83º 00.400’ East (point between Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats).

##### Exact location on a map

Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats

#### Area

0.65 ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

There is a famous monastery of the Naga sect of ascetics (house no. b 3/ 155) called Niranjani, one among the ten Dashanamis; that is how they are given the present name. It is evident from an inscription near Ashrama that this "akhara" was established here in 1897. Before this period, this was part of Chet Singh's royal compound, which the king later donated to the Naga mendicants. The temple of Karttikeya, the only one in Varanasi, is dedicated to the divinity known as the son of Shiva and military commander of the gods' army. The history of worshipping Karttikeya goes back to the period of King Kumaragupta- I (CE 413-455), who himself was a devotee of Karttikeya. The seals and icons found in the archaeological excavations at Raj Ghat justify the worship of Karttikeya and his wife (!) Shashti. Three temples in the compound of Niranjani Akhara contain the footprints of the great sage Guru Niranjani and Durga, Gauri-Shankara and the Ganga. This ghat is not important to the common masses concerning religious and cultural festivities.

### Present state of conservation

Except 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

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 two respective trusts and the persons living there own the specific properties along the ghat, and the municipal corporation owns the ghat area.
# The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Mahanirvani Ghat

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

### Location

25º 17.631’ North and 83º 00.400’ East (point between Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats).

##### Exact location on a map

Niranjani and Mahanirvani Ghats

#### Area

0.65 ha

### Historical/cultural/natural significance

In 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

Except 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

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 two respective trusts and the persons living there own the specific properties along the ghat, and the municipal corporation owns the ghat area.