The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Veni Madhava Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Scindhia Ghat to Pancaganga Ghat

Veni Madhava Ghat

Location
25º 18.988’ North and 83º 00.082’ East (Veni Madhav Ghat, centre).

Exact location on a map
Veni Madhav Ghat

Area

 * 0.187 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance
--This is the southern part of the Pancaganga Ghat, and named after famous 10th century temple of Veni Madhava. This ghat is eulogised in the KKh (59.120-121, also 61.243-244). The Veni Madhav temple, which was in ruins since CE 1496, was rebuilt by the king of Amber (Rajasthan) in 1585 together with a palace at Man Mandir Ghat. In 1669-70 the temple was demolished by the order of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb and converted into a mosque. This mosque serves as landmark touching the skyline in the area. The black marble made image of Vishnu has been re-established in the upper storey of the nearby building called Lakshmanabala which attracts hundred of devout Hindu every day, and the number crosses over thousands on the special festive days. The image is considered to be an awakened one, and one among the most notable old images of Vishnu.

Present state of conservation
Except by the temple organisation 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.

10.Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property (if any): 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 respective trust; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.