The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Badri Narayan Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Durga Ghat to Phuta Ghat

Badri Narayan Ghat



Location
25º 19.123’ North and 83º 01.352’ East (Badri Narayan Ghat, centre).

Exact location on a map
Badri Narayan Ghat

Area
0.023 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance
This ghat was also known as Mahatha/ Matha or Balabai Ghat. Balabai of Gwalior had patronised to build this ghat pucca in the early 19th century. The Municipal Corporation done the repairing and extension works in the early 20th century. In 1988 the irrigation department of the government of Uttar Pradesh had made it pucca. By the existence of the temple of Badri Narayan the ghat is known by this name. This temple replicated the original temple of Badrinatha in Kumaun Himalaya (Uttaranchal); this is an example of spatial transposition of pan-India sacred sites in Kashi. People believe that by taking bath at this ghat followed by glancing the Badri Narayan temple the same merits will be gained as the original site in the Himalaya. The associated water-front sacred spots according to puranic sources are Nageshvra Tirtha and Narayana Tirtha. On the occasion of full-moon day of Pausha (December-January), a special festivity in honour of Vishnu in the form of Nara-Narayana is celebrated. Also, on 3rd light-half of Vaishakha (April-May) there takes a sacred bath ceremony.

Present state of conservation
Except by the trust of Badrinath temple that taking care of its properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes and strategies for conservation and preservation of the ghats. The temple trust maintains its properties according to their own perspectives.

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 temple related properties along the ghat are owned by the Badrinath temple trust; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.